ANAHOLA — Sashamon, Dirk Debonaire and The Golden Nuggets and Tropical Groove will be providing free music to people who bring an item of non-perishable food donation that will benefit the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank, Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Anahola Marketplace.
“Kawai Gampon, the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank programs manager, is definitely going to be there,” said Kelvin Moniz, KIFB executive director. “He knows all about the concert and food drive and can’t wait to go.”
Kalaheo resident Mike Vallee came up with the idea several weeks ago after hosting a similar food drive and free music festival to help the Malama Kaua‘i food charity earlier this year.
Vallee, also known as Dirk Debonaire, and his band members including Kenji Juravic, Dennis Pierson and Gaither Rosser, agreed that a food drive and music festival is a good way to give back to the community. Sashamon and Tropical Groove, with musicians Haunani Kaui and Linda Tani, immediately agreed to donate their time to help with the food drive.
The KIFB said that, since the economic downturn of 2008, the agency has experienced a 40 percent increase in demand for services, or nearly 8,500 requests for emergency food services each month.
“Sashamon, a local Kaua‘i recording artist and well-known performer, will top the musical bill,” Vallee said in an email. “Other acts will be Fervor Record’s Dirk Debonaire and the Gold Nuggets, plus long-time Kaua‘i favorites Haunani Kaui and Linda Tani of Tropical Groove. There is no cover charge, but a non-perishable food donation is requested. All food donations will go to the KIFB, and will be used right here on Kaua‘i.”
The Anahola Marketplace is an open-air facility with seating both outdoors and indoors. People planning to attend should bring beach chairs or blankets for outdoor seating, and dancing shoes.
Food is available at the cafe on-site, and all ages are welcome.
The Help Feed Kaua‘i Food Drive and free Music Festival is presented through the sponsorships of Kaua‘i Pavers, Home Sales by Lynell Woodward, Kickass Concrete, Pancho’s Pizza and Anahola Cafe.
