The Hawaii Japanese Center’s Musical Nostalgia celebrates popular Japanese music from the 1930s through the ’50s, with some contemporary songs added to the mix, and will feature local performers at Auntie Sally’s Luau Hale from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.
The Hawaii Japanese Center’s Musical Nostalgia celebrates popular Japanese music from the 1930s through the ’50s, with some contemporary songs added to the mix, and will feature local performers at Auntie Sally’s Luau Hale from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Also featured will be a special guest performance by Hilo’s own Mark Yamanaka, winner of multiple Na Hoku Hanohano awards.
In its 12th year, the event will be modeled after Japan’s legendary Red &White Song Festival that pits men against women in a lively competition.
This year’s program features a spectacular Japanese-inspired stage set created by Norman Nakano and Lindy Kunishima. Once again, Hiroshi Suga is the general chairman for this event, and the competition will be co-emceed by Pauline Fukunaga and Charles Ikeda. Door prizes are donated by Big Island Candies.
The Red team will include Utae Suzuki, Loraine Asakura, Yoshiko Shimada, Nancy Okimura, Keiko Formanec and Miyako Arimoto. Rena Imoto.
Hiroshi Suga, James Shimazu, the Rev. Naohiro Hotta, Charles Ikeda, Dirk Yoshina, Cary Suefuji, the Rev. Jeffery Soga and Sidney Fuke will compose the White team.
A special addition will be participation by members of the Waiakea and Hilo High School Japanese Clubs. This year’s event will be dedicated to Yoshiko Shimada, who is a popular regular participant.
Musical Nostalgia is a fund-raising benefit for the Hawaii Japanese Center, a nonprofit 501(c)3 community organization that seeks to “preserve the past to build the future.” Part of the proceeds will go toward the center’s scholarship fund, which recognizes qualifying graduating high school seniors from the Big Island.
Tickets are available for a $15 tax-deductible contribution at the following locations: KTA Puainako, KTA Downtown, Honpa Hongwanji, Hilo Meishoin, Hawaii Japanese Center, Dragon Mama, Asami’s Okazuya, Hilo Daijingu and at the door on the day of the event.
For more information, call the center at 934-9611 or email hjchawaii@gmail.com. Visit www.hawaiijapanesecenter.org.