Hawaii slack-key virtuoso Makana and Taimane, known for her pyrotechnics on the ukulele, will join Kenneth Makuakane, Black Square, Jamarek, Men In Grey Suits, Hawai‘iki and more island musicians, activists and community organizations in presenting a free concert, Power to the Positive: A Night of Unity, from 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 20 — the same day as Donald Trump’s inauguration — at the Waikiki Shell.
Spurred by the 2016 presidential election, and the departure of Hawaii-born outgoing President Barack Obama, the free music festival has the theme “Get Involved,” and mission of “Creating Positive Outcomes in Hawaii & Beyond” — encouraging Honolulu residents to engage with local and national organizations, and to speak out on issues including climate change and the environment, health care and human rights.
“There is a tremendous opportunity to get more people engaged and active than ever before; in addition, there is a higher need than ever before to do so,” said organizer Mark Tarone, in an email announcing plans for the concert. “Power to the Positive is about getting involved, taking action and lifting our communities and hearts.”
Food vendors will include Hawaiian Fresh Farms, India Cafe and Istanbul Restaurant. Organizations participating include the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, The World Can’t Wait Hawaii, Community Alliance on Prisons Hawaii and Hawaii Center for Food Safety.
Tarone, an events producer with T-Rx Entertainment, who organized the Hallowbaloo festival, is co-producing this event with Tim Vandeveer, chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii.
Gates at the Waikiki Shell will open at 5 p.m. The event will be open to all ages. There will be no outside food, drink or water permitted. Info: BlaisdellCenter.com. Interested organizations may contact Tarone: mark@rootsmusichawaii.com.
