Black-tie event benefits arts, cultural programs
| • | Developer blends shopping, arts at Waikiki complex |
Advertiser Staff
Tickets for the 2100 Kalakaua charity benefit are still available, and organizers are still working to make the event as buzzworthy and spectacular as can be.
The event aspires to be remembered as one of Waikiki's most lavish. It will close down two blocks of Kalakaua Avenue for the black-tie grand opening. From an outdoor stage, soul crooner Al Green will appear in Honolulu for the first time, performing some of his most well-known hits such as "Let's Stay Together."
Grand Opening Celebration, 2100 Kalakaua
A benefit for culture and arts organizations
The Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, split into four ensembles, will play throughout the grounds. Local acts such as Na Leo Pilimehana, La Pietra Show Choir and the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble will be on hand, with Al Waterson as master of ceremonies. Kumu Hula John Keola Lake and Halau Mele will perform traditional Hawaiian chants and hula. The event is catered by Indigo.
The charity gala is sponsored by retailers Tiffany & Co., Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Gucci, Tod's, Boucheron and Honolulu developer Honu Group.
Mona Abadir, chief operating officer of Honu Group, calls it a "once-in-a-lifetime event for Hawai'i residents." She said it represents the first time these luxury retailers have come together to mark their commitment to Hawai'i as one of the world's premier destinations and as a site of art and culture.
All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit eight Hawai'i cultural and arts organizations: Honolulu Academy of Arts, The Contemporary Museum, Diamond Head Theatre, Hawaii Opera Theatre, Hawaii Theatre Center, Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, Hawai'i State Art Museum and 'Iolani Palace. 2100 Kalakaua also is underwriting some Hawaii Public Television and Hawaii Public Radio culture and arts programming throughout the 2002-2003 season.
The Honu Group and Abadir see connections between a healthy Hawai'i economy and healthy cultural traditions. "Storyteller," a seven-foot bronze sculpture of a seated woman storyteller outside the 2100 Kalakaua building, created by Maui artist Shige Yamada, symbolizes the philosophy.
The statue represents the stories of Hawai'i's land and people, Abadir said: " 'Storyteller' reminds us of our past, of our interlinked traditions and cultures. She foretells the creative possibilities of our future. Her message to us, collectively and individually, is that it is our responsibility to sustain and enrich the arts and education in Hawai'i."
Meanwhile, inside the new building, each luxury retailer has customized a party to fit its image. Chanel recreates a Chanel Cruise show, complete with café atmosphere and champagne. Tiffany & Co. offers guests a chance to meet designer Paloma Picasso, showing a 129-carat tanzanite and pearl necklace created to mark Picasso's 20th anniversary as a Tiffany designer. Yves Saint Laurent will serve champagne and caviar.
Tod's hosts Italian artisans, previews its collections and offers Alan Wong's hors d'oeuvres.
Gucci highlights its fashions, hosting cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Boucheron, opening one of its first locations in the United States, will highlight its French heritage and pay homage to some of the world's most remarkable jewels.
Tickets for the 2100 Kalakaua gala also are available by downloading an RSVP form from www.2100kalakaua.com.
Valet parking is available on Kuhio Avenue and Kalaimoku Street. Self-parking is also available at the Saratoga parking lot at Fort DeRussy, with a Waikiki Trolley shuttle to the event.
There also will be lawn seating at Fort DeRussy open to the public, at no charge, with parking available throughout Waikiki.
