Categorized | Entertainment

9th Annual Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival on Saturday

GREAT WAIKOLOA UKULELE FESTIVAL
Roy Sakuma workshop to benefit Hawaii Food Basket, ukulele giveaways and more

KOHALA COAST— Queens’ MarketPlace is proud to present the 9th Annual Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival, Saturday March 7, 2:00-7:00 p.m. This event is a celebration of Hawaii’s favorite music. Master of Ceremonies the “Ambassador of Aloha” Danny Kaleikini will host 3 stages, with entertainers ranging from the Ka’u High School Ensemble Band, to John Keawe, Auntie Mary Ann Lim and a special performance by Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Hoku Zuttermeister. At 10:00 am there will be a master workshop with teacher Roy Sakuma in The Studio at Queens’ MarketPlace and a chance to win a fabulous Kala ukulele – all for the price of a food donation to the Hawaii Food Basket or $1.

“Queens MarketPlace is the Gathering Place of the Kohala Coast,” says Debbie Parmley, Vice President of Commercial Real Estate for Waikoloa Land Company. “And what brings people together better than music? In the last 8 years our Ukulele Festival has drawn audiences from everywhere. And as we continue to grow and expand, it’s becoming an event the whole community, the whole Island can get excited about.”
The ukulele came to Hawaii with Portuguese immigrants in the late 19th century, and was picked up by music-loving islanders almost immediately. The name is usually translated “jumping flea,” presumably for the quick plucking hands of skilled players. Its popularity spread worldwide, as the humble 4-stringed instrument was immortalized by celebrities from Tin Pan Alley to Arthur Godfrey, Tiny Tim to today’s Jake Shimabukuru.

On Saturday, Big Island ukulele enthusiasts can strum along and play their part. “We are very fortunate to have such a great lineup of ukulele masters,” says Parmley, “Real virtuoso like Roy Sakuma, Ohta-San, Boo Takagi, and all the others. Anyone with an interest in ukulele or any kind of music should come and take advantage of this opportunity to experience their amazing talents in person.”

Sponsors include Waikoloa Beach Resort, ukulele companies KoAloha, Kanile`a, GString, Kamaka, Pono, Kala and BugsGear, Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. For more information, call Queens’ MarketPlace office at 886-8822.

Schedule of events

10-11:30 a.m. Ukulele Workshop with Hawaii’s foremost teacher Roy Sakuma
in The Studio Admission, $1 or one non-perishable food item for Hawaii Food Basket
Stage 1                   Stage 2                    Stage 3
Charley’s                 Coronation                 Island Gourmet
Thai Cuisine              Pavilion                   Markets

2 p.m.
Kris Fuchigami            John Keawe                 Boo Takagi
2:30 p.m.
                                                     Hilo Ukulele Band

3 p.m.
Ka‘u High School          Aunty Lani Lee             Ohta-san and Nando
Ensemble Band             Na Kupuna O Kona Alii

4 p.m.
John Keawe                Boo Takagi                 Auntie Mary Ann Lim
4:30 p.m.
                          Hilo Ukulele Band

5 p.m.
Uncle Willie Perreira     Ohta-san and Nando         Kano O Ka Aina, New
Ukulele Lehulehu                                     Century Charter School

6 p.m.
Hoku Zuttermeister

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