With Hawaii's school budget cuts these days, students, teachers and parents are doing what they can to save their schools' programs.  On September 5, 2009 the Kaimuki High School Performing Arts Center held a benefit concert.  Various musicians and comedians volunteered their time to help out.  We were lucky enough to hear about the concert and spent the evening enjoying the food and entertainment.

The concert started at 3 p.m. in the afternoon.  We showed up for a late dinner, around 7 p.m.  In the Kaimuki High School cafeteria, we enjoyed a salad, spaghetti with garlic bread and dessert.  Next, on the the Performing Arts Center to watch the show.

We arrived just in time to see Mel Cabang, a well known Hawaii comedian.  It's been about 20 years since I last saw him performing live at a nightclub in Waikiki.  Mel is hilarious.  He makes fun of people in the audience and himself.  People walking into the show while he's on stage - be prepared!  He loves to poke fun at anyone and everyone.

After Mel left the stage, a group called "Vella" played some Hawaiian-style oldies music.  Then to top it off, another group named "Soul Vibe by Big D" played their music, which to me sounded like Jawaiian or Hawaiian reggae style.  This group was very popular with the high school kids. 

By 10 p.m. or so it was getting past our bed time and we called it a night.  Soul Vibe was still jamming.  It was a great night of food and fun.  And on top of that our admission fee benefited the Performing Arts Center of Kaimuki High School.

Organizers said it was financially a great success.  Many people donated money and the artists were so kind to give their time.  The event was not very crowded, maybe because it started at 3 p.m. and ended around 11 p.m.  Maybe next year they'll shorten the event a bit to make things easier on themselves.

We're looking forward to it!  Bring back Mel Cabang!

 Mike Bates - Hawaii Realtor