LIHU‘E — Free. Food. Fun. KKCR invites the community to a pool side concert beginning at noon Sunday at the Hilton Kaua‘i Beach Resort. “KKCR is so different — this being a fundraiser we wanted to do something different,” said
LIHU‘E — Free. Food. Fun. KKCR invites the community to a pool side concert beginning at noon Sunday at the Hilton Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
“KKCR is so different — this being a fundraiser we wanted to do something different,” said Ken Jannelli, the station’s musical director.
The day opens with a pule at noon followed by a line-up of jazz, funk, Hawaiian, reggae and rock music by local musicians. Hosting a free concert and party is in keeping with the spirit of the island’s only community radio station and a way to court new listeners.
“It’s a chance for everyone to get involved,” Jannelli said. “We didn’t want to limit anyone’s ability to come. We give and they give back — that’s how it works on Kaua‘i.”
One way to give is by purchasing $5 tickets for a drawing for a Fender acoustic guitar signed by Glenn Frey of the Eagles or a weekend package for Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
In the past KKCR threw “Mahalo Parties” for listeners and volunteers after spring and fall fund drives.
“This was a group effort from our staff, we wanted this to be a bigger thank you to everybody in the community,” he said. “We hoped to reach out to members of the community who weren’t listening.”
Like the radio station, the event promises an eclectic mix of music. The day’s schedule includes: TreySara (jazz); Sashamon (island reggae); Ka Ha O Na ‘Opio (Hawaiian contemporary); Keola Worthington, Jonah Cummings and Garret Santos (Hawaiian); Shilo Pa (Hawaiian contemporary); Kapaia Stream (rock) and Animal Dream (funk/rock). The grand finale at 7 p.m. features fire dancing by Soulfire.
Traditionally KKCR confined its fund raising to the air waves. In an effort to diversify, the staff launched their first Fund Fest last year drawing close to 600 people. In the future the station hopes to refine on-air drives to just one day.
“Rather than stretch it to 10 we’d be able to return to normal programming sooner. If we’re successful we’ll eliminate the long ones and have more concerts,” Jannelli said.
In addition to the line-up Sunday there will also be entertainment by the Purple Striped Honu Theatre for Kids and roving performances by the Malama Pono Allstars. Food and beverages will be sold on site by Kaua‘i Beach Resort. Attendees are asked to bring blankets and chairs but to refrain from bringing coolers or outside food or beverage. Door prizes will be awarded and there will be KKCR logo ware for sale.
In the event of rain the party will move into Jasmine Ballroom.
