Local Talent Will Shine April 15 At Leeward Music Festival

The Kapolei Chorale - which sponsors and will sing at the festival - includes (seated, from left) Malani Baker, Patricia Ossowski, (at piano) Nanette Donaldson, Purie Cortez, director Doris Dudley, Cristeta Ponce, Mina Trullinger and Sandy Duldulao; (standing) Lillian Shaw, Lynda Sato, Kapiolani James, Rose Lyau, Dixie Ku'ulei Kamalau, Ruby Maunakea, Danilo Ponce, Ed Alakai, Kioni Dudley, Bonnie White and Virgil Hughes. Photo courtesy Doris Dudley.

The Kapolei Chorale will present its second annual Leeward Music Festival at 3 p.m. April 15 at Kapolei Middle School.

The festival was established to support and encourage musical arts in West Oahu and showcase the talents of accomplished area artists of all ages, from elementary school students to adults.

This year’s lineup includes singing and dancing, as well as a variety of instrumental performances.

Participating are the Nanakuli High and Intermediate School Performing Arts students under the direction of Robin Kitsu, kumu hula Hi’ilei Silva’s Na Hula O Kaleiokapualani from Ewa Beach, the Iroquois Point Elementary School Band directed by David Utrera, the Kapolei Piano Ensemble with teachers Karen Aranda and Doris Dudley, and the Kapolei Chorale, under the direction of Dudley.

Featured soloists are voice teacher Simon Escano, Ji-Yun Johnson (recently arrived from Korea), and Philippines Deputy Consul Paul Raymond Cortez, who also will be the emcee.

The festival also has a special guest group, which was designed to highlight a unique sound or skill in the performing arts. This year it’s The Sounds of Aloha, the 40-member men’s barbershop chorus from Honolulu, led by assistant directors Phillip Wee and Kawika Mitchell.

Kapolei Middle School is located at 91-5335 Kapolei Parkway.

Seating is limited. For additional information, call 672-8888.