Gary Washburn and the Honoka‘a Jazz Band will present a live streaming concert from the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea later this month.
The Honoka‘a Jazz Band is a group of advanced music students from Honoka‘a High School who uphold a long tradition of excellence in Hawaii’s music industry and the community. Under the direction of Washburn, a dedicated educator and accomplished jazz artist, the band is considered to be one of the top high school bands in the country. The band is attributed with 18 albums. “Honoka‘a Jazz BANDemic” is their latest release.
The performance will take place at 4 p.m. April 24 via KahiluTV. Tickets are $9.99. The concert will also be available for pay-per-viewing for 72 hours after the live stream.
As the Honokaa High School music director since 1978, Washburn has brought much attention and accolade to the school’s music programs. In 2011, they were recognized with a NAMM Award (National Association of Music Merchandisers) as one of the best communities in the U.S. for music education, and Washburn earned a “Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award” by the National Society of High School Scholars. The program received a GRAMMY Signature Schools Award in 2013 and Washburn was recognized by the Hawaii State Senate as “A Living Treasure of Hawaii.” This year, he received the 2021 Ellis Marsalis, Jr./John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year Award from the Jazz Education Network and Berklee College of Music.
The concert program inludes “Rainbow Riot” by Bill Doggett, “You Make Me Happy” by Marcia Ball, “Hallelujah, I Love Her So” by Ray Charles, “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, “Halo” by Beyonce, “Okie Dokie Stomp” by Gatemouth Brown, “Raindown Tears” by Johnny Nicholas, “Listen Here” by Eddie Harris, “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder and “Hana Hou: Mambo Swing” by Scotty Morris. All songs arranged by Gary Washburn except for Listen Here, arranged by Zackery Smith.
The Honoka‘a Jazz Band comprises Kalei Aikau-Akau, Kaylynn Iona and Jonah Villanueva (vocals); Ray-Anthony Souza and Tavi Rapozo (alto saxophone); Jed Altura (tenor saxophone); Gary Washburn (baritone saxophone); Julie Perez-Nava, Czar Austin and Justin Vallente (trumpet); Zac Van Sprosen (trombone); Shei Subia and Daelyn Deluz (keyboards); Chico Joaquin and Mica Tabios (guitar); Jon Moniz-Alcoran (bass); and Kalei Aikau-Akau, Janeille Ballesteros and Chico Joaquin (drums/percussion). Guests artists include Kaylynn Iona (vocals, drums); Francis Altura (piano, drums); Joshua Candelario (tenor sax) and Jonah Villanueva (vocals/guitar).
For more information, visit www.kahilu.tv.
