Benefit Kapolei concert
celebrates life, music
of ‘Bruddah Iz’

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By Tim Ryan
tryan@starbulletin.com

IZ lives in spirit and musical influence. The larger-than-life Hawaiian singer, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole is the namesake of the first IZ Fest this Sunday, featuring 20 bands and four halau in a nearly seven-hour musical marathon staged at the five-acre Kapolei corn maze that has been sheared and sculpted into the singer's image.

With the blessing of the singer's wife, Marlene Kamakawiwo'ole, promoter Tom Moffatt and producer Alan Arato are staging the unique event to celebrate the life and music of the man known as "Bruddah Iz."

IZ Fest Tribute to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, with 20 bands and halau Where: The Corn Maze in Kapolei at Aloun Farms, 94-1440 Farrington Highway When: 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday Tickets: $15 general; $17.50 at the door, on sale at the Blaisdell Box Office and Ticket Plus outlets; children 10 and under free. Charge at 526-4400. Call: 593-8333

"We decided this year to take the party to IZ's back yard on the west side, the back yard of the Hawaiian people," Arato said.

Kamakawiwo'ole songs include "n Dis Life," "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man" and the mega-hit "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World."

Many of the songs will be featured in the concert, and Marlene Kamakawiwo'ole will dance to "n Dis Life" in front of a 8-by-8-foot backdrop featuring IZ's image.

The concert will be staged in three sections: "Traditional Hawaiian Music," "Island Music" and "Family." Entertainers will include Willie K., Fiji, 3 Plus, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Barry Flanagan, Ernie Cruz Jr., Baba B., Keahiwai, Vaihi, Maunalua, Ken Makuakane, Pandanus Club, Anelaikalani, Leina'ala Haiii, Moke Boy, Tino and the Rhythm Club, and DisGuyz.

Halau performing include those of kumu hula Frank Kawaikapuokelani Hewett, Aloha Dalire, William "Sonny" Ching and Blaine Kamalani Kia.

Kamakawiwo'ole was born in Kaimuki. In his early teens the family moved to Makaha and entered the world of music. He and his brother Skippy formed the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau with Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, Sam Gray and Jerome Koko.

In 1985, the group won Best Traditional Hawaiian Album and Group of the Year at the annual Hoku Awards. Israel's first solo album in 1991, "Ka 'Anoi," won Hokus for Contemporary Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.

In 1997, "n Dis Life" won Album of the Year, Male Vocalist, Island Contemporary Album and Graphics Hoku awards. He was also voted Favorite Hawaiian Entertainer by the public.

The IZ Fest is a fund-raising event to benefit the Hawaii Future Farmers of America.

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