Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival set for June 4
One of Hawaii’s premier music festivals returns after being postponed three times due to COVID-19 . The ninth annual Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival takes place 5 to 9 p.m. June 4.
Bad Papa releases new album
Music duo Bad Papa recently released its newest album, “Slacknova.”
Waimea chef releases new cookbook with simple, local-style dishes
It’s been a decade since Chef Philip “Ippy” Aiona was, at 23, the youngest competitor on “Food Network Star,” winning fans with his flowing locks, since shorn, and easy smile, which he still possesses. He went deep into the competition, a mere episode from the finals.
‘Stanley plays Jimi’ back by popular demand
Blue Bear Hawaii presents world-renowned guitarist Stanley Jordan who has developed a new live tribute to Jimi Hendrix dubbed “Stanley Plays Jimi,” and its coming to the Palace Theater in Hilo on June 3.
Waimea Community Chorus salutes Broadway’s return
Last Saturday, there was a dual celebration concert at the Kahilu Theatre, for the Waimea Community Chorus (WCC), which will soon have its 30-year anniversary, and for Broadway, which has re-opened with a bevy of new shows and old favorites.
John Cruz brings 25 years of ‘Acoustic Soul’ to Waimea
It’s been 25 years since John Cruz’s debut album, “Acoustic Soul,” won Contemporary Album of the Year at the 1997 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and Cruz claimed the Hoku for Most Promising Artist.
Taimane rips and roars with entrancing set
It’s been three years since ukulele virtuoso Taimane has graced the Kahilu Theatre’s stage, and Waimea welcomed her back last Saturday with a warm round of cheers and applause. She took the opportunity to debut new material from her upcoming album “Hawaiki” and revisited some classics that are always crowd favorites.
The Spinners roll out retro R&B show
In many ways, last Sunday’s Spinners concert at the Kahilu Theatre felt like a throwback to the “old days.” Ushers hustled folks to their seats minutes before showtime. The bar in the lobby reopened. And recent pandemic capacity restrictions were lifted, which enabled the venue to sell out, an event that hasn’t happened in over two years.
Martel featured by Blue Sea Artisans
The Blue Sea Artisans featured artist for the month of May is multi-media artist Mark Martel.
Ohrlando sets Mother’s Day concert
Ohrlando will perform a Mother’s Day concert, open for all and, for now, still streaming on YouTube on May 8.
Lassiter releases new album
Christy Leina’ala Lassiter announces the release of a new album of traditional Hawaiian hula songs. The album is titled “Kou Lima Nani E,” which means “your beautiful hands.” She is accompanied by Big island musicians Jj Ahuna, Kyle Kaaa and Dwight Tokumoto.
KVA’s featured artist for May is Thomas Carey
The Kailua Village Artists Gallery’s featured artist for the month of May is award-winning photographer Thomas Carey.
Art contest winners announced
The Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona recently hosted its third semi-annual art contest for the Kealakehe Intermediate School’s Art program.
Dr. Jaggar returns to Volcano
After a two-year hiatus, Kilauea Drama and Entertainment Network (KDEN) is pleased to announce that the Living History Program “A Walk into the Past” with Dr. Jaggar is returning to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park starting today.
Best of Kona Fest draws crowd
After a two-year pandemic pause, the Best of Kona Fest, in its second offering, returned for a day of celebration last Saturday. Boasting a wide array of the area’s food and fashion, live music was the main feature for some 400 people who attended the event on the oceanfront lawn at the Kona Inn Shopping Village.
The Spinners to perform in Waimea
Kahilu Theatre presents The Spinners live and in-person April 24.
New Big Island music releases to listen to
This week’s batch of Big Island music includes new singles from Hero Alea, David Williamson &Sonni Shine, and Blaire. All tracks are available to enjoy now on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.
Call for entries for Huaka’i juried art competition
The Waimea Arts Council’s Huaka’i show will run from July 1 through Aug. 28 at the Firehouse Gallery in Waimea.
Hawaii Writers Guild issues new publications
The Hawaii Writers Guild is celebrating spring with the release of two major publications.
‘Peanuts’ honors Earth Day and Arbor Day with fresh programs
NEW YORK — Everyone knows that Charlie Brown’s nemesis is a kite-eating tree. But the “Peanuts” hero is hoping to cool that kind of rivalry as we head into Earth Day and Arbor Day.
