Cocoa Tea to perform in Hilo
Coming to Hawaii is the legendary Jamaican reggae star, Cocoa Tea on a three island “Skankin’ on da’ Rock” reggae dance party.
Cocoa Tea will be at the Hilo Town Tavern at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30. Tickets to the show are $35 general admission, and $55 for VIP seating.
Cocoa Tea is one of reggae’s most talented and versatile artistes. His smooth, easy-going vocal presentation have become his trademark, earning him wide international acclaim.
Info: Visit bluesbearhawaii.com to purchase tickets.
KPO announces winners of its Youth Concerto Competition
The Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra announced the winners of its annual Madeline Schatz-Harris Youth Concerto Competition, held in September. The three talented young musicians who triumphed in this year’s competition — which focused on piano, woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments — are pianist Isabella Liu, flutist Kiana Kawahara and trumpeter Davan Sagara.
These competition winners will receive scholarship awards and the opportunity to perform with the orchestra during its winter concert “En Pointe Brilliance” concert at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27.
Isabella Liu, 10, who was also a competition winner two years ago, will perform the first movement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, opus 15. Kiana Kawahara, 16, will play the first movement of the Concertino for Flute, by Cecile Chaminade, and Davan Sagara will perform Alexander Aruturian’s Trumpet Concerto in A flat major. The “En Pointe Brilliance” concert will also feature the orchestra playing Ponchielli’s “Dance of the Hours” and Tschaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” with a special appearance by dancers from West Hawaii Dance Theatre and Academy.
Info: Visit kamuelaphil.org.
36th annual Joann ‘Goose’ Williams Christmas Treasures craft fair
The 36th Annual Joann “Goose” Williams Christmas Treasures Art, Gift and Craft Fair will be held at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
This event features the best vendors from all over Hawaii with exclusive items for everyone’s early holiday shopping. Free admission and great donated prizes from each vendor will be given away throughout the days of the fair.
Kahilu hosting benefit
On Sunday, Dec. 2, Kahilu Theatre will host “On Stage: A Smart Affair,” an evening to benefit Kahilu Theatre.
The evening will commence at 4:30 p.m. in the galleries with entertainment by Charles Brotman, followed by a sit-down dinner by Merriman’s on the Kahilu stage and an art-infused live auction. Included in the festivities will be dancing to music by Lucky Tongue in the Mike Luce Studio.
Proceeds raised from our event will support Arts Ed @ Kahilu. Kahilu Theatre remains the only full-season arts presenting organization on the island of Hawaii that also provides education programs year-round.
Tickets are $150 per person and must be reserved in advance by calling the box office at 885-6868 or in person at Kahilu Theatre at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Info: Visit kahilutheatre.org.
Blue Sea Artisans Holiday Blast Off in honor of Small Business Saturday
The Blue Sea Artisans Gallery is hosting their “Holiday Blast Off Reception” in honor of Small Business Saturday from 5-7 p.m. Saturday. The public is invited to mingle with the artists and enjoy the pupus and refreshments with live music for the event. There will be special deals from the artists throughout the gallery.
The Blue Sea Artisans Gallery is located in the Keauhou Shopping Center, Courtyard, 78-6831 Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona.
Info: Call the gallery at 329-8000.
Aloha Theatre casts ‘A Christmas Story’
Guest director Miguel Montez has announced the cast for the next production at the Aloha Theatre, “A Christmas Story,” which will run from Nov. 30 to Dec. 16. The play is an adaptation of the beloved 1983 holiday family comedy film of the same name, which itself is based on the humorous semi-autobiographical writings of Jean Shepard. Ralph Parker recounts the story of his 10-year-old self and his quest to obtain the perfect Christmas gift, a Red Ryder BB gun, amid warnings that “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.”
Maximus Wisniewski will portray Ralphie, the play’s protagonist. David Johnson has been cast as Adult Ralph, the play’s narrator and the voice of Ralphie’s inner thoughts. Caiden Mireles will play the little brother, Randy. Ralphie’s parents are played by Kendra Johnson and Robb Dahlke, as Mother and The Old Man, respectively. Ralphie’s classmates and best friends are Schwartz, played by Colton Clarke, and Flick, played by John Palmer. Cameron Cornforth will take on the role of the school bully, Scut Farkas. The other women in the show are Miss Shields, the children’s schoolteacher, portrayed by Tessa Miller, the friendly Esther Jane, played by Taira Aoki, and her brainiac best friend Helen, played by Zoe Matias. The ensemble comprises an additional seven players: Brad Lee Aoki, Daisy Hollinger, Kai Hollinger, Tyra Iaela, Fletcher Johnson, Umi Radcliffe-Suzuki, and Hannah White.
Director Miguel Montez is a veteran of numerous Aloha Theatre productions, and also serves as a board member. Sarah El Ebiary is assistant director and stage manager.
The volunteer production team is comprised of Michael Friedman, volunteer producer; Gerald Lucena, set designer; Victor Lugo, master builder; Raisa Klyne, costume designer; Linda Rowand, props designer; Jeff Rowand, lighting designer; Clara Gray-Stallings, sound designer; Tyra Iaela, assistant stage manager; Vincent Hicks, stage crew; and Karen Hollinger will assist as parent volunteer coordinator.
Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and young adults, and $10 for children. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m..
Info: For more information or to purchase tickets, visit apachawaii.org or call 322-9924.