Isle concert celebrates 125 years of Sisters

Na Leo Pilimehana and other popular female entertainers will headline an Oct. 4 concert that will celebrate 125 years of service in Hawaii by an organization of religious women, the Sisters of St. Francis.

"An Evening of Aloha: Na Wahine Kupaa - Women of Strength" at the Hawaii Convention Center will be co-sponsored by KINE Radio 105 and the St. Francis Healthcare Foundation.

The 7 p.m. concert will feature guest performances by Melveen Leed, Pomai Keawe Lyman, Haunani Apoliona and Karen Keawehawaii, with Bernadette Baraquio as emcee. Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Lehua, directed by kumu hula Snowbird Bento, will perform a hula kahiko and Marcelo Pacleb's 24-7 Danceforce will offer a contemporary dance presentation.

A video show will pay tribute to Mother Marianne Cope, who brought the first contingent of Franciscan nuns to Hawaii in 1883. They answered a call from King Kalakaua and local church officials to provide care for patients with Hansen's disease. The Franciscans opened and operated hospitals and schools in the islands through the years and continue to provide health care ministries through the St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii.

Tickets for the concert range from $25 to $75. They may be ordered from Honolulu Box Office at 540-8457 or online at www.honoluluboxoffice.com. Tickets may be picked up Oct. 4 at the concert hall.

Corporate sponsorships range from $2,000 to $25,000. For information, call 547-8030.