Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
Santiam Hearts to Arts is hosting a Hawaiian-themed choral concert on June 11 at 4 p.m. at Stewarts Hall, 158 SW Broadway in Mill City.
There is no admission charge, but donations will be accepted at the door. Appetizers will be provided by Taste of Hawaii of Santiam Golf Club.
Santiam Hearts to Arts received a $5,000 grant from Pacific Power that enabled the group to put on the concert.
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 were used for a director, accompanist and other expenses for the Santiam Canyon Community Chorus show, 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 show, Hebing said, features a medley from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific. Also on the program are a barbershop quartet, chants from an elementary school choir and a special performance by a Hawaiian dance troupe and the Ericksons. Audience participation is encouraged, Hebing said.
The goal of the program, 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 (also) 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.
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, raffle and a couple of live auction items. Credit cards will be accepted for admission donations, raffle tickets and auction items. There also will be a prize for the guest who sports the best Hawaiian outfit, so concertgoers are encouraged to dress Hawaiian for the show.
