6 | FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017 BIG ISLAND ENTERTAINMENT SCENE | WEST HAWAII TODAY Grammy Award-winning artist John Cruz concert benefits Kahilu Performing for arts education After a recent musical tour including Australia, New Orleans, New York and Austin, Hawaiian boy John Cruz returns to his roots at 6 p.m. on Sunday for Kahilu Theatre’s Gold Concert Series. The fundraising concert series presents exceptional performing artists for an upscale experience of outdoor entertainment, heavy pupus and adult libations. Proceeds from the show will benefit the theater’s arts education program. Growing up in Palolo Valley on Oahu, Cruz was surrounded by music, family and friends. He started performing at a young age and moved to the East Coast in 1983 where he developed his unique style of singing and songwriting. Cruz attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where he added singing and dancing to his repertoire of talents. He returned to Hawaii in 1995 to help his brother Ernie, of the popular band the Ka’au Crater Boys, record his album. Cruz joined his brother’s band, incorporating his original music, and subsequently leading to the successful release of his first album, Acoustic Soul. Acoustic Soul won two Na Hoku Awards in 1997 and included his hits “Shine On,” “Sitting in Limbo,” and “Island Style,” songs still played regularly on the radio today. In 2005, Cruz added a Grammy Award to his list of accomplishments. This Sunday’s show will undoubtedly come with some nostalgic and sentimental moments. Two of Cruz’s brothers, Guy and Ernie, both passed away last September, and the last time they all played together was at the Kahilu Theatre. “The last time I played there was with all four of my brothers,” said Cruz. “This show will be bittersweet for me but it will also be wonderful to be in the room again, because that’s one of the last times we all played together. I’m looking forward to it. The Kahilu is a great resource. They work hard to bring a lot of different programming to the community. It’s great to support them.” Cruz is passionate about supporting cultural and educational projects like the Kahilu Gold Concert, which provides not only financial assistance to Kahilu’s arts education program, but also offers the theater a platform for students from the Kahilu Performing Arts Classes to showcase their work. The concert will take place at an intimate, unique location on the Kohala Coast. “The Kahilu Gold concerts take place at private residences along the Kohala Coast,” said Deb Goodwin, executive director of Kahilu Theatre. “The events are hosted by patrons of the Theatre who offer their homes for an exceptional evening of entertainment, special-themed cuisine, dancing, and great company, all against the backdrop of the beauty of where we live. Proceeds benefit the arts education programs of the Kahilu Theatre. Tickets for the Kahilu Gold Concert are $150 and available for purchase online at www.kahilutheatre.org, by calling (808) 885-6868, or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office, at 67-1186 Lindsey Road in Waimea, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Info: www.kahilutheatre.org ■ BY KAREN ROSE SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY
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