Singing Praises Of The Ukulele
Wednesday - February 09, 2011 Share
By Monica Ivey, PR and Sponsorship Coordinator
The ukulele is an integral part of Hawaiian music and culture, rich in history and it often serves as an ambassador of the aloha spirit, which by definition is the regard, affection, warmth and caring extended to others with no expectation of receiving anything in return — so characteristic of Hawaii’s people.
The mission of the Ukulele Foundation of Hawaii, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) public charity, is to support music in education as well as various charities and arts throughout Hawaii, Japan and the world through collective interest and awareness of the ukulele.
|
Since its incorporation in 2007, the foundation has hosted six major fundraising events. On Sunday, Feb. 13, Hawaiian Airlines and the Ukulele Foundation of Hawaii present the third annual Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii celebration at Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park. From 9 a.m. until sunset, this free celebration will feature some of Hawaii and Japan’s finest musicians, as well as multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award winners including Ku‘uipo Kumukahi, Mailani, Holunape, Pali and ukulele legends Bill Tapia and Ohta-san.
Other performers the Ukulele Foundation welcomes are the students of Kaiaulu from Ka Waihona o Ka Na‘auao Public Charter School’s Gifted and Talented Ukulele Class (after-school program) in Waianae and their teacher Franny Victorino. These students, all of Hawaiian ancestry and sporting a 3.0 GPA and higher, perform traditional Hawaiian music and hula for the domestic and foreign community by sharing, honoring and perpetuating the Hawaiian culture and values.
It is through the foundation and its yearly celebration that these talented musicians are able to share the sounds of ukulele.
In addition to supporting the establishment of an ukulele museum — which will facilitate social, educational and cultural activities in a friendly environment that perpetuates happiness and joy of Hawaii’s most beloved instrument — portions of the proceeds raised from this weekend’s celebration will be donated to the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Bill Murata Scholarship Fund.
To help show your support for the Ukulele Foundation of Hawaii, please visit ukulelefoundationhawaii.org/blog/.
Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS Comments (0) |
Most Recent Comment(s):
