Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra finishes season on a high note
The Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra concluded its 2017-2018 season on a high note, with a sold-out fundraiser featuring Hawaii Symphony Concertmaster Ignace “Iggy” Jang at a private residence in Kailua-Kona. Jang, accompanied by his wife, pianist Christine Suehisa-Jang, performed several works, including Debussy’s “Claire de Lune” and Stampone’s “Mi Amigo Cholo.” After listening to Jang’s performance, attendee Joel Gimpel, principal second violinist in the orchestra, called the event “a musical delight that brought tears of joy to my eyes.” Before concluding his performance, Jang told audience members he had been honored to perform with his colleagues in the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra the previous weekend. He urged them to help with the orchestra’s ongoing efforts to support local music education and provide audiences with live, high-quality symphonic music on Hawaii Island, as he has done for years with his involvement in events such as the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival in Waimea.
Also this season, as a part of its “Music in Schools” program, a small group of KPO musicians, accompanied by the group’s artistic director, visited 11 different Hawaii Island schools from Jan. to Nov. 2017. The group played and spoke about music to children at Kahakai Elementary, Honaunau Elementary, SPARK! School Music Camp, Holualoa Elementary, Malamalama Waldorf School, Kohala Elementary, Kealakehe Elementary, Hilo Intermediate, Hawaii Academy of Arts and Sciences, Mtn. View Elementary and Ka’u High.
Concert dates for Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2018-2019 season have already been planned: Oct. 7, 2018 “A Hawai‘i Homecoming”; Jan. 2, 2019 “En Pointe Brilliance” featuring the Madeline Schatz-Harris Youth Concerto Competition winners; and March 24, 2019 “Of History and Nature.”
The West Hawaii County Band announces the next Free Friday concert
The West Hawaii County Band, a 20-piece wind band comprised of community members, announces Merry May, the next Friday concert of 2018, to be presented at 6:30 p.m. May 25 at Hale Halawai Park on Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona.
The West Hawaii County Band will present an hour of wind band music selected from the band’s extensive repertoire that includes marches, the classics, film scores, jazz tunes and Hawaiian traditional music.
Come and enjoy live band music performed by local musicians from all walks of life who live right in your own community.
The West Hawaii County Band is conducted by Bernaldo Evangalista.
Info: Visit the band’s website at http://www.westhawaiiband.com.
SKEA announces three-day workshop
A three-day workshop, “Creative Play &Expression – Explorations in the Visual Arts &Pottery” with instructor artists Ellen Crocker and Alysia Samaru will be held at The Society for Kona’s Education &Art (SKEA) from 12:30-4 p.m. June 2, 9 and 16 for students ages 11-18.
Tuition is $85 for all three sessions with an early bird special discount, $10 off, if registered by May 25, and includes all supplies and firings. SKEA is located at 84-5191 Mamalahoa Hwy., Captain Cook, HI 96704.
Info: Please call the SKEA office at 328-9392, email skea@hawaii.rr.com or go to www.skea.org.
Hula Kahiko at the Volcano Art Center
The Volcano Art Center’s Hula Arts at Kilauea performance series continues at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with a performance by the haumana of Ke Ana Laahana Public Charter School, under the direction of Kumu Hula Wahineaukai Mercado. Ke Ana La’ahana is a Hawaiian focused Public Charter School located in Keaukaha, serving grades seven through 12.
This performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. These performances are presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.
Info: Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more information.
Introduction to Flameworking at VAC
Volcano Art Center is pleased to expand its offerings of glass art workshops with “Flameworking – An Introductory Class” from 2-4:30 p.m. May 26 and 27.
Flameworking, also known as lampworking or torchworking, is a type of glasswork whereby the artist utilizes a torch or lamp to melt the glass. Once in a molten state, the glass is blown and shaped with tools and hand movements, forming beads, figurines, or other similar miniature artwork.
Class fee is $160/$155 for VAC members plus a $40 supply fee. Attendees are asked to wear covered shoes. Advance registration is required and this workshop will be limited to six adults. To register call Volcano Art Center at 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
Info: Please visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
Mele Mei returns with songwriters concert
Presented by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts, the annual celebration of music and culture, Mele Mei, returns for an eighth year with a full lineup of live performances statewide. The annual event will take place from April through June.
On the Big Island, the Mele Mei Hawaii and Hawaii Songwriters Concert will be at Kahilu Theatre on May 27. As the kick off for the Hawaii Songwriting Festival, Mele Mei Hawaii is a celebration of the art and craft of songwriting. There will be live performances from multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner Mark Yamanaka and more.
Info: Visit melemei.com.
Hawaii music icons to take the stage for 41st Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards
The Na Hoku Hanohano Awards announced the star-studded lineup scheduled to take the stage at the 41st annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, which takes place May 19 at the Hawaii Convention Center. This year’s awards will feature the biggest lineup of performances in the event’s history.
Confirmed performers for the 41st Na Hoku Hanohano Awards are: Backwards Shaka, Beat-Lele, Deems Tsutakawa and Friends, Ekolu, Evan Khay, Greg Sardinha, Halemanu, Ho’okena, Jack Johnson, Jeff Peterson, Josh Tatofi, Kahulanui, Kamakana Kukona, Kapena, Kawika Kahiapo, Keahi Conjugacion, Keauhou, Ken Makuakane, Kimie Miner, Lance Takamiya, Larry Dupio, Mailani, Mango Season, Napua, Nathan Aweau, Pat Simmons Jr., Paula Fuga, Shawn and Lehua, Stef Mariani, Tsun-Hui Hung and Zach Manzano.
The show will be televised live starting at 5:30 p.m. on K5 and streamed online.