The Performing Arts Department at the University of Hawaii at Hilo presents “A Diamond and the Rough,” a senior project by music major Rich Gomez on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the UHH Performing Arts Center.
The Performing Arts Department at the University of Hawaii at Hilo presents “A Diamond and the Rough,” a senior project by music major Rich Gomez on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the UHH Performing Arts Center.
Gomez is a nontraditional student who began piano lessons at age 6 and has shaped an evening of music from several genres. The rock band Mutherlode will appear, as well as a number of vocalists, including Rachel Edwards and Sakura Hioki, UHH performing arts majors, and graduate Ka‘iulani Lum-Ho. Other UHH musicians include members of the UHH Instrumental Jazz Ensemble: Josh Timmons, Sean Kenny, Tyler Hirokawa, Sean Luscombe and Payton Meyer.
Gomez has formed The Blue Diamond Symphony Orchestra for the second half of the evening’s program with musicians recruited from UHH, local high schools, the Hawaii County Band and the general public, to perform his original symphony, “The Distant Drummer.” The symphony was composed in the past year by Gomez in fulfillment of requirements for his performing arts degree. Cathy Young will serve as concert master with veteran University and community musicians Don Boyd, Curt Haraga, Armando Mendoza, Claton Mine, Bill Sever and Trever Veilleux performing. Harpist Cymber Lilly Quinn will appear and be featured along with Gary Moore.
Admission is $10 and tickets can be purchased at the door or at the Performing Arts Center Box Office.