The Ho'opii Brothers, above, Richard, left, and Solomon, perform Dec. 12 in Honokaa.

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The Hamakua Festival next month brings the Big Island alive with the . . .

Sound of music

By Tim Ryan
Star-Bulletin

The fourth annual Hamakua Music Festival in Honokaa on the Big Island features classical, jazz, and Hawaiian music and a Christmas concert.

The festival, now in its fourth year, attracted nearly 2,500 people last year. In addition to the concerts, the festival provides educational programs around the Big Island. All performances take place at the Honoka'a People's Theatre.

Here is the schedule:

At 7 p.m. Dec. 5, a classical concert with pianist David Burge playing Brahms, Beethoven, Ravel, Ellington and Gershwin.

At 7 p.m. Dec. 6, the return of pianist Gene Harris and his trio and daughter Niki in an evening of jazz, blues and gospel hits.

At 7 p.m. Dec. 12, a Hawaiian Concert with Rev. Dennis Kamakahi, Martin Pahinui and the Ho'opii Brothers.

At 7 p.m. Dec. 13, a Hawaiian Concert featuring guitarist Ken Emerson and Kekuhi Kanahele.

At 4 p.m. Dec. 14, a free Christmas Concert featuring the Kono Community Children's Choruses.

Tickets for the evening concerts are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and are available in Honokaa at the Honokaa Marketplace, Starseed and Tex Drive In; in Waimea, at Byrd's Audio; in Kona, at Mele Kai Music; and in Hilo, at Most Irresistible Shop (downtown). Order by phone by calling 775-8255.

For other festival performances tickets may be purchased at the door. These include:

At 7 p.m. Dec. 18, the Honokaa High School Ensemble Concert at the Honokaa Armory; admission is adults $3; children $2.

At 7 p.m. Dec. 9, the Honokaa Dance Collective presents "Henry Humbug's Traveling Talent Show at the Honokaa People's Theatre; admission is $3 for adults, children $2.