Sept. 11 brings out best from island performers

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Hawai'i performers have been high on patriotism since Sept. 11.

In measures large and small, performers have carried the banner — offering moments of hope, comfort and pride — in a variety of community endeavors:

The latest, with a global connection: A "Rolling Requiem" event, by the Masterworks Chorale and Orchestra, a one-time ensemble of more than 100 island voices, singing Mozart's Requiem at 8:46 a.m. today in a worldwide link-up that begins with a similar singout in New Zealand and ends in Samoa.

Aloha means kokua: The Mana'o Company, a Hoku Award-winning combo, has re-recorded its "Aloha" signature tune, offering a note of renewal, with proceeds going to the Hawaii Firefighters Association.

Flagging a hit: The Society of Seven winds up its Outrigger Waikiki shows with a medley of "God Bless the USA" and "America the Beautiful." Tony Ruivivar and Wayne Wakai of SOS have composed a tune tied to Sept. 11, "We Are America, We Are One."

First at bat: On the night of Sept. 11, DisGuyz wrote and recorded "Our Nation in Song," in three versions: a straightforward version, in its harmony-rich group style; an instrumental; and a "presidential mix," with speech excerpts by President Bush.

Youthful response: Courtney New, a Moanalua High School graduate, eased her grief by writing and recording "They Can't Take the Heart of America."

Synergized session: Jesse Rivera, a firefighter by trade, composed "Give Aloha" before Sept. 11, with the kokua of David Kahiapo and Kawika Crowley. The tune commemorated "Hawai'i Synergy Day" last Nov. 14, when it was played simultaneously on local radio and TV. A gathering of performers, police, firefighters and the public sang it at Sunset on the Beach Sunday, creating a video as a gift to New York City.

Jazz note: Composer John Kolivas put a jazz spin on a Sept. 11 tribute, "Remembrance," which he recorded with his Honolulu Jazz Quartet, with guest singer Anita Hall. The reverent bossa nova-samba tempo, augmented by Robert Pennebacker's lyrics, provide a sense of renewal.

Garden of healing: From the Garden Island, singer Stacie Taniguchi's "One World: United We Stand" was a consoling entry of tunes derived from the daily threat of terrorism.

Country twist: Rod Young performed "God Bless This Country," a Gordon Broad original, with a call for vigilance amid a country spirit.