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TheBuzz
Erika Engle
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HPR marks a beaming business after 25 years
STARTING tomorrow, Hawaii Public Radio celebrates 25 years in business as a noncommercial radio operation.
Twenty-five years, though "it seems like only yesterday that we went on the air with Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde in 1981," said HPR's Escape January newsletter.
The celebration kicks off with events from different ends of the musical spectrum -- classical and blues -- and winds its way to a Hawaiian music and hula performance with a 250th birthday party for Mozart in between. And that's just for January.
Some of Hawaii's up-and-coming classical musicians between 12 and 17 years old will participate in two tapings of the National Public Radio show "From the Top," on Jan. 11 at Hawaii Theatre and on Jan. 13 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
Concert pianist Christopher O'Riley will host the shows that will eventually be broadcast to a national audience on dates to be announced. "From the Top" airs at 10 a.m. Saturdays on KHPR-FM 88.1 in Honolulu, KKUA-FM 90.7 Wailuku and KANO-FM 91.1 in Hilo.
The 2006 blues debut at HPR will be in its Atherton Performing Arts Studio at 738 Kaheka St., with the Eric Petersen Band.
"The first hour will be recorded for broadcast," as usual, said Promotions Director Judy Neale. "Once that chicken-skin part is over, that's when guest (artists) come in and the place loosens up" and dancing is likely to commence.
Despite HPR General Manager Michael Titterton's assertion, once stated to your columnist, that the blues should be enjoyed in a sweat-inducing, hot, muggy, Mississippi Delta-type environment either indoors or out, the Atherton is air-conditioned.
"Oh, it certainly is," Neale grinned. "Being in a sweaty state is up to the individual."
Hawaii Public Radio members are entitled to discounted tickets at all HPR events. Hawaii Theatre also offers discounts to its members.
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Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached at:
eengle@starbulletin.com