LIHUE — The title says it best: “Simply the Best.” Which means this weekend’s performances by Kauai Voices is going to be, well, the best of their previous nine shows — memorable songs that have had an impact on both
LIHUE — The title says it best: “Simply the Best.”
Which means this weekend’s performances by Kauai Voices is going to be, well, the best of their previous nine shows — memorable songs that have had an impact on both singers and audience.
“We polled members, they selected their best pieces from past seasons,” said Randy Leonard, artistic director. “We’re pulling them back, dusting them off, giving them new spins and vibes and everything.”
The group of vocal performers, all volunteers, is celebrating its 10th season with shows at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday, at St. Michael and All Angels Church.
All told, 36 voices — bass, baritone, tenor, alto, soprano — will come together on stage to create one brilliant sound.
“That’s main thing,” Leonard said. “First and foremost that there’s a love for the music and a love for making it happen.”
The two-hour show with intermission will include an array of songs and styles, including gospel, jazz, country, blues, Hawaiian, Broadway and African.
Songs were selected from nearly 130 choral pieces Kauai Voices has performed during the last nine seasons.
“It’s the best of everything,” said Melissa Mojo, who sings in the group and also helps with marketing. “It’s the best of whatever we’ve done.”
Over the past four years, Kauai Voices has put on themed shows with a wide diversity of styles and sounds, including: “The Music of Life,” “Going Places,” and “Made in the USA.”
Some members of Kauai Voices have been around since the group formed in 2011. Others are new.
“It’s a wonderful challenge for the singers to be able to blend with other singers and harmonize,” Mojo said. “And Randy makes it extremely fun.”
Leonard said there is a strong bond between Kauai Voices and the audience. That’s why he considers this weekend’s shows “the most phenomenal choral music you’ll get on the island” that won’t be found anywhere else.
“They’ll see the true love and connection with the music,” he said.
A show was added Sunday after last season’s performances were so packed people ended up sitting outside the church.
“We have people who come back to our island just for our shows,” Mojo said.
Shows will include solo performances. Monica Chung will be accompanist. The group will be joined at times by guitar, bass, percussion, clarinet, trumpet, sax, flute and trombone.
“We’ve got a whole array of musicians working with us,” Leonard said.
There will be an intermission.
Anyone is welcome to audition for Kauai Voices. It takes a willingness to work together, having the time to practice (two hours some nights, but it goes quickly) and above all, a strong desire to sing to join “Kauai’s premier vocal ensemble.”
“It’s the love of the music, the joy, that brings to people together,” Leonard said.
Tickets are $12 in advance at kauaivoices.org and $15 at the door.
