An exciting and wonderful musical opportunity is coming to the East side of the Big island! We would like to share the details plus get an idea for who would be interested in attending!
Rion Schmidt and Katy Rexford of the Aloha Blue-Grass Duo will be putting on a free Meet & Greet activity, which will expose our keiki to a variety of musical instruments such as fiddles, violins, banjos, guitars, bass, and mandolins. Rion and Katy will play a few songs, introduce various instruments, plus talk about the types of programs and lessons they offer. All families are welcome to attend!For families looking to get their children into musical lessons, this is great opportunity to get exposed to what's out there. Katy and Rion take on students of all ages and abilities, from complete beginner to advanced. For those interested in scheduling lessons, their normal rate is $50/hour or $25/half hour.
The Meet & Greet will be happening on Friday June 7th, at 4:00pm at the Hawaiian Acres Community Center. Map here. If this is something you'd be interested in attending, please email Barbara at b2russell@hotmail.com for any questions or to schedule lessons with Rion and Katy.
(If for any reason you can't make it to the Meet & Greet on the 7th, please feel free to email Barbara to arrange another time to meet up.)
Check out Rion and Katy's video "Sourdough" below:
Rion and Katy's Bios:
Katy Rexford and Rion Schmidt - the Aloha Bluegrass Duo - have been playing and teaching music each for over a dozen years, and have been teaching in the Hawaiian islands for three and eight years, respectively. Each spring, their mainland-based Aloha Bluegrass Band members join them for a tour of the islands of Hawai'i, Oahu, and Maui, where they teach several week-long bluegrass and Hawaiian music workshops to keiki and adults and perform throughout the islands.
Katy grew up in eastern North Carolina and began playing the violin at age eight. She also played her first fiddle tune that year, beginning a lifelong journey of traditional music exploration, including old time, bluegrass, country blues, Hawaiian, Irish, Cajun, and more. Based in San Francisco from 2000-2012, Katy has performed and toured with myriad artists including Peter Rowan, Boz Scaggs, Michelle Shocked, Del Williams, Poor Man's Whiskey, and more. She now directs the Aloha Music Academy and teaches at a number of bluegrass and folk music camps in Alaska, Hawaii, and the lower 48. Katy has been teaching music for ten years, and teaching music in Hawaii for three.
Rion Schmidt was born and raised Alaska, playing and singing bluegrass and folk music with his father and sister since he was a young boy. Rion's banjo style reflects the mountain music of Alaska and the Northwest. A multi-instrumentalist and singer, Rion has been teaching music for 13 years, co-directing the Aloha Music Academy for two, and has instructed music camps for kids and adults in Alaska, Inuvik (Northern Territory Canada), and Hawaii. He has collaborated with Hawaiian musicians on Maui for eight years, and shares the Hawaiian people's interest in preserving traditional music styles and values.
I would be interested in bringing my 5 year old and 3 year old depending on the time and location (we also have soccer and swim class that day, so hopefully we could fit it in) sounds like a lot of fun! Hanks for providing the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds fun. I have one 8 yr old who lives music. Mid-mmorning and close to hilo wouldb great:)
ReplyDeleteWe live on the Hamakua and are interested in attending this event.
ReplyDeleteOkay great! I think the best way to RSVP is to email Barbara at b2russell@hotmail.com. Then she will have your contact info and can keep you updated on the time and place. Mahalo!
ReplyDeleteHi All, We have confirmed the event for 4:00 at the Hawaiian Acres Community Center on the 7th. Feel free to email me with questions or let me know if this time does not work for you we might be able to arrange another time to meet. Thanks, Barbara
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