Admission is $15 at the gate. Ages 10 and under are admitted free. No coolers are allowed for this alcohol- and drug-free event. Hilo entertainer Mark Yamanaka, who bagged four Na Hoku Hanohano awards last year for his solo debut
Hilo entertainer Mark Yamanaka, who bagged four Na Hoku Hanohano awards last year for his solo debut album “Lei Pua Kenikeni,” will headline the 7th annual Laupahoehoe Music Festival.
The family-friendly all-day event, which features some of Hawaii’s best live music and hula, is Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Laupahoehoe Beach Park. It’s a fundraiser for Malama Hawaii Nei to provide college scholarships for area students and to support community projects.
Yamanaka, who was nominated in seven categories, took home the coveted Hoku statuettes for Album of the Year, Most Promising Artist and Male Vocalist of the Year, plus Song of the Year for his original composition “Kaleoonalani,” which he wrote about his daughter, Ryane.
Yamanaka has performed since 1997 as a musician with Johnny Lum Ho’s Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua and was a member of the band Times 5.
Also returning is last year’s headliner Makana, a guitar wizard and vocalist from Oahu who has dropped jaws nationwide with his “slack rock,” a tasty fusion of slack key and rock ‘n’ roll. He took second runner-up in Guitar Player Magazine’s 2008 Guitar Superstar competition.
Luminaries Makana has played with or opened for reads like a Who’s Who of pop and rock music Santana, Sting, Elvis Costello, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, No Doubt, Chris Isaak, Foreigner, Paul Rodgers, Richard Thompson and Michael Franti.
The bill also includes Lorna Lim & Polinahe with Sonny Lim, Darlene Ahuna, Times 5, Kunoa, Kanakapila, Honokaa High School Jazz Band, Laupahoehoe School Ukulele Band, Halau O Mailelaulani and Halau O Ke Anuenue.
Festival food vendors will offer a wide variety foods for every palate, including vegetarian grinds. There will also be arts and crafts booths.
Advance tickets are $10, available at Hilo Guitars & Ukuleles, all Music Exchange stores, 50s Highway Cafe, Sakado Store, Taro Patch Cafe and Mr. Ed’s.
Admission is $15 at the gate. Ages 10 and under are admitted free. No coolers are allowed for this alcohol- and drug-free event.
