We stopped in at the Tip Top Restaurant for a quick breakfast and then headed straight to our first engagement at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School. It has to be one of the nicest school campuses in the state with palm trees in the courtyards and beautiful new classrooms. The band room is immaculate and ably staffed by Jon Stern and Nina Saraos. We performed a variety of pieces for the band students including our new piece by Keola Beamer Nani Ha'upu. Marsha gets chicken skin when we play it so close to the Ha'upu mountain range that looms over Lihue. Ha'upu peak is visible from just about anywhere in town. It is a dramatic formation and you can see it is thought of as a very sacred and spiritual place. We really hope our audience on Saturday night will feel the magic as well.
The Ha'upu mountain range and Ha'upu Peak
On the way to Kapa'a High School we stopped at Blossoming Lotus for lunch. It's a fairly new vegan restaurant in Kapa'a and is Hawaii's first and only certified "green" restaurant. Our timing was not so good though. The main restaurant was closed for a speech by the wife of Dennis Kucinich. Who knew we were going to run into the Presidental campaign in Kapa'a? Luckily, Blossoming Lotus also has a coffee shop down the street where we had a very tasty and healthy lunch.
The Kapa'a High School kids were another group of very friendly and interesting students. We really enjoy interacting with these young musicians who are really just starting out on what could become a lifelong involvement in music. We always encourage them to attend our concerts and to try forming their own chamber music ensembles. Both are a great way to enhance their band experience and love of music.
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