“Whenever humans come together for any reason, music is there,” wrote Daniel Levitin, best selling author and musician. ADVERTISING “Whenever humans come together for any reason, music is there,” wrote Daniel Levitin, best selling author and musician. In Hawaii, music
“Whenever humans come together for any reason, music is there,” wrote Daniel Levitin, best selling author and musician.
In Hawaii, music is a reflection of the cohesion — a fusion of different cultures coming together to create an art form as unique as the people themselves.
From 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, the Society for Kona’s Education and Art (SKEA) presents Music on the Lawn at their location, 84-5191 Mamalahoa Highway, in Honaunau.
“The event highlights a group of local musicians who are getting together to play on the porch, and the audience will be on the lawn under a big tent in case it rains,” said Susan Rice, Executive Director of SKEA.
SKEA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing programs and events in the arts as well as cultural events to the people of South Kona. Music on the Lawn will host a variety of musical genres, including traditional Hawaiian music.
“We have been doing this for 35 years,” said Rice. “SKEA was established 1981. Local musicians who are passionate about sharing their music are volunteering their time to perform for the community. The program includes a wide variety of musical styles, and ends with a kanikapila where everyone can participate. Everyone is welcome.”
“Social interaction is a great by-product of the event — for the musicians and for the audience. It’s a more casual event than a regular theatre concert. In all cultures, music is a vehicle for expressing what words cannot. Music can connect disparate groups of people. It transcends the simple categories of gender, race, and ethnicities and connects people heart-to-heart, where we are all the same. Music lifts the spirit and brings joy, and the social connection through music makes us healthier in body and mind.”
Rice encourages the community to bring their ukuleles and other instruments and join in the kanikapila at the end of the event. The last group to perform will be traditional Hawaiian music.
“There will be singing and there will be hula,” she said. “It will be a lot of fun.”
The performers scheduled to perform include, Tuesday’s Child, Honaunau Honeys, Daryl and the Blue Notes and Na Kupuna O Kona Hema. Snacks and beverages will be on sale to benefit SKEA.
“We have a wonderful lineup of talented local musicians who are volunteering their time to provide a fun family activity for everyone.”
Music on the Lawn is sponsored in part by the County of Hawaii, and by the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
Entrence fee is $5.
Info: visit www.skea.org. ■
