LIHU‘E — “Rhythm of Da Islands,” a series of statewide benefit ‘ukulele concerts, workshops and school presentations, kicks off this month on Kaua‘i, featuring some of Hawai‘i’s top ‘ukulele virtuosos. “It’s a charitable event,” said Leo Daquioag, founder of the
LIHU‘E — “Rhythm of Da Islands,” a series of statewide benefit ‘ukulele concerts, workshops and school presentations, kicks off this month on Kaua‘i, featuring some of Hawai‘i’s top ‘ukulele virtuosos.
“It’s a charitable event,” said Leo Daquioag, founder of the Music For Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed in 2010. “It’s primarily for raising awareness to keep music alive in the schools.”
The three-day event from Nov. 15 to 17 aims at providing Kaua‘i’s youth with memorable music experiences by giving them the opportunity to interact with and learn from some of Hawai‘i’s top musicians. It also raises funding and support for Kauai’s music programs through the Music for Life Foundation.
The event — featuring ‘ukulele players Kalei Gamiao, Brittni Paiva and Derick Sebastian — will include two days of in-school presentations by musicians, followed by ‘ukulele workshops and a final concert Nov. 17 at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort and Spa.
While the concert is an important part, Daquioag says the event mainly focuses on giving back to schools and having the musicians come to the students to talk and share their experiences.
With many schools resolving financial troubles by eliminating music and arts programs, Music For Life and its all-volunteer board and staff assist those programs with donations of money, musical instruments and equipment — specifically ‘ukuleles. The foundation focuses particularly on assisting impoverished and underserved communities, families and individuals.
All proceeds from the event will go to Music For Life Foundation and be put into a subaccount specifically for Kaua‘i’s schools and students. To receive instruments, schools must go through a grant application process, which Daquioag says gives everyone a fair chance.
“This project is so cool,” said Kenny Ishi, who is helping to organize the event. “Through ‘ukulele and music they (Music For Life) are giving back to schools and underprivileged kids.”
‘Ukulele virtuoso Kalei Gamiao has been a supporter of the Music for Life Foundation for more than a year, donating both his time and talent.
“I support Music For Life 100 percent,” he says. “When he (Daquioag) mentioned doing this event I got really excited and said, ‘Whatever you need me to do, I am there.’”
Gamiao says Music For Life and its events are all about inspiring children, giving them options and keeping music alive in schools. His own musical journey began at age 13 after suffering an injury to his left arm playing sports. Unable to play sports for a year, he turned to the ‘ukulele and has been hooked ever since. He shares this story when speaking with students.
“One thing that never changes is the positive effect music has on kids … it keeps them out of trouble, keeps them off of drugs,” he said. “Music allows kids to be creative.”
You never know who might be the next Michael Jackson or the next Bruno Mars, Gamiao says.
Daquioag believes that today’s youth are not the problem, but rather the solution, and that problems arise when children are not fostered and given options.
“It’s just giving them the tools,” he said. “That’s all it takes sometimes.”
Why the ‘ukulele? Daquioag says it is portable, relatively cheap and easy to learn, and is the perfect size for a child.
“I want them to use it as a means to express themselves, get their emotions out,” he said.
The featured musicians will visit approximately eight schools throughout Kaua‘i during the first two days of the event, sharing their stories, talking about music, playing songs and answering questions.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Gamiao said. “Seeing their faces light up is one of the best parts.”
Daquioag says there is something special about having music as the focal point of his foundation.
“When you give to a music foundation like us, one that is active … you not only get that good, warm feeling, but guess what, I’m going to give you a show!”
The Nov. 17 schedule kicks off with artist workshops at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort Jasmine Ballroom. Brittni Paiva begins her workshop at 10 a.m., Derrick Sebastian at 11 a.m. and Kalei Gamiao at 1 p.m. A $10 tickets gets you into all three.
The final benefit concert will feature performances by upcoming artists and student musicians from 3 to 5:50 p.m. Virtuosos Gamiao, Paiva and Sebastian will take the stage from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $10 for children and can be purchased at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort front desk, Paradise Music (Kapa‘a and Princeville locations) and by calling EGO Promo at 652-1942.
For more information about the Music For Life Foundation, “Rhythm of Da Islands,” or the featured musicians, visit www.musicforlifefound.org.
• Chris D’Angelo can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.
