Receiving tickets on Halloween for this event was certainly 'A Treat!' This was our 1st PRJF, and will certainly not be our last! We were proud to see and hear our local talent sharing the stage and spotlight with other first class guest artists from the mainland, who filled the the evening with new and old favorites that kept our feet tapping, fingers clicking and heads swaying. There were no bad seats in the house. Even the brave swing danced in the aisles and belted out choruses. In the audience we spotted legendary saxophonist Gabe Baltazar and his wife Rose, Jazz and R&B artist Ginai Hill, American Idol semi-finalist singer Jordan Sagundo, Jazz singer Melinda 'MeiLing' Redira and Drum artists Brad Choi and Peter Factora. The evening even featured a surprise group of ghost busters chasing a ghost in the audience during Ray Parker Jr's song, 'Ghost Busters'. Unsurprisingly, the event went into overtime. Perhaps justification this may become a 2 or 3 day festival in the near future? We like! Proceeds from this festival will benefit the Kapolei Foundation, whom have granted over 500 scholarships to deserving students in the Leeward Community, to include the Michael Paulo Music Scholarship Award. (http://kapoleifoundation.org/) What a great way to nurture our young aspiring artists, and to perpetuate this great gathering of Jazz enthusiasts! Mahalo to all the performers and organizers of this great event! Enjoy these captured golden moments &
Don't Stop The Music!
Pictures from the event:
Local artists featured in the festival:
Michael Paulo - saxaphone, flute.
http://www.michaelpaulo.net/
Rene Paulo - piano, vocals.
http://www.surfside-hawaii.com/MSCD4010.asp
DeShannon Higa - trumpet.
http://www.orangeappleentertainment.com/DeSahnnonBio.html
Starr Kalahiki - vocalist.
http://www.starrkalahiki.com/
Jeremy Cheng - guitar, vocalist.
http://jeremychengmusic.com/
Phil Bennett & The Remnants - The Pre-Fest and Dinner Band.. Phil Bennett (drums), Todd Yukimoto (sax), Aron Nelson (guitar), Arex Ikehara (bass guitar), and Bailey Matsuda (keyboards).
Al Waterson - The MC.
http://www.besthonoluluweddings.com/al-waterson-and-you-productions/2cc7256d95c91937-page1.html
Visiting Artists from the mainland:
Russ Freeman and The Rippingtons
http://www.smoothjazznotes.com/freeman_rippingtons0709.html
Deniece Williams - vocalist.
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/deniece-williams-mn0000816701
Rick Braun - trumpet.
http://www.rickbraun.com/
Brian Simpson - keyboards.
http://www.bsimpsonmusic.com/bio.htm
Ray Parker Jr. - guitar, vocals.
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/ray-parker-jr-mn0000413601
Golden Moment Videos:
Video – Phil Bennett and The Remnants
Video - Star Kalahiki
Video - DeShannon Higa and Reggie Padilla
Video - Brian Simpson
Video - Deniece Williams
Video – Rick Braun and Michael Paulo
Video - Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons
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