Music lovers are invited to attend a free public concert on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 4 p.m. at the West Hawaii Civic Center Gazebo in Kailua-Kona.
According to the West Hawaii County Band’s website, this concert is the first of a series of free concerts throughout the year.
“It is an amazing group of dedicated musicians,” Richard Shield, director of the West Hawaii County Band, told Big Island Times. “Although there have been COVID-related scheduling difficulties, the band is resuming a calendar of monthly public concerts. When possible, some of these will be at the Hale Halawai on Ali’i Drive.”
The concert will feature songs including “The Black Horse Troop” by Sousa, the “Peter Gunn” theme by Henry Mancini, several Hawaiian traditional tunes and more.
“Historically, the band has participated in Christmas and Fourth of July parades, played at Veterans Day ceremonies and supported other civic activities in the Kona community,” Shield said. “The band’s repertoire includes marches, Hawaiian music from the period of the monarchy, light classics, jazz, popular music and standards from the concert band library.”
The band is open to all musicians, and prospective members are invited to contact the ensemble through their website, WestHawaiiBand.com. Fans can also be added to their mailing list to find out about upcoming performances.
“New members are always welcome,” Shield said. “There is not a formal audition format for admittance to the band, but strong musicianship and sight-reading skills are essential. Through our support by Hawaii County Parks and Recreation, small stipends are available for musicians, and for these, there is an audition. Concerts are free, but maintaining an active band is not, and public donations and support, both at the calabash at concerts and through the band website, are greatly appreciated.”
The West Hawaii Civic Center is located at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway in Kailua-Kona.
