LIHU‘E — What started as a pilot project to give teens a free creative outlet is still running strong two years later. The Jam Room was founded in June 2009 by Film Commissioner Art Umezu. It ran for three months
LIHU‘E — What started as a pilot project to give teens a free creative outlet is still running strong two years later.
The Jam Room was founded in June 2009 by Film Commissioner Art Umezu. It ran for three months as a trial before its success led Umezu to make it a weekly event at Kukui Grove Center on Friday nights.
“The Jam Room is willed by the power of youth, I learn a lot more from the kids then they learn from me,” Umezu said Friday night during one of the Jam Room events.
Umezu chose a young adult, Kapa‘a High School graduate Daphne Sanchez, to lead the Jam Room. Sanchez, who enjoys singing and is the current Miss Island Mokihana, said she welcomed the role.
“The Jam Room has its own rhythm and each week I am excited to see new youth come and share their singing and dancing with each other,” Sanchez said. “I am a part of the Jam Room to make sure all youth are able to have the opportunity to share their talent.”
Kukui Grove Center provides the space and sounds. The Jam Room is a safe and secure place to be free. The Jam Room also collaborates with other organizations and shares the open space with anyone who needs a place to hold an event or meeting.
The Jam Room is funded only by the partnership of Kukui Grove; no grants or other funds are provided. Members of the Jam Room like to think of the Jam Room as a “free teen venue,” where teenagers can come to share their talent. A lot of the older teenagers say that they are inspired by the younger generation when it comes to singing and dancing there.
The Jam Room is located across from Claires, in the center of Kukui Grove. It is open to anyone who would like to share their talent or just come and enjoy the show. It is open every Friday night and starts at 6:30 and goes till about 8:30. The Jam Room normally starts with freestyle singing and ends with dance.
“We would like to see the Jam Room expand and develop new talent and motivation.” Sanchez said.
If you are interested in hosting an event or thinking about collaborating with the Jam Room you can contact the management at 808-245-7784 ext. 22, or you could add the Jam Room on Facebook by searching for The Jam Room.
