The Kahilu Theatre has announced its 38th Season, Art Matters. The Season includes 52 performances, exhibits, musical theatre, classes, and camps. Made possible by Parker Ranch owner Richard Smart, a renowned Broadway performer, the theatre first opened in 1981, and was named in honor of Smart’s mother, Thelma Kahiluonapuaapi`ilani Parker. Today the Kahilu is known as the artistic heart of Waimea.
“I am delighted to be a part of another exciting year reflecting the community’s aloha for this special Theatre,” said Kahilu Theatre Board President Mimi Kerley. “Our organization has gone through profound change over the past five years, and I have great confidence we will continue to serve our community as a vibrant hale for the arts.”
“Many patrons, some of whom have been in our audience since opening night, have said that Richard Smart could not have imagined the scope and impact of his original dream for Kahilu, and how proud he would be of what his Theatre has become,” said Artistic Director Chuck Gessert. “Our goal is to offer something for everyone and to celebrate the creative spirit.”
2018
South Pacific
Fri, Aug 31, 7pm
Sat Sep 1, 7pm
Sun, Sep 2, 4pm
Kahilu Theatre’s Artistic Director Chuck Gessert will bring to Waimea the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The show will feature a great mix of stage talent including Larry Adams as Emile De Becque and Makana as Lieutenant Joe Cable and a full pit orchestra.
Na Leo
Sat, Sep 22, 7pm
Na Leo is the biggest selling Hawaiian female music group in the world. They have been writing, composing, and performing contemporary Hawaiian music since 1982 and have received over 20 NāHōkūHanohano Awards included Group of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.
Zodiac Trio
Sun, Sep 30, 4pm
The Zodiac Trio (Kliment Krylovskiy, clarinet; Vanessa Mollard, violin; Riko Higuma, piano) enjoys an international concert schedule that consistently spans three continents and is recognized by many to be the foremost clarinet- violin-piano ensembles performing today.
Harold López-Nussa Trio
Sat, Oct 20, 7pm
Harold Lopez-Nussa is a pianist and composer from Havana, Cuba. His music reflects the full range and richness of Cuban music, with its distinctive combination of classical, folkloric, and popular elements, as well as its embrace of jazz improvisation and interaction.
Mark Salman
Sun, Oct 21, 4pm
Mark Salman’s performance in the Kahilu Steinway Series was a highpoint of the 2016/17 Season. The Seattle-based master artist will return to play our beautiful Model D concert grand for another outstanding solo piano event.
Henry Kapono & Jerry Santos
Sat, Oct 27, 7pm
Henry Kapono will host three duo concerts sharing the stage with some of his legendary contemporaries, with songs and stories about music that has been a part of our lives for a long time. The artists will play individual hits then collaborate on a fun jam. Per Henry, “Guaranteed to leave people smiling and happy.” The opening concert will feature Jerry Santos. Best knows for is work in the group Olomana, Jerry has been an influential presence on the Hawaiian music scene for 40 years.
Churchill
Sun, Oct 28, 4pm
Long before the film The Darkest Hour, actor Ron Keaton created a brilliant one-man show offering a glimpse into the character of this important world leader. Keaton’s Churchill ran for six months at New World Stages and enjoyed multiple extensions at the Greenhouse Theatre in Chicago
Pink Martini
Wed, Oct 31, 7pm
Thu, Nov 1, 7pm
Pink Martini is a Portland-based group, rollicking their musical chops on yet another around-the-world adventure. An enduring favorite of Kahilu audiences, we are pleased to bring them back for what promises to be another sold-out spectacular event.
Leche de Tigre
Fri, Nov 2, 7pm
Leche de Tigre is a Kailua-Kona based “Latin Gypsy Funk” band whose main focus is to make you move. One part adrenalized Latin percussive rhythms, a healthy dosage of Spanish, Gypsy, and Rock inspired vocals and guitar arrangements, with driving Funk foundation of bass, drums, and horn.
Iggy Jang’s Tango Extravaganza 2018!
Sun, Nov 4, 4pm
Iggy Jang, concertmaster for the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, will be joined by other world-class musicians as well as Argentinian tango dancers for this concert.
‘Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar Fest
Thu, Nov 15, 7pm
Fri, Nov 16, 7pm
Sat, Nov 17, 4pm
Our 16thannual legendary music event will include Jake Shimabukuro, Jeff Peterson, Sonny Lim, Led Ka`apana, Nathan Aweau, Mike Ka`awa and more. A festival like no other in the state, our musicians play together on our stage and give back across our island in local schools to inspire the next generation of ‘ukuleleand ki ho’ aluperformers.
Niall de Búrca
Sun, Nov 18, 4pm
Niall de Búrca is one of Ireland’s finest traditional storytellers. Recognized for the diversity of his tales and talents he has an easy ability to reach hearts and minds of all ages.
Henry Kapono & Keola Beamer
Sat, Nov 24, 7pm
The second installment of Henry Kapono sharing the stage with Keola Beamer to talk story and share their love of music. Keola was one of the first to use Hawaiian Slack Key techniques to create contemporary music that is also at home on jazz or classical stages.
Waimea Community Chorus: Holiday Concert
Sat, Dec 8, 7pm
Sun, Dec 9, 4pm
The International Carol Suits, I-V arranged by Mark Hayes. The New York Premier of this work was in November 2017 at Carnegie Hall. Each suit features carols from a different part of the world. The International Carol Suite is accompanied by a chamber orchestra.
Alsarah & the Nubatones
Fri, Dec 14, 7pm
Alsarah is a singer, songwriter, bandleader and a somewhat reluctant ethnomusicologist. Born in Khartoum, Sudan, she relocated to Yemen with her family before abruptly moving to the USA, finally feeling most at home in Brooklyn, NY where she has been residing since 2004. She is a self-proclaimed practitioner of East-African Retro-Pop music. Working on various projects, she has toured both nationally and internationally.
Kalani e`a Christmas Show
Sat, Dec 15, 7pm
After last year’s Kahilu Theatre premiere and sold-out performance, Kalani Pe`a returns with a new and festive Christmas Show steeped in Hawaiian tradition. His Christmas song, Kanakaloka, was just nominated for a Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Hawaiian Single of the Year.
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The Kahilu Theatre is a private, non-profit organization that has supported both professional and emerging artists for more than three decades, offering residents and visitors quality arts, entertainment, and education. Located in the center of Waimea, the Theatre manages a 484-seat performing arts auditorium, two galleries, and a Black Box venue named the Mike Luce Studio. Kahilu’s mission is to make a place where community, creativity, and inspiration thrive.
Ticket Info
Tickets can be purchased online, in person or by phone.To buy tickets in person visit the Box Office Monday to Friday between 9:00am to 1:00pm, or on the day of show. To order tickets by phone, please call (808) 885-6868 during Box Office hours, or leave a message.
All ticket orders (online, by phone, and in person) are subject to a $3 per ticket box office fee, which is now included in the listed ticket price for “Kahilu Presents” shows.
The Kahilu Theatre is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 am to 1 pm, or online at www.kahilutheatre.org. Address: 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela HI, 97643
2019
Get Happy: Angela Ingersoll Sings Judy Garland
Sat, Jan 12, 7pm
Sun, Jan 13, 4pm
Award winning dynamo Angela Ingersoll celebrates American icon Judy Garland, as seen on PBS. Through passionate storytelling and a natural humor, Angela superbly captures Garland’s emotional and vocal power. Presented by Artist Lounge Live.
Henry Kapono & Malani Bilyeu
Sat, Jan 19, 7pm
The third and final performance of our three-part series hosted by Henry Kapono as he talks story and shares the stage with Hawaiian music legend Malani Bilyeu. Malani was one of the founding members of the group Kalapana and has been an instrumental force of the Hawaiian music scene since the 1970’s.
Giordano Dance Chicago
Wed, Jan 23, 7pm
Giordano Dance Company is America’s original jazz dance company, captivating audiences worldwide with dynamic performances and the diversity and wide appeal of its repertoire.
John Sebastian
Tue, Jan 29, 7pm
Four decades of contributions of John Sebastian have become a permanent part of our American music fabric. His group, The Lovin’ Spoonful, played a major role in the mid-60’s rock revolution and we know the songs by heart: Do You Believe in Magic?, You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice, Daydream, Summer In The City, and John Sebastian brings his iconic song catalog to Kahilu Theatre.
Derek Gripper
Fri, Feb 1, 7pm
Derek Gripper is a solo classical guitarist from Cape Town, South Africa. Specializing in the kora music of Mali, his talent transports us to another, distant culture with no separation of time and space.
Moore & Maroudas 2
Sun, Feb 3, 4pm
The duo behind one of our most popular concerts last season return for an evening on two pianos. Cheryl “Quack” Moore and Anthony Maroudas will perform a concert featuring Shostakovich, Mozart, Cui, Debussy-Ravel, Guastavino, and a big blockbuster finale: the Rachmaninoff 2nd Suite for two pianos, Op. 17.
Tomas Kubinek: Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible
Wed, Feb 6, 7pm
Tomas Kubinek is a collision of theatre and classic music-hall performance art. His exuberant one-man show is in equal parts comic brilliance, virtuosic vaudeville, and irresistible charm. This performance is not appropriate for small children.
Chunhajeil Tal Gongiakso (aka The Greatest Masque)
Fri, Feb 15, 7pm
Founded in 2006 by young emerging traditional Korean mask dancers in Korea. The company’s work is rooted in the traditional Korean mask dance, Talchum, and their Hawaii tour 2019 will consist of various traditional Korean mask dances and music.
Jacob Jonas The Company
Tue, Feb 26, 7pm
Led by 25-year-old namesake, Jacob Jonas The Company is gaining an international profile for its honest storytelling, visceral performances, and visual content creation. A mix of contemporary ballet and acrobatic movement guaranteed to honor and celebrate the art of dance.
Brother Noland
Sat, Mar 9, 7pm
Brother Noland is an impact player. Before his first smash hit, Coconut Girl, the term Hawaiian music didn’t really exist. But like true innovators, Noland refuses to be easily defined. He excels in traditional Hawaiian music, slack key, and Hawaiian swing because music makes him feel good, and good music, no matter what the flavor, makes us feel a whole lot better.
Daniel Hsu
Sun, Mar 10, 4pm
20-year-old American pianist Daniel Hsu captured the bronze medal at the Fifteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2017. He is increasingly recognized for his easy virtuosity and bold musicianship, and we are proud and pleased to bring him to the Kahilu Theatre stage.
L A Dance Project
Wed, Mar 20, 7pm
L.A. Dance Project is a platform for the development, creation, support, and presentation of world-class dance in Los Angeles. This show is pure contemporary, California style
Ana Vidovic
Thu, Mar 21, 7pm
A major force in the classical guitar world, Ana Vidovic has a finely honed technique and a remarkable stylistic sensitivity that allows her to communicate eloquently. A child prodigy, she started playing guitar at the age of five in Croatia, inspired by her brother Viktor. Ana began performing at the age of eight and has never looked back.
Zakir Hussain with Niladri Kumar
Fri, Mar 22, 7pm
A master percussionist and classical Indian tabla virtuoso of the highest order, Zakir Hussain’s consistently brilliant and exciting performances have not only established him as a national treasure in his own country, but have also earned him worldwide fame.
Laurence Hobgood Trio
Sun, Apr 7, 4pm
Grammy winner Laurence Hobgood is a contemporary jazz piano virtuoso, composer, arranger, producer, lyricist, and educator. Perhaps best known for his twenty-year collaboration with vocalist Kurt Elling, Hobgood has had a varied and dynamic career.
Taimane Elemental – a musical and theatrical odyssey
Sat, Apr 13, 7pm
Taimane Gardner has been blowing away audiences for most of her 26 years. Elemental- a musical and theatrical odyssey brings to life Taimane’s visions of the elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) and related spheres through music, dance, narration and costume.
Robert Cazimero
Sat, May 11, 7pm
In the 1970’s Robert Cazimero and his family were the driving force behind the Hawaiian renaissance of arts and culture. That resurgence launched his career in which, now, thirty years later, is stronger than ever. Musician, composer, kumuhula; his work in each of these areas is known throughout the world. No Kahilu Season would be complete without hosting the man whose voice in story or song makes us take flight.
Waimea Community Chorus
Sat, May 25, 7pm
Sun, May 26, 4pm
Waimea Community Chorus presents music recorded by Queen, ABBA, Jim Croce, Three Dog Night, Led Zeppelin, Carole King and more. Songs from musicals Evita, A Chorus Line, The Wiz, andPhantom of the Opera will round out the sounds of the 1970’s.
West Side Story
Fri, Jun 21, 7pm
Sat, Jun 22, 7pm
Sun, Jun 23, 4pm
Directed by Beth Dunnington and choreographed by Angel Prince, West Side Story will showcase our Kahilu Theatre Youth Troupe. This production will extend our students’ singing, acting, and dancing horizons in this brilliant and relevant musical with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.