Saturday, Dec. 8 — “6th Annual Kaua`i Sings! Christmas Around the World”

Juno Apalla in 2011Kauai Sings! Photo by Anne E. O’Malley

by Anne E. O’Malley

The 6th Annual Kauai Sings Christmas Around the World to benefit Malama Pono Health Services will take place on Saturday, December 8 at 7 p.m. at the Kilohana Lu`au Pavilion.

A Nigerian homage to Bethlehem, music in Hawaiian, French, Filipino and English, a choral group and soloists will fill the Pavilion with the holiday spirit.

Says Executive Director D.Q. Jackson, “Anticipate beauty, pleasure and inspiration of the season.”

Arnold Meister will emcee, Rosie Alfiler will lead the band, and our singing mayor, Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. will perform — along with a cast of favorites that include Karen Dickinson, Thom Newman and Kaua`i Voices, conducted by Randy Leonard. New persons joining the lineup include Sean Texeira, Tawna Bledsaid and more.

Some folks like to make this event their special holiday celebration. There will be a cash bar and food will be available for sale.

This event is produced Jason Blake of Lucky Dog Productions, who turned his love of singing into a charity bonanza for Malama Pono Health Services, building a solid following.

Three times a year he holds auditions for community members to vie for a slot in the three Kaua`i Sings! themed shows he produces, all of which benefit Malama Pono Health Services.

Ensemble members Liz Hahn, Juno Apalla and Delia Valentin in 2011 Kauai Sings! Photo by Anne E. O’Malley

It’s an organization whose goal is to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, STDs and infectious Hepatitis on Kaua`i through education and to serve persons infected with or affected by these diseases. All services are strictly confidential and free of charge.

With the exception of the Fall show, profits from which are split with Kaua`i United Way, 100 percent of the proceeds — well over $100,000 since Blake started the program 6 years ago — go to Malama Pono.

It’s a worthy cause. Read more about it online at http://www.malama-pono.org.

Tickets for the 6^th Annual Kaua`i Sings! Christmas Around the World are $20 Advance/$25 door; $15/students; tables are $250/10 persons. preferred seating; $200/10 for non-preferred seating.

Ticket outlets include Malama Pono, Lihu`e; Kaua`i Music & Sound, Kapa`a; Hawaiian Music Kiosk, Princeville; and Scotty’s Music, Kalaheo.

For information or tickets, email barbara@malama-pono.org or call 808-246-9577.