Hawai’i lost two dear musicians this year: Hele Me Ke Akua, Aaron Mahi and Nyle Hallman When certain gifted, generous people pass on, they leave behind profound legacy — felt for generations. Such is the case with two beloved Hawaiʻi musicians: Aaron David Mahi and Nyle Annette Dufresne Hallman. “Uncle Aaron” passed away on July […]
A Song that Needs Singing “Have you wondered where Your road will lead you? Maybe to a song that needs singing Or a summer rain…” — “Follow Your Road,” Seawind Two-time Nā Hōkū-nominated singer-songwriter. Po’okela Award-winning musical director-composer. Daughter of the late, great Beebe Freitas — prolific, prima vista pianist, Hawai’i Opera Theatre rehearsal accompanist, […]
Music Performance Trust Fund 75th Anniversary! The Music Performance Trust Fund’s (MPTF) mission is to enrich lives through music and to contribute to the public knowledge and appreciation of music. To this end, MPTF has, for 75 years, provided grants to pay musicians to provide professional-level, quality musical experiences to public school students, older citizens, […]
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE, Dec. 2023 Aloha MAH members. With the new year upon us, I’d like to take this opportunity to look back and reflect on what has occurred in our union world in 2023. First, happy 100th-year anniversary to us, the Musicians’ Association of Hawaii, Local 677. On the Freelance Front Although Covid is still […]
Member Spotlight: Abe Lagrimas Jr. — Multi-faceted, Multi-talented Local Hero Lots of Local 677 members talk up medical benefits, emergency financial assistance, equity and support during contract negotiations, and a general safety net of assistance. Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner two times over, Abe Lagrimas Jr. (Solo Ukulele – The King of Pop, Beyond Words), […]
Summer 2022 Newsletter President’s Message: Jim Moffitt I am pleased to report that orchestra musicians and Local 677 have completed discussions with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and have ratified a new, four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement, which will run through the 2025-2026 season. With the leadership, involvement, and solidarity of the musicians, meaningful gains have been […]
MPTF Opportunities & Update: Music Performance Trust Fund presents: “A Celebration of Live Music: A Labor of Love” MPTF will fund at 100 percent, including payroll costs and performances during the Labor Day Weekend, September 2 through 5. Performances must be free and open to the public. Studio 909 may be available for performances. In addition, […]
The studio is available for rehearsals, recitals, meetings, and events. For reservations, contact Member Services at: members@musicianshawaii.com. From the Summer 2022 issue, Ke Ola O Na Mele
Announcements The next General Membership Meeting on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 7 p.m. will be online via Zoom, as well as in-person (for the first time since the pandemic began) at the Musicians’ Association of Hawaii, Studio 909. A Zoom link and meeting agenda will be sent. Please make plans to attend, in-person or online, and stay involved […]
IN MEMORIAM Gabe Baltazar, November 1, 1929 – June 12, 2022 Goodbye to Gabe Gabe was first and foremost a jazz musician who played with the best. He was respected and loved by so many of his legendary buddies from the Kenton band and his Hollywood recording studio days. A true humble genius, he was […]