The giveaway of five premium ukulele given away was more than enough reason for a steady stream of visitors at the Fourth Annual ‘Ukulele Festival Saturday at Kukui Grove Shopping Center. “I could use a new ‘ukulele,” Aldrine Guerrero said
The giveaway of five premium ukulele given away was more than enough reason for a steady stream of visitors at the Fourth Annual ‘Ukulele Festival Saturday at Kukui Grove Shopping Center.
“I could use a new ‘ukulele,” Aldrine Guerrero said as he waited for his cue to go on stage.
Guerrero showed his aged Ovation ukulele that he’s been using since his days at Kaua‘i High School. He currently lives on O‘ahu where he attends school and plays music.
Coinciding with Father’s Day, Kukui Grove marketing director Jonell Kaohelaulii said they were lucky Roy Sakuma Productions decided to return with the popular festival.
The Father’s Day weekend also provided incentive for sponsors to come up with additional prizes including rounds of golf at Puakea Golf Course and a weekend stay at a ResortQuest destination.
The most sought-after prizes, though, were the ‘ukulele given away by Pono, KoAloha, Kamaka, G-String and Kala Ukulele.
“‘Ukulele is not just for the young people, or the old people. ‘Ukulele is for everyone,” said Joey Tanaka, who was manning the raffle sign-up table.
Seated in the front, three kupuna clutched their instruments as they watched the lineup of entertainment, including 2006 Na Hoku Hano Hano award winners Holunape, open up the afternoon of entertainment.
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School ‘Ukulele Band coach Kenny Rapozo had his students out in force, performing a lively presentation of “It’s a Small World.” Rapozo called up his children to join him in an ensemble presentation where he manned the guitar while his daughters took turns with ‘ukulele, trumpet and flute and his son accompanied on bass guitar.
“It’s his own backyard jam band,” Bobby Rapozo said. “Today, we’re going to stay to hear Ohta-San. Last year, Kenny was here, but we had to leave before Ohta-San came on, today, we’re staying to the end.”
Aficionados of ‘ukulele music also had an opportunity to purchase CDs of the performing entertainers, including the debut CD from Manoa DNA.
Kaua‘i resident Don Lutao Jr. did not realize that he was one of the first residents in the state to purchase the Manoa DNA CD until the group’s members sought him out in the audience so they could get a photo for their Web site.
Roy Sakuma, a ‘ukulele virtuoso and instructor, thanked Starbucks and ResortQuest for their help in sponsoring and hosting the event, and said future tours may include stops on Maui and Moloka‘i.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
