LIHU‘E — The 6th annual Kaua‘i Sings Christmas to benefit Malama Pono Health Services is set for Dec. 8. Produced by Jason Blake of Lucky Dog Productions, this year’s event — themed “Christmas Around the World” — begins at 7
LIHU‘E — The 6th annual Kaua‘i Sings Christmas to benefit Malama Pono Health Services is set for Dec. 8.
Produced by Jason Blake of Lucky Dog Productions, this year’s event — themed “Christmas Around the World” — begins at 7 p.m. at the Kilohana Lu‘au Pavilion, in Lihu‘e.
More than 20 of Kaua‘i’s greatest solo performers will fill the pavilion with traditional, contemporary and delightfully-surprising Christmas songs, according to D.Q. Jackson, executive director of Malama Pono.
“With soaring voices and breathtaking stage presence, the singers seek to fill your soul with music you grew up with, as well as music that will become traditions of the future,” he wrote. “Christmas Around the World will celebrate music popular in other countries, in other languages and songs that originated elsewhere but are now American favorites.”
From the opening majesty of a Nigerian homage to Bethlehem through music in Hawaiian, French, Filipino and English, to the Kaua‘i Choral voices joining the soloists, Jackson says the audience can “anticipate beauty, pleasure and inspiration of the season.”
Kaua‘i’s legendary stage director Arnold Meister will serve as the event’s master of ceremonies. A full band will be led by Rose Alfiler.
“Returning this year will be Kaua‘i’s most-beloved gospel singer, Karen Dickinson, whose ability to belt out a Christmas song in gospel style always brings the audience to its feet,” Jackson wrote.
Even Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. will take the stage, making his Kaua‘i Sings debut.
“The established tradition now has the singers presenting at least one piece of Christmas music in a humorous ‘twisted’ take, always sure to delight,” Jackson wrote.
“Christmas Around the World” will benefit Malama Pono’s mission to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS on Kaua‘i.
Single tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Ten-person tables are also available. Tables are $250 for preferred seating and $200 for non-preferred.
All tickets can be purchased by calling Malama Pono Health Services at 246-9577 or at Kaua‘i Music and Sound in Kapa‘a, Hawaiian Music Kiosk in Princeville and Scotty’s Music in Kalaheo.
The event will include a cash bar and food will be available for purchase.
For more information contact Malama Pono at 246-9577.
• Chris D’Angelo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.
