Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
Santiam Hearts to Arts has received a $5,000 grant that will help the group put on a choral concert in June.
Pacific Power awarded the grant to the group. The money was part of $164,000 the utility company distributed recently to arts and cultural organizations in Oregon, Washington and California. Six of the grants, totaling $23,000, went to organizations in the Willamette Valley.
The funds will be used for a director, accompanist and other expenses for a Santiam Canyon Community Chorus show at 4 p.m. on June 11 at Stewart’s Hall in Mill City, said JoAnn Hebing of Santiam Hearts to Arts.
“The chorus is so glad to be back in full swing after the (COVID) pandemic and the fire,” Hebing said.
The upcoming show, Hebing said, features a medley from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific followed by a program of authentic Hawaiian music.
The goal, she said, is to show how the Hawaiians fought to keep their culture alive. The show also features a contemporary piece about how the word “aloha” means “more than just a greeting, but one that conveys cultural beliefs about how to treat others, such as kindness, unity, being agreeable, having humility and patience. We feel this is a message that is perfect for today,” Hebing said.
In addition to the chorus, the show will feature a Hawaiian dance troupe from Paradise, Samoa, elementary kids chanting, a duet and barbershop quartet.
Hebing and her family lived in Hawaii from 1967-1989, and she taught music in the schools there.
“I feel very privileged to be able to share my expertise with the community and make them aware that Hawaii is more than a sunny vacation spot for tourists.”
Hebing said the event will include a silent auction, drawing and a few live auction items. There also will be a prize for the guest who sports the best Hawaiian outfit, so concertgoers are encouraged to dress Hawaiian.
