May 11, 2009

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann paid tribute to the musical art of jazz, jazz artists, educators, and enthusiasts April 11 by issuing a proclamation naming April as Jazz Appreciation Month in Honolulu. The presentation took place as part of the festivities of the JAZZ HAWAII concert at Hawaii Theatre.

The event featured an all'star lineup of Hawaii-based jazz practitioners including Pauline Wilson, Jimmy Borges, Benny Chong, David Choy, Dan Del Negro, Steve Jobs, and Darryl Pellegrini.

In his remarks, Hannemann noted that for almost two decades, “Honolulu has developed a history of festivals and events geared towards the celebration and perpetuation the art of jazz.” Jazz has been infused into the local arts scene with numerous performances held in venues in Honolulu. From 1993 to 2006, the Hawaii International Jazz Festival attracted some of the finest jazz musicians who enriched thousands of residents and visitors about the importance and splendor of jazz. In a partnership with the city and county of Honolulu, Hawaii Theatre was able to present JAZZ HAWAII as a continuation of this tradition.

The Smooth Jazz Nights series at the Royal Hawaiian Theatre in Waikiki presented two concerts on April 10 and 11 that wowed audiences from head to toe.

Hannemann serves as chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Committee on Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports. Support for the arts is part of the Mayors’ 10-Point Plan. The Conference of Mayors has participated in Jazz Appreciation Month for the past two years.