6 | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 BIG ISLAND ENTERTAINMENT SCENE | WEST HAWAII TODAY Gertrude’s Jazz Bar brings artistic fusion to Kailua-Kona Jazz Hands! PHOTOS B Gertrude’s Jazz Bar owners Kira Kamamalu, left, Y LAURA SHIMABUKU/WEST HAWAII TODAY Greg Shirley and Marlina Lee at the new Alii Drive establishment. “A writer should write with his eyes, and a painter paint with his ears,” said the iconic novelist, poet and playwright, Gertrude Stein. The American born novelist moved to Paris in 1903 where she became a hostess and inspiration to some of the most prolific artists and writers known today, such as Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. Stein is also the inspiration for Kailua-Kona’s newest establishment, Gertrude’s Jazz Bar. “My role model for my whole life has always been Gertrude Stein,” said Kira Kamamalu, one of the bar’s three owners. “She was a kind of the mother hen back in the 1920s to nurture the writers, the dancers, the musicians and the painters in her house in Paris.” Kamamalu’s mother, Marlina Lee, is a professional dancer, Lee’s partner, Greg Shirley, is a professional musician and Kamamalu is a professional artist. The three had a vision of creating a collaborative atmosphere where guests can come together for conversation, culture, music, dance and art. “It’s kind of like New York meets Paris meets Kona. We didn’t want to lose our Hawaiian roots, but we also wanted to bring that culture here. It’s like if you can’t find your scene, you have to make your scene,” Kamamalu said. Kamamalu, Lee and Shirley believe that many artists and creative people are drawn to Hawaii Island because of their creative energy and are excited about turning Gertrude’s into a friendly environment that helps nurture the community has a whole. “It’s amazing how it finally all just came together. In the spirit of Gertrude Stein we’re really excited to grow new artists. We’re really here to grow our art community and have people feel like this is a place where they belong,” Kamamalu said. “All of our libations and tapas are named after a dancer, a musician or a painter. Everything we try to do, no matter what, we stick to our mission, and our mission is to be art, music and dance in the Kona community.” This weekend’s musical lineup at Gertrude’s Jazz Bar includes the Doug Johnson Jazz Quartet from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Greg Shirley Jazz Trio takes the stage on Saturday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. On Sunday, from 6-9 p.m., the Lale Kam Hawaiian Swing Band performs. Monday night is Social Artworking Paint and Sip with artist and instructor Stephanie Bolton (email kamalumalu@me.com for reservations) during which guests can receive painting instruction, sip wine and go home with their own artwork. On Tuesday, Gertrude’s hosts a social dance night with ballroom music from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and on Thursday, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., is Latin dance night. Info: www.gertrudesjazzbar.com. ■ BY KAREN ROSE SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY Gertrude’s Jazz Bar on Alii Drive is open nightly.
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