Kokua Festival 2010

Local music sensation Jack Johnson’s popular Kokua Festival is returning to the Waikiki Shell on Earth Day weekend (April 23-24). The highly anticipated and often sold out event benefits the Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation and promotes eco-friendly living.

The festival’s music lineup is as follows:

• Jack Johnson: In 2003, Jack Johnson and his wife Kim co-founded the Kokua Hawaii Foundation and since then have hosted six Kokua Festivals. Jack just finished working on his sixth studio album (yet to be titled) which was recorded on 100% solar energy in Hawaii and will be released on June 1st on Johnson’s own Brushfire Records label. For his upcoming world tour, Johnson and his crew will once again collaborate with non-profits as part of All At Once, to bring the Kokua message around the world and inspire music fans to create positive change.
• Ziggy Marley: Island favorite and four time Grammy-winning musician, Ziggy Marley, will make his first appearance at the 2010 Kokua Festival playing a solo acoustic set. Ziggy recently released his third solo children’s album “Family Time” which features Paula Fuga and Jack Johnson on a track entitled “Cry, Cry, Cry”. Marley is an active supporter of children charity organizations worldwide including Little Kids Rock, which brings musical instruments and music lessons to children in public schools, and U.R.G.E. (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a non-profit organization founded by Ziggy that benefits a children’s causes in Jamaica and other developing nations.
• Taj Mahal: Grammy winning composer, multi-faceted musician and vocalist Taj Mahal is one of the most prominent and influential figures in late 20th century blues and roots music. Mahal has done much to reshape the definition and scope of the blues during his career by fusing it with nontraditional forms, including sounds from the Caribbean, Africa and the Hawaiian Islands. Over the years, Taj’s passion and curiosity have led him around the world, and the resulting global perspective is reflected in his music.
• Jake Shimabukuro: Born and raised in Hawaii, Jake is recognized as one of the world’s most exciting and innovative ukulele players and composers. Renowned for lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques, Jake views the ukulele as an “untapped source of music with unlimited potential.” His music combines elements of jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock.
• Anuhea: With a delicate blend of fragility, strength and sass, Hawaiian-born singer/songwriter Anuhea blends engaging lyrics with acoustic soul, pop and reggae into a style that has earned her a reputation as Hawaii’s newest rising star. Her signature guitar flow, sultry vocals and honest songwriting weave acoustic soul, R&B reggae and jazz with pop appeal. Anuhea recently opened for Al Green in Hawaii.

This is one of the best concerts of the year.  Those interested in attending should buy tickets in advance!  The proceeds go to the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawaii. Its mission is to provide students with exciting and interactive experiences that will enhance their appreciation for and understanding of their environment so that they will be lifelong stewards of the earth. While the Kokua Hawaii Foundation participates in a variety of environmental education initiatives in Hawaii, it has three main programs: 3R’s School Recycling, Environmental Field Trip Assistance, and ‘AINA In Schools.

Food booths, products and services from green companies, alternative energy demonstrations, interactive games and crafts for kids, and information from environmentally active groups from around the islands are also featured.

Kokua Festival
Dates: April 23rd & 24th 2010
Venue: Waikiki Shell [map], Honolulu, Hawaii
Schedule:
3:00PM: Doors
4:30PM: Show
10:00PM: Curfew

• Set times will not be posted in advance as they are subject to change
• The line-up will be the same on both days of the show
• Rain or Shine
• Everyone subject to search upon entry
• Food/Beverage & other items are sold at the venue for CASH & CREDIT CARD
• ATM machines will be available on site
• Tickets to be picked up at will call / box-office require matching I.D.
• Waikiki Shell box office will opens at 2pm on the day of show for will call pick-ups
• Please carpool, bike or walk to the shows!

Photo courtesy of Kokua Festival