LIHUE — The Kapaa Middle School Choir and Ukulele Band has been busy, performing more than 30 appearances during the holiday season.
“I am coming up for a short breath,” said Mary Lardizabal, the group’s director. “We have had a very busy season of performances, ending with the appearance at the final weekend for the Festival of Lights.”
But the fundraising efforts are not over as the Kapaa Middle School Choir Boosters’ Club hosts the Aloha Keiki Fest, Jan. 13 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Kauai Veterans Center in Lihue.
“The group of kids and their parents are wonderful,” Lardizabal said. “I’m taking a group of 44 students to the Heritage Music Festival in Anaheim, California this March. This Aloha Keiki Fest is our big fundraiser for the trip.”
The free event is open to the public with donations being accepted at the door.
“We want to try something new this year,” Lardizabal said. “We’ll be showcasing keiki groups from around the island. These include ukulele groups, dance groups, drama, hula, and taiko performers, and more.”
Some of the groups scheduled to perform include the Koloa Elementary School Ukulele and Chorus, the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Ukulele Band, KUGA, the Wilcox School Creative Arts Program, the King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School Dance Group, the Kapaa Elementary School Kid Fit, A Joyful Noise taiko ensemble, and the Kapaa Middle School Choir and Ukulele Band.
Hula performances include halau headed by Kumu Pua Gomez, Kumu Jackie Kaina, Kumu Christy Almeida, and the Kilauea Performing Arts.
During the slate of entertainment from the keiki groups, there will be food, keiki games, crafts, and craft vendors as well as a painting session with Frank Bejo, Jr.
Reserverations for the the Bejo painting sessions are recommended because of the limited space available. Sessions are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and reservations may be made by emailing kmschoir123@gmail.com. There is a registration fee for the painting sessions.
