Big Island Weekly

When music and culture collide, wonderful things emerge, like the 12th Annual Great Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival, to be held Saturday March 3, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Kings’ Shops and Queens’ MarketPlace.

With Hawaii’s “Ambassador of Aloha” Danny Kaleikini as Master of Ceremonies, the ‘Ukulele Festival spotlights ten performances on two stages, a free workshop with Roy Sakuma and chance to win a top-of-the-line ‘ukulele. Along with the nahenahe sounds of the ‘ukulele, there will be lei-making, ‘umeke making (decorated gourd bowl), ‘ukulele making demonstrations and lessons will be offered throughout the afternoon.

Roy and wife Kathy created the first annual ‘Ukulele Festival in 1971, while Roy was a maintenance worker for the City and County of Honolulu. Today, their efforts have grown into a series of events on four islands, with over 20,000 participants. The original ‘Ukulele Festival at Kapi’olani Bandstand in Waikiki, hosts a performance by an 800-member ‘ukulele orchestra every July. Their 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, ‘Ukulele Festival Hawaii, was established in 2004, “To bring laughter, love and hope to children and adults throughout Hawaii and the world through the music of the ‘ukulele.”

Appearing with Roy at the Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival will be his mentor for over 50 years, Herb “Ohta-san” Ohta, jazz guitarist Nando Suan, and his protégée Nelly Toyama-Baduria. For more information, call Queens’ MarketPlace office at 886-8822 or visit www.WaikoloaBeachResort.com.

‘UKULELE FESTIVAL: SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Saturday, Mar. 3

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa, Ali’i Ballroom

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

‘Ukulele Workshop with Roy and Kathy Sakuma. BYOU (bring your own ‘ukulele). Free.

Kings’ Shops Stage

1 p.m. Roy Sakuma’s “Super Keiki” with Nelly Toyama-Baduria and Daniel Baduria

2 p.m. Ohta San and Nando Suan

3 p.m. Hawaii Preparatory Academy Students

4 p.m. ‘AHAmele

Queens’ MarketPlace

2-5:30 p.m.

‘Ukulele Making Demonstration with Bob Gleason

‘Ukulele Lessons with Barnette Fischer and Hanae Okumura

Lei-Making with the Ladies of the Ka’ahumanu Society (while supplies last)

‘Umeke Making with Aunty Donna Jensen

Queens MarketPlace Coronation Pavilion

2 p.m. Kona Pacific Public Charter School

2:45 p.m. ‘AHAmele

3:30 p.m. Waikoloa School

4 p.m. Ohta San and Nando Suan

5 p.m. Roy Sakuma’s “Super Keiki” with Nelly Toyama-Baduria and Daniel Baduria

6 p.m. The Kupuka’as