Hawaiian music festival planned in California

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

A mammoth Hawaiian music festival, themed "Sounds of Hawai'i," will include a concert, a lu'au plus arts and crafts, set for Sept. 8 at Paramount's Great America theme park in Santa Clara, Calif.

Big Island Candies of Hilo is presenting the event, envisioned as one of the largest Hawaiian music attractions produced in California. Headliners include Kalapana, Na Leo Pilimehana, Col÷n and Ten Feet.

Jesse Sapolu is expected to play host to the program, which begins at 10 a.m. and culminates in the lu'au and concert at 7 p.m., in the park's Redwood Amphitheater.

Throughout the day, there will be a showcase of Island arts and cultures, with demonstrations in lei-making and lauhala-weaving, with Bay Area halau and bands also participating.

"'Sounds of Hawa'i' brings the magic and beauty of Hawaiian music and culture to the Bay Area, the adopted home of thousands of Hawai'i expatriates and families," said Allan Ikawa, president and CEO of Big Island Candies. "Hawaiian music deserves a larger audience, and I wanted to share it beyond the Islands."

So. if you've got relatives and friends within earshot of the show, let them know.

Tickets: $40 to $65, includes all-day park admission.

Information: online at www.oproductionsinc.com or www.ticketmaster.com or call (510) 704-4430, (408) 998-8497 or (415) 421-8497.