Tom Scott and Josh Scott (no relation) at the Maui Prep Academy Workshop Photo Courtesy of HawaiiOnTV.com
For the artists in the Maui Jazz and Blues Festival and the Lanai Jazz Festival, it’s not enough to perform at sold-out performances across the islands. They’re also eager to share their knowledge and love for music with keiki. At every Jazz and Blues event that organizer Ken Martinez Burgmaier plans, he also coordinates free student workshops. At the upcoming Lanai Jazz Festival, hosted at the Four Seasons Resort in Manele Bay and Lodge at Koele and taking place on Jan. 13 and 14, an educational and free workshop with Grammy winner Skip Martin and an ukulele workshop with Maui’s own Benny Uetaki will benefit Lanai elementary and high school students.
“We always want to do music education in the schools,” says Burgmaier. ”I love being able to share these amazing talents with our local keiki in the schools of Maui nui and at our free workshop we do at our all our festivals. We have ukulele, slack key, pu blowing and jazz workshops to pass on the torch and inspire our next generation of artists.”
After November’s Night of Jazz event at the Ritz Carlton with three-time Grammy winner Tom Scott and the Big Island’s 23-year-old Na Hoku Hano Hano winner Brittni Paiva, more than 100 Maui Preparatory students participated in a workshop.
“I encouraged the students to seek out music that stimulates their emotions–and provides inspiration for them to improve their musical skills,” Scott says about working with the kids at Maui Prep. “It’s a two-way street. They get to hear a brief history of pop music as seen through my eyes and in turn I’m rewarded by, hopefully, enlightening them.”
Brittni Paiva and Tom Scott
Scott is currently producing a CD/digital download for Brittni Paiva, and his musical appearances can be followed at www.tomscottmusic.com. Burgmaier produced the just-released Brittni Paiva-Living Ukulele (Talmidim Productions, TPDVD-0611, NTSC) DVD that features live performances, interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, a music video and a section with ukulele lessons. (watch trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NlVnSQLYnc&feature=player_embedded# or go to www.Brittnipaiva.com).
Burgmaier is working on the second annual series of the Lanai Jazz Festival at the Lanai Four Seasons Resorts at Manele and Lodge at Koele with Grammy winner Trumpet Master Skip Martin of DAZZ Band and Kool & The Gang; Master Ukulele with Benny Chong and Byron Yasui; David Choy Sax Master Trio; Jazz Guitar with Benny Uyetake and Robbie Ray; and the Jazz Alley TV Trio with Paul Marchetti, Sal Godinez and Doug White.
“Four Seasons is honored to once again host the music festival with such revered artists gracing our stage to perform for the Lanai community and resort guests,” says Tom Roelens, general manager of Four Seasons Resorts Lanai. “We understand the importance of the arts and are privileged to be able to assist with bringing the Lanai Jazz Festival to the island and assist with creating awareness for the Lanai Community Association.”
Paiva was reminded of herself at the workshop with the Maui students. “It’s inspiring to be on the other side as an instructor rather than a student,” she says. “Seeing the kids and their love for music really brings me joy and hope that I can inspire them as well. We all go through challenges while learning new music. The worst thing we can do is tell ourselves we can’t do it, or it’s just too hard. When we get into that mindset, we’ll never be able to accomplish anything better. Always stay positive when you’re learning and you’ll be able to play absolutely anything!”
Tom Scott and Skip Martin at the Maui Jazz and Blues Festival 2011, Photo Courtesy of HawaiiOnTV.com
The music projects have caught on like wildfire. Upcoming events include the 2nd Annual Lanai Ukulele Festival at the Four Seasons April 14 & 15 (www.LanaiUkuleleFestival.com), the 2nd Annual Lanai Slack Key KihoʻAlu Festival at the Four Seasons August 18 & 19 (www.LanaiSlackKeyFestival.com), 2nd Annual Maui Jazz and Blues Festival (www.MauiJazzandBluesFestival.com) at the Grand Wailea in September, 9th Annual Hana Film Festival, Big Island Jazz & Blues Festival at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (December), plus a quarterly Evening of Jazz Series at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua. The Facebook page for Maui Jazz is a place to keep in touch with all their events (http://Facebook.com/mauijazz)
Burgmaier says he organized the Lanai Film & Music Festival from 2008 until 2010 when county funding for the festival was pulled. “I produced the Lanai Film & Music Festival for three years, then the mayor and County Council killed our minimal funding. We decided to produce the Ukulele, Jazz and Slack key Festivals [in 2011] to show that we could do these grass roots without all the No Aloha Politics.”
Burgmaier likes to stay busy, besides planning the festivals he is working on several films. He will also be in production as director/producer on a new film about Aunty Nona Beamer with a 2012 release and in production on several tribute films including BB King, Herbie Hancock and Aretha Franklin. He also produces daily content for HawaiiONTV.com (www.HawaiiONTV.com) that includes festivals, sports and cultural events.
Four Seasons Resorts Lanai is offering a special accommodations package for Hawaii residents, with rates starting at $199 per night at Manele Bay and $179 per night at The Lodge at Koele. For more information or to make room reservations, please call toll-free at 800-321-4666 and ask for the Lanai Jazz Festival Package. For more information on the upcoming free workshops or the Lanai Jazz Festival call the Four Seasons at 808-565-2000 or go to www.LanaiJazzFestival.com.
The schedule of events for Lanai Jazz Festival include:
- Manele Bay – Friday, January 13, 2012; 6:00-9:00 p.m. Enjoy seaside music in Ihilani with special performances by Skip Martin, Benny Chong, Byron Yasui, David Choy, Benny Uyetake, Sal Godinez, Paul Marchetti, and Doug White. Guests may also enjoy a special Jazz Duo and Trio dinner in Ihilani during the performance. Advanced reservations are required for this special dinner.
- Coffee Works – Saturday, January 14, 2012; 9:00-11:00 a.m. Start the morning with a ‘Cup of Joe’ and Jazz Guitarist Benny Uyetake’s java jam session.
- Café 565 – Saturday, January 14, 2012; 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Enjoy live music in Lāna‘i City during lunch with jazz guitarist Robbie Ray.
- The Lodge at Koele – Saturday, January 14, 2012; 4:00-8:00 p.m. The Great Hall will come alive with an afternoon of award winning jazz music. The line-up includes Skip Martin, Benny Chong, Byron Yatsui, David Choy, Benny Uyetake, Sal Godinez, Doug White, and Paul Marchetti. Following the performances, guests may enjoy a special pupus menu or Jazz Duo and Trio dinner in the Music Room.
- Blue Ginger Café – Sunday, January 15, 2012; 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Special morning performance by jazz guitarist Benny Uyetake.
- The Lodge at Koele – Sunday, January 15, 2012; 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Hana Hou performance with jazz pianist Sal Godinez in the Great Hall.