Puna Men’s Chorus presents ‘Strong in Song’

The Puna Men’s Chorus present “Strong in Song,” at 4 p.m. Saturday at First United Protestant Church, 1350 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo and 4 p.m. Sunday at Lelani Estates Community Center Pavilion, 13-3441 Moku St.

The spring concerts feature a spectrum of English, German, Irish and Hawaiian songs, including Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” Lennon and McCartney’s “In My Life,” Olcott’s “My Wild Irish Rose,” Schubert’s “Die Nacht,” Signore’s “Kuka‘oko‘a No,” and hula with the beloved traditional “Holei.”

There also will be original compositions like “Sweetheart Boom Boom” by longtime Puna Men’s Chorus member and current president Dennis Alstrand, plus arrangements by PMC founder Daron Scarborough and PMC director Michael Steele.

PMC’s twelve members include accompanists Sandi Alstrand and Glen Burris, plus a barbershop-style quartet, members of which have solos in the concerts: Pressley Sutherland, Chris Jackson, Greg Lupton, and Dennis Alstrand.

The concerts are “in memory of and solidarity with Puna transformations,” particularly extending aloha to the Leilani community ‘ohana and people of Puna. Three chorus members live in Leilani and have endured the flows with fellow residents. Michael Steele had just moved to Leilani prior to the earthquakes and eruptions.

PMC is a nonprofit organization, and “Strong in Song” general admission is a $15 contribution to help support community outreach programs.

Chorus members are particularly appreciative of the “Leilani Strong!” community, and grateful for use of the community center for weekly Sunday afternoon practices.

Leilani residents with pink checkpoint placards may opt for free admission.