By Staff Reports
(HONOLULU) – To celebrate the return of live concerts by the Royal Hawaiian Band (RHB), the City and County of Honolulu is presenting a free public concert at the historic Hawai‘i Theatre on Friday, October 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets are free but required. More information can be found at www.hawaiitheatre.com/tickets.
“Since the onset of the pandemic, the Royal Hawaiian Band has adapted to various services to our community,” said RHB Bandmaster Clarke Bright. “After losing our “musical voice”, we transitioned to assisting various City initiatives, such as: food distribution, testing, staffing the call center and vaccination support. We also transitioned to small ensembles and served as musical, healing ambassadors to the Queen’s Hospital/Blaisdell Center vaccination initiative. From March 2022, we have been serving the community in our full band capacity. The past two years have forced us to remain vigilant in keeping a heart of service and resilience on the forefront of our purpose and artistic mission. In some respects, it is very similar to what Queen Lili‘uokalani endured when going through a pandemic of her own as well as endeavoring to maintain the monarchy and her Hawaiian kingdom. A portion of the concert will be dedicated to her and her resilient spirit.”
The theme of the upcoming concert is “E Kani Mau” or “To Resound Forever.” The Royal Hawaiian Band will be partnering with some of Hawai‘i’s finest artists, to include: Amy Hānaiali‘i, Nathan Aweau, Keauhou, Karen Keawehawai‘i, Danny Kaleikini, Kimo Kahonano, Makanani Salā, Councilmember Andria Tupola, Councilmember Augie Tulba, Malia Ka‘ai, Kala‘i Stern, Michael-Thomas Foumai, Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus, Hālau Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai ʻO Haʻeha‘e, Kanani Oliveira, and Ku‘ulei Hazelwood.
Founded in 1836 by King Kamehameha III, the Royal Hawaiian Band is the only band in the United States with a royal legacy and is currently an agency of the City and County of Honolulu. The mission of the band is to promote music, preserve Hawaiian musical culture, inspire young musicians, and enrich the lives of the people of Hawai‘i.