Jazz is back at Lutheran Church of Honolulu, and you’re invited to enjoy all the swinging sounds of our summer lineup! Take a musical journey with us as we celebrate summer with some of Honolulu’s finest jazz musicians. Concerts begin at 7:00 pm in the Nave, and all are invited to gather for pūpū and conversation before the concert at 6:15 pm in the Hörmann Courtyard. The concerts are free, with a suggested donation of $20 for each concert.
- Allen Won and Friends (June 6 • 7:00 pm)—Local Saxophonist Allen Won has embraced a diverse career with an eclectic performance itinerary playing with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center; many of the orchestras in and around New York, including the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet, the City Opera, and the New Jersey Philharmonic; and various jazz and experimental groups, including Mario Pavone, Barbara Sfraga, Mala Waldron, Steve Bernstein. As part of our Summer Jazz series, Allen will be joined by Tim Ishii (alto saxophone), Curtis Abe (trombone), Steffan Karlsson (piano), Taylor Katase (drums), and Dean Taba (string bass) to bring you an unforgettable evening.
- Summer String Swing (July 11 • 7:00 pm)—Join Hawai‘i jazz masters Duane Padilla on violin, Benny Chong on ‘ukulele, and Byron Yasui on bass as they present an evening of string-based swing music. Together, they explore what might happen if French jazz violinist Stephane Grapelli and American violinist Stuff Smith accidentally met in a Waikīkī night club and were asked to jam “island style.”
- DeShannon Higa and Quadpod (August 8 • 7:00 pm)—Member of Royal Hawaiian Band member DeShannon Higa is also a bandleader and visionary. He has assembled and is currently performing with two bands of his own creation. He will share the sultry sounds of his trumpet along with his ensemble, Quadpod. This neo-bop quartet will be joined by a special guest on vocals. DeShannon’s styles of music range from jazz to Latin/salsa to modern electronica and hip hop. He resides in Honolulu with his wife, former Broadway performer, from the original cast of Miss Saigon, Rocky Brown, with whom he also performs.