NUKOLII — Real-world experiences led to a touching ballard by 12-year-old Janica Pascua Saturday night. Pascua performed the song about never giving up before a near-capacity crowd at Shutters Lounge in the Kauai Beach Resort. In the song she wrote
NUKOLII — Real-world experiences led to a touching ballard by 12-year-old Janica Pascua Saturday night.
Pascua performed the song about never giving up before a near-capacity crowd at Shutters Lounge in the Kauai Beach Resort.
In the song she wrote with the aid of her mother, Pascua described her seventh-grade bullying experience.
“We have a lot of talented musicians on this island, and this includes songwriters,” said Mike Odo of Kauai Music and Sound in Kapaa. “We created this venue so the young song writers could perform their creations, and in return, get an admission to the upcoming Kauai Music Festival.”
Hosted by Daphne Sanchez, a musician and hostess of the weekly Jam Room event at Kukui Grove Center, the audience was treated to a range of music ranging from the anti-bullying ballard to contemporary hip-hop created by Tom Iannucci.
“She has a really soft voice, naturally,” Sanchez said of Pascua, “But when she gets behind the microphone, it’s wow!”
Violet Ascuncion, recently befriending a Make-A-Wish Foundation visitor who wanted to view the Kauai Polynesian Festival, created a contemporary Hawaiian tune with the aid of her mother, who accompanied her on percussion during the acapella presentation.
“I love acapella,” the 13-year-old composer said, while using her ukulele on two other numbers.
Each composer was permitted three numbers, many calling on fellow composers to assist in their respective presentations.
Sarah, following a keyboard instrumental by Malakai, called on sister Crystal to help with harmony on one number, getting assistance from both Andrew and Malakai on another, and turning her portion into a family affair.
Admission to the Kauai Music Festival is $170 for the four-day conference, which runs from July 10 to 13 at the Kauai Beach Resort The admission is $195 for the conference, plus two evening concerts. Visit www.kauaimusicfestival.com for more information.
