Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School will host the 11th annual Laupahoehoe Music Festival from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 23 at beautiful Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park.
Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School will host the 11th annual Laupahoehoe Music Festival from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 23 at beautiful Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park.
Proceeds will go toward the charter school’s agricultural and technology programs.
First organized in 2005 under the foresight of Laupahoehoe resident musician Braddah Smitty, the nonprofit Malama Hawaii Nei hosted the event until 2015, awarding nearly $27,000 in scholarships to the students.
This year’s Hawaiian-style event will feature some of the island’s best music and hula entertainers performing at Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park, noted for its sacred and natural beauty and a regular stopover by Kamehameha in his canoe voyaging conquest of the islands. The LCPCS Ukelele Band also will play this year, featuring secondary school students under the direction of music instructor Todd Otake.
Tickets are $10 in advance at Hilo Guitars, Basically Books, CD Wizard and Hilo Music Exchange in Hilo, Sakado Store in Laupahoehoe, Taro Patch in Honokaa and at Music Exchange in Kona, or $15 at the gate. Tickets also can be purchased online at www.LaupahoehoeMusicFestival.org. Age 10 and younger are free.
The family friendly 2015 Music Festival drew more than 500 people to the point. Activities for keiki include $5 tickets for eight games with automatic prizes.
Hui Kako-o O Laupahoehoe, the LCPCS nonprofit organization, will again offer a fundraising silent auction, with proceeds going to the arts and garden projects at the school.
Traditional cuisine such as Hawaiian style, Thai and more will be available for sale. Drinks are available on site — no coolers — and it is an alcohol- and drug-free event.
Vendors are still being accepted. Sponsors include Ka‘u Coffee, Big Island Toyota and Ke Ola Magazine. For information about becoming a vendor or event sponsorship opportunities, contact Gerry Delgado at 962-2200 or email gerry.delgado@lcpcs.org.