Kauai is a place for transitions. People come from all over the world to see spectacular beauty and realize the island’s ancient lessons moving in their lives.
Locals are quick to recognize this tectonic shift, communing in acknowledgment that all are part of a larger, subtler transformation, even when those evolutions are involuntary.
“Lokahi” is the Hawaiian word for “unity,” and is the totem adopted to represent an upcoming concert, LifeSongs, to support those slowly shifting back to normalcy after spring flooding on the North Shore.
Unity through transition resonates throughout the concert, performed by local artists Deborah Baumung, Liz Hahn and Kamele Woodward, whose original compositions are inspired by stories of change.
Performance-goers can expect a spectrum of musical genres ranging from gospel to R&B, and entry is a discretionary calabash donation at the door.
This unusual ticketing scheme is what organizer Kathleen Dahill refers to as a “heart donation,” recognizing that it can sometimes be difficult to afford cultural luxuries when families are struggling to get by.
“We want everyone to come whether they have 50 cents or 50 bucks in their pocket,” she said. “Whatever your heart tells you, you can put in. Everyone is welcome.”
Underscoring this message is the generous pooling of resources coming together to make the LifeSongs concert a success. St. Michael &All Angels’ Episcopal Church in Lihue is giving space, and an underwriter is helping expense the band. A CD is being compiled for sale at the concert, and all donated proceeds will be given to Malama Kauai to further their flood-relief efforts.
“This is a time when the island needs to be uplifted,” Dahill said. “Nothing does it better than music and inclusion.”
LifeSongs is set for Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 23 at 3 p.m.
