MEDIA RELEASE

On Friday, October 2, livehawaiianmusic.com will be streaming a live broadcast worldwide from The Shops at Mauna Lani, bringing you the dynamic music of progressive slack key guitarist, Bolo Rodrigues from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This broadcast is part of the “Around the Big Island Broadcast” on October 2nd. Livehawaiianmusic.com is bringing to the world the spirit of the Big Island as they circle the island. They will be filming and broadcasting live music, with other local artists, Lopaka Ryder, Donald Kaulia, Kino Kapea and others, starting at Sunrise, from Kawa‘a Bay, with stops at Kilauea Crater, the Kea‘au Youth Business Center (KYBC), and Hilo-side locations, before their Sunset broadcast with Bolo at the Shops at Mauna Lani.

Livehawaiianmusic.com invites you to join them in this journey to experience what the Big Island holds accompanied by the magic of music coming from local artists. This trip is the first installment of “Around the Big Island Broadcast”, a monthly exploration brought to you by livehawaiianmusic.com and it’s sister site, livehawaiiantv.com (soon to be launched) that will capture the vibrant life, beauty and art, nature and culture, people and politics, we have the privilege to be a part of in Hawai’i.

The Shops at Mauna Lani is the premier destination on the Kohala Coast for live island music, world-class shopping and fine dining. The Shops is also home to Hawaii’s most distinct art galleries, including Peter Lik Gallery, Third Dimension Gallery and Lahaina Galleries.

Come Celebrate Kohala with Melveen Leed & Rodney Cazimero at Kamehameha Park in Kapaau, Kohala Saturday (Sept 19) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets $20, Keiki 13 & Under $5. BBQ Lunches & Beverages Sold Separately by the Kohala Hawaiian Civic Club. No Coolers Please.

Benefits North Kohala Community Resource Center.

MEDIA RELEASE

Barbara Kopra

Barbara Kopra, Middle School music teacher at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, recently received the Hawaii State Theatre Council’s (HSTC) Po’okela Award for Excellence in Service for the 2008-2009 season. The award recognized Kopra’s work with Waimea Community Theatre as musical director for “King and I” and for her work directing two performances annually with the Waimea Community Chorus.

“In awarding a Po’okela Award for Excellence in Service to Barbara Kopra, the HSTC Board recognized her outstanding and tireless efforts to improve, enlarge, and promote Waimea Community Chorus, a subsidiary of Waimea Community Theatre, which she has directed since mid-2004,” said Miguel Bray, treasurer of the Waimea Community Theatre and Chorus and the Hawaii State Theatre Council. “The board of directors of Waimea Community Theatre and Chorus deeply appreciate the work Ms. Kopra has done to foster excellence in the participation and performance of the Community Chorus and applaud her selection for a Po’okela Award.”

Kopra has been teaching at HPA since 1992. At the Upper School, Kopra taught choir, vocal ensemble, and chamber ensemble. She also was the Big Island coordinator for the State High School Honor Choir for six years. Kopra currently teaches seventh grade performing arts, sixth grade music, and Middle School electives. Her next Middle School production is Bugsy Malone, which is being presented at 7 p.m. on October 14 and 15 at HPA’s Gates Performing Arts Center.

Founded in 1979, the Hawaii State Theatre Council is a cooperative statewide association of theatrical presenters that includes in its membership every major community theatre in Hawaii as well as many smaller groups, several for-profit performance organizations, theatre departments of the University of Hawaii, and several high schools with active drama programs.

Let the music begin! Whatever you’re looking for….elegant string quartets, rousing musical theater, classic opera, or the lilting strains of Hawaiian falsetto…you can find it at this summer’s Hawaii Performing Arts Festival. No matter your age, budget, or location on the Big Island…you’ll find entertainment and inspiration at one of the 22 concerts and events starting on July 9, many of them free to the public.

In what proves to be one of the most diversified and action packed seasons in its five-year history, the music begins in early July as 125 students, teachers, guest artists, staff and volunteers from all over the world converge on the HPA campus to begin studying and performing together. Here is the schedule of concerts and events:

Performing and Visual Arts Camp. In its first program for children age 7-14, this camp will take place at Hualalai Academy June 29-July 3. Campers start on Monday, and perform “Stories from the Jungle Book” on Friday, July 3 at 6 pm in a busy, fun-packed week. Space is still available. Interested campers and their parents should contact Genette.freeman@msn.com

Clarinet and Woodwind Concerts are planned for Sunday, July 5, 11 am at St James Church in Waimea and Monday, July 6, 7:00 pm at Davies Chapel on the HPA campus. Admission is free to the public.

Café Conversations, July 7 at 6 pm at the Blue Dragon in Kawaihae entertains and educates about the ins and outs of classical music. Hosted by Gary Hickling, formerly of Hawaii Public Radio, whose lively narrative and introductions have graced festival stages since 2007. $15 admission fee goes to support the HPAF and includes pupus and wine. This event is underwritten by Michael Wald. RSVP to ponds@aol.com or purchase a ticket in advance online.

Opening Night Concert on July 9, 7:00 pm at Davies Chapel on the HPA Campus will officially kick off the classical music season in Waimea, with performances by Iggy Jang, concertmaster of the Honolulu Symphony and a hand-picked group of string players from the symphony. “Air and Simple Gifts”, John Williams’ arrangement of a familiar American folk melody which debuted at Barack Obama’s inauguration, will be performed. Admission is free to the public. Sponsored by Blue Dragon Coastal Cuisine and Musiquarium.

The Best of Broadway, a glittering evening of performances by top festival artists, will include works by Bernstein, Sondheim, and Ricky Ian Gordon, hosted by Tiffany and Co on Saturday, July 11, 6:30 pm, at the Kings Shops in Waikoloa. Admission is one of Tiffany’s signature blue boxes, available for $40. One lucky blue box will win beautiful jewelry donated by Tiffany. Reserve blue boxes online before the event or contact Genette.freeman@msn.com A fundraiser to benefit HPAF, this is a catered event with pupus and champagne.

“Make A Joyful Noise”, a concert of sacred music classics, will be offered at on Sunday, July 12, 11:00 am, St. James Church, Waimea. Admission is free to the public.

Leokane Pryor and Friends offer exquisite Hawaiian falsetto harmonies at the Blue Dragon on Sunday, July 12 in Kawaihae at 7 pm. Dinner is available, reservations 882-7771 $20 suggested donation for HPAF at the door.

Art songs are among the most beautiful works ever written for singers and audiences. By definition, an art song stands on its own, and is not part of a larger work or story. This summer’s festival emphasizes the performance of art song in three concerts sponsored by Rhoady Lee and Alan Gartenhaus.

Canciones Del Alma: Songs from Spain and Latin America – Wednesday, July 15, 7:00 pm, East Hawaii Cultural Center, Hilo. Admission $10 at the door.

Fifty Years of American Music – Thursday, July 16, 3:00 pm, Davies Chapel, HPA Campus. Free to the public.

Around the World in Song – Thursday, July 16, 7:30 pm. Davies Chapel, HPA Campus. Free to the public.

Mostly Opera, a perennial favorite, Friday, July 17, 7:30 pm at Davies Chapel, HPA Campus. The festival’s vocal faculty impresses with performances of favorite arias, opera scenes, and more. Sponsored by Dwight and Louise Emery. Admission is free to the public.

Wine, Women and Song at Hawaiian Vanilla Co, in Pa’auilo, Saturday, July 18, 6:00 pm. The perfect aria complements distinctive food and drink. A fundraising event for the Hawai’i Performing Arts Festival. Tickets $49, available online or phoning Hawaiian Vanilla Co at 776-1771.

Music–The Food of Life Sunday, July 19. Plan to spend the evening dining at either Daniel Thiebaut’s in Waimea, where the theme is “The Sophisticated Life”. (reservations 887-2200) or The Blue Dragon in Kawaihae, where “Songs by the Sea” will be performed (reservations 882-7771). A portion of the evening’s proceeds go to stock Waimea Food Banks.

Music on the Orient Express at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s Garden Room at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, July 22 offers an Asian-inspired menu and program, For reservations, call 882-5810. Suggested donation to HPAF, $20.

Music of the Night, Thursday July 23, 7:00 pm, Gates Performing Arts Center at HPA in Waimea. A fantastical musical journey through a night of dreams, with works from Mozart to Rodgers and Hammerstein. Admission free to the public

Music of the Night, Friday July 24, 7:30 pm Aloha Theatre, Kainaliu. In partnership with the Arc of Kona. A fantastical musical journey through a night of dreams. Admission $20. Sponsored by Cynthia and Ray Salley, Dr. David Hiranaka, Sally Rice, and Kimberly Jackson.

Festival Chamber Music Friday, July 24, 7:30 pm, East Hawaii Cultural Center in Hilo. Honolulu Symphony concertmaster Ignace “Iggy” Jang and festival faculty artists perform an evening of chamber music. $10 admission

The Grapes of Wrath Suite, composer-in-residence Ricky Ian Gordon’s acclaimed opera of John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath, Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 pm at the Kahilu Theater in Waimea. Mr. Gordon, sometimes compared to Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, has composed songs sung by some of the top operatic voices of our day, including Renee Fleming, Dawn Upshaw and Audra McDonald. In 2007 the full-length opera The Grapes of Wrath opened to critical acclaim as it told the story of the downtrodden Joad family. Performed by festival soloists and chorus, coached and narrated by the composer. Howard Dicus of “Sunrise” on KGMB9 will introduce the performance. Taste of Waimea, a fundraising food event which benefits Waimea food banks, both precedes and follows the concert. Tickets $20 at the door or online. Preconcert piano recital. Sponsored by Blue Dragon Coastal Cuisine and Musiquarium. Part of 50 Years of American Music series supported by the State of Hawaii’s Commission to celebrate 50 Years of Statehood.

Once upon an Opera on Sunday, July 26, 1:30 pm, Gates Performing Arts Center on the HPA Campus is an original children’s opera by Virginia Landis Stewart, each vignette entertaining and each with a subtle moral lesson. Sponsored by Barb and Bob Sterne. Free to the public, children of all ages are invited.

Green Sneakers, composer in residence Ricky Ian Gordon’s latest work explores love and loss in Sunday, July 26, 7:00 pm, Gates Performing Arts Center. Featuring baritone Jesse Blumberg and HPAF string quartet, Green Sneakers was critically acclaimed at its world premiere at the 2008 Vail Valley Music Festival. Pre-concert piano recital. Sponsored by Rhoady Lee and Alan Gartenhaus. 50 Years of American Music. Free to the public.

Piano Prodigies, Monday, July 27 at 4:00 pm at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai’s Hualalai Ballroom. Young talented piano students of Ellen Masaki will perform. Sponsored by Carol and Clive Davies. Admission is free to the public.

Pianothon Monday, July 27, 7:00 pm. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hualalai Ballroom. Admission $15. Ten young piano prodigies from the studio of Honolulu piano legend Ellen Masaki’s perform on five Steinway grand pianos supplied by Sanders Piano of Honolulu. Sales event following on Tuesday, July 28. Sponsored by Monk’s Delight Coffee.

Schedule is subject to change. Please check the www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org to confirm all events.

For more information, call 808-333-7378.
Please save this article and use it as your HPAF concert schedule.

MEDIA RELEASE

The deadline for vendor mail-in applications for the June 20th “Summer Farmfest & Ukulele Jam” in Holualoa Village is Saturday, June 13th.

The all-day celebration of local food, flowers, and beverages will be hosted by the upcountry village’s art galleries and shops along Mamalahoa Highway between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and also feature free ukulele concerts at the Kona Hotel, Post Office and grounds of the Living Hope Church. Vendors will have free samples of their local produce as well as offering it for sale to the public.

All farmers and vendors of local produce who wish to participate in the event are urged to get their applications from the Holualoa Village Association web site (www.holualoahawaii.com), or at the Holuakoa Cafe this week and get them in the mail by Saturday, June 13th. Walk-in delivery of applications will accepted at the Holuakoa Cafe until Wednesday, June 17th.

For more information, go to:
holualoahawaii.com, or call Mike Zelko at 895-0977

UPDATED Saturday, April 4 (with Youtube.com link)

The band put on a great show – even if the wind did mess with the sound a little bit. Check out some of the songs at www.youtube.com/user/JourneyHawaii.

Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain and Ross Valory play together seamlessly, and Deen Castronovo backed them up solidly on the drums.

Most people in the packed crowd were interested to see how new singer Arnel Pineda would hold up the Journey torch. And he did so admirably. He stayed on top of the vocals for all those Journey songs you know and did an excellent job of putting the Journey stamp on the new songs from “Revelation.” 

It didn’t even matter when his mic cut out at one point; the crowd sang along for him and he picked it right up after co-opting Schon’s mic. 

The band was called back out for a two-song encore that probably left the crowd singing Journey lyrics all the way home.

Anyone else have a review? Send us your comments!

Neal Schon in 1981 playing Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu (Baron Sekiya Photo)

UPDATE: CONCERT DATE CHANGED TO SUNDAY, MARCH 29 DUE TO ADDITION OF HONOLULU SHOW.

The rescheduling of the Big Island concert was requested in order to allow the band to add a third concert following the sold out shows at the Blaisdell in Honolulu. 

Those currently holding tickets for the Saturday, March 28 show will be honored at the rescheduled date. Tickets do not need to be reissued; your same seat or location will still be valid. 

For those who cannot attend the rescheduled concert, a refund can be obtained at the same ticket location of the original purchase up until the day prior to the show. 

—

“Don’t Stop Believin’” when celebrated rock band Journey performs at the Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens at the Waikoloa Beach Resort Sunday, March 29 as part of the Waikoloa Nights concert series.  The concert will be the first performance from the band in Hawaii with new lead singer Arnel Pineda.

The performance produced by Waikoloa Entertainment, TC Entertainment and Tom Moffatt begins at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 5 p.m.  

Tickets for the much-anticipated concert go on sale Saturday, Feb.21 at 10 a.m. and are priced at $150 for VIP seating (can only be purchased online), $60 for general admission and a special $49 kamaaina rate.  

Prices do not include applicable taxes and fees.  Tickets are also available to purchase in person at CD Wizard and Big Island Surf in Hilo; Big Island Surf in Waimea; A’ama Surf and Sport in Kona and Persimmon at Queens’ MarketPlace at the Waikoloa Beach Resort.   

Journey has been a hit-maker for more than 30 years.  With a repertoire of number one songs such as “Any Way You Want It,” “Wheel in the Sky,” “Faithfully” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” the band has devotees spanning generations from around the world.  

Although lead singer Arnel Pineda has only been part of the band since late 2007, he has already won the hearts of die-hard Journey fans.  Founding Journey member Neal Schon knew right away Pineda was the perfect fit for a new lead singer when he was scouring YouTube and came across a young Filipino performer singing covers of Journey songs.  Pineda brings new fire to the heralded catalog but also has a showmanship on the stage that keeps the band going.  

The band’s line-up includes Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory, Deen Castronovo and Arnel Pineda. of www.ticketmaster.com

For information about tickets: Ticketmaster at (877) 745-3000; www.ticketmaster.com; www.waikoloanights.com

For information about Journey visit: www.journeymusic.com

Violet Eclipse, ‘Band Champ’ finalist from the Big Island

UPDATED 10 p.m. Thursday

KHON2 viewers dialed in and texted a total of 40,000 votes to crown Hawaii’s “Band Champ.”

The winners are 17-year-old Dane Lum Ho and 18-year-old Kalae Camarillo, otherwise known as “Why Bother.”

The Maui duo, students at Kamehameha Schools, received the highest number of votes. KHON2 did not reveal where the Big Island entry, Violet Eclipse, finished.

—

UPDATED 10 p.m. Wednesday

Violet Eclipse rocked out at the Band Champ finals, which aired live Wednesday night on KHON-TV. The Big Island band faced off against winners from the other islands.

The trio put on a awesome performance, led by guitar whiz Jacy Anderson and ably backed by Noa Eads on drums and Jordan Costa on bass. Jacy impressed the live audience with his behind-the-head guitar riffs and a quick solo on the saxophone.

So take the time to vote for the Honokaa trio and see they become Hawaii’s first ever Band Champ.

Call or text “vote” to 808 861 4433

Phone lines will be open until midnight on Wednesday, March 25.

The winning band will be announced on KHON-TV’s Thursday 6 p.m. newscast.

The winning band will receive a $5,000 grand prize, a recording contract for a single produced by Tom Moffatt and the opportunity to open for one of his future concerts in Hawaii as well as Mobi PCS phones with one year of service. All four finalists from each island will receive custom Washburn electric guitars.

The competition was open to 13 – 18 year olds who belong to a music band with a minimum of two and maximum of six members. 

Participants were allowed to perform original songs or cover versions from any genre of music.

Concert promoter Tom Moffatt, teamed up late last year with Burger King Hawaii, Mobi PCS and Musical Youth of Hawaii, to launch Band Champ, the state’s first and only music band talent search, to provide Hawaii’s youth with the opportunity to reach rock-star status.

“There are so many young, talented bands in Hawaii but limited opportunities for them to show how great they really are. This competition essentially gives aspiring bands a chance at stardom on a grand stage in front of thousands of Hawaii music fans,” said Tom Moffatt, president of A Tom Moffatt Production. “There’s never been anything like this specifically for teenagers that guarantee the winning band a contract and opportunity to open for a national act.”

—

Watch the “Band Champ” finale 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 on KHON2 FOX after American Idol and vote for your favorite band! Of course, Hawaii247.org will be voting for the trio of Big Island honor roll students and musical maestro teenagers who call themselves Violet Eclipse. 

Band Champ is a competition to find the new hottest youth band sensation.

Violet Eclipse will host a celebration/viewing party Wednesday night at Simply Natural in Honokaa, with music starting at 7 p.m. followed by the finale showing at 9 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m for dinner with light pupus will be served during the party.

Violet Eclipse is Noa Eads, 16, on drums, Jordan Costa, 15, on bass, and Jacy Anderson, 15, on guitar and saxophone. They are students at Honokaa High School.

Eads, Costa and Anderson also perform in the Honokaa High School jazz and ensemble bands. Violet Eclipse is relatively new, however, the trio has been playing together in school for several years.

The group is an instrumental group and plays a large range of music including rock, jazz, blues and reggae. They are all honor students and serious musicians.

The members are interested in pursuing a career in music and would like to attend the Berklee School of Music in Boston- one of the preeminent music schools in North America.

Jacy Anderson, Noa Eads and Jordan Costa of Violet Eclipse during the Band Champ competition

Band Champ website: www.bandchamp.com

Violet Eclipse’s MySpace page

WHO: Lavaroots Performing Arts
WHAT: BLEND Theatrical Production
WHEN & WHERE:
Friday, March 27th at The Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu 7pm
Saturday, April 4th at The Palace Theater in Hilo 7pm

Tickets available at the Box Offices:
Aloha Theatre 322-9974
Palace Theater 934-7010

Lavaroots Performing Arts presents BLEND, a multi-cultural dance & music performance featuring talented artists from around the Big Island.
BLEND dances us through the elements of fire, water, earth, air & ether, honoring different perspectives as we go. From the beginning of humanity, people have created stories that depict the five elements and our relationship to them. Each culture expressing themselves differently, honoring the world in which they live in their own unique way. Through the expression of African, Hawaiian, Tahitian, Classical Indian, Brasilian, & Contemporary Dance we will journey through the elements and pay homage to the ancestors.
BLEND, transports the audience into a phantasmal journey of the senses. Stunning visual movement, colors, music, motion graphics & live professional percussion, all come together to delight the mind and heart. The drums call out to a place deep within, a primal knowing of where we come from and who we are. The heartbeat of the drums, beckon us to experience the moment and be fully alive. This aliveness is what BLEND is all about: being present, honoring one another and working together. Let us ignite our passion and live this life to the fullest, basking in the magnitude of the human spirit…. BLEND.

This dynamic production debuted at the Kahilu Theatre in November of 2008, to a captivated audience. These upcoming shows add in different cultural elements in keeping with the spirit of “blend”. This is a show not to be missed! Come out and support the Arts on the Big Island. Partial proceeds are to benefit The East & West Hawaii Domestic Abuse Shelters. ALOHA.

MAHALO!!! And hope to see you there!

Also please see our website: www.lavaroots.com

Photos and video by Baron Sekiya / Hawaii247.org

The Big Island's John Keawe entertains on slack-key guitar for the crowd Saturday evening in front of historic Kona Hotel during the Holualoa Music & Light Festival.

Entertainment fronting Holualoa Public Library in Holualoa.

Slack key guitar artist and Kohala resident John Keawe plays Ku‘u Home O Kahaluu by Jerry Santos of Olomana at the Holualoa Village Music & Light Festival.

KARIN STANTON/Hawaii247.org Contributing Editor

HOLUALOA — Christmas arrived Saturday evening in Holualoa, with the flip of a switch and whole lot of music.

Holualoa Village’s 12th annual Music & Light Festival sparkled along the roadside as galleries and shops celebrated the season.

The tree and village lights were flipped on at 6 p.m. and a host of musical acts entertained along the street until 8:30 p.m. Headlining acts included John Keawe, Hibiscus Jam, Manuel and Bernice Roberto, Kona Celtic Connection, and Olga and Greg Shirley.

“Holualoa is off the beaten path and events like these bring some attention to our artists and coffee farmers,” said Mary Lovein of Holualoa Gallery. “It’s something we come together to do as a community.”

Lovein said she enjoys greeting visitors in the gallery and meeting the people who strolling along the street.

“This event can bring 1,000 people through the gallery,” she said. “We usually don’t see traffic like this on other days.”

Next door to Holualoa Gallery, Santa heard Christmas wishes. His visitors included 2-week-old twins and an 80-year-old grandmother.

“One little boy said he wanted Navy Seal night goggles because they would be cool and he’d be the only kid on the block with night goggles,” Santa said. “And one little girl said her mom has been stationed in Iraq for the last 11 months and she’d like for her mom could come home for Christmas. I told her I’d put in the request.

“Oh, and one guy tried to tip me,” Santa said.

Santa said he knows most Big Island children are well behaved, but he said it’s not too late to get Santa’s “Nice List.”

“Mind your parents, pick up your room, be helpful, and be nice to your friends, brothers and sisters, and pets,” Santa said.

Jes Foster, of Kona, soaked up the atmosphere with his wife, Kris, and 1-year-old son, Jake.

“It’s something great to have around the holidays,” he said. “It’s good for the economy right now. We could use more events like this. The food selection is nice and the music is great.”

Foster said he had one recommendation for festival organizers: “Next year we should have a snow-making machine.”

Living Hope church had some of the biggest draws – a bouncy castle, art table, popcorn and hot dogs.

“This is probably our favorite place to come around Christmas,” said Kawena Greig, who attended the festival with his wife and two daughters.

Greig said he attended Holualoa School and has seen some changes, but still appreciates the family atmosphere.

His daughter, Erica, 5, said she spent most of time at the art table.

“I liked doing that. I made a card. I’m going to send it to grandma,” she said. “And I want a big surprise from Santa. I’ve been good.”

Lounging along the guardrails, a group of teenagers discussed their Christmas wish lists.

West Hawaii Explorations Academy student and avid golfer, Stephen Siefke, 16, said tops on his list is a golf cart.

Nate Runion, 17, is hoping for a Play Station 3, while his sister has her sights set on a white Dodge Viper.

The evening was hosted by Holualoa Inn, Kona Blue Sky Coffee and the Holualoa Village Association.

— Find out more:

Holualoa Village Association: www.holualoahawaii.com

Karin Stanton/Hawaii247.org Contributing Editor

KAILUA-KONA — As the sun set across Kailua Bay, the switch was flipped Friday evening to light up the first community holiday tree in Emma’s Square.

The 16-foot artificial tree, decked out with ukulele and giant colored balls, will twinkle every night this holiday season from 5:30 p.m. until midnight across from the seawall near Hulihee Palace. 

The Holiday Cheer in Kailua Village program, sponsored by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, also will feature music and entertainment beginning at 4:30 p.m. each Friday and 2 p.m. each Saturday through Dec. 20. 

On hand to throw the switch Friday evening were Eric von Platen Luder, KVBID president, Miss Kona Coffee Kuulika Karratti and Miss Aloha Hawaii Kelsey Iyo.

Friday evening’s program also included songs from Hibiscus Jam and Kauwila.

Entertainment for Saturday, Nov. 29 includes the Kealakehe Intermediate School Ukulele & Chorus Group and Lea Lea Na Opio.

Performances throughout December are slated to include: Kona Brass Duo, Big Island School of Music with Michael Allen, Hawaiian Civic Club of Kona, Kuakini, The Merrie Monarchs, and Kahakai Elementary School Concert Band.