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Steven Espaniola
Lokahi
225 Posts |
 Posted - 03/25/2011 : 10:44:59 PM
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DATE: March 24, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kōkua Japan San Francisco concert on April 2 to
benefit Japan disaster relief
Free event in Japantown's Peace Plaza to include Hawaiian music,
Polynesian dance and diverse Bay Area bands
SAN FRANCISCO, California -- In response to the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami in
Northern Japan, a group of concerned citizens from the Bay Area's Hawaiian and Asian American
communities have organized Kōkua Japan San Francisco, a fundraising concert in Japantown's
Peace Plaza from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2011. "Kōkua" means "help" in Hawaiian.
Donations to the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund will be solicited at the free event, which
will also raise funds through raffles of donated merchandise and T-shirt sales. The nonprofit
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival will collect the monies and deliver them to the
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC), which administers the
earthquake relief fund along with Union Bank. One hundred percent of the fund will be distributed
for direct assistance to residents of the affected area of Japan.
The entertainment on the Peace Plaza stage, at Post and Buchanan streets, will be emceed by NBC
Bay Area newsman and stand-up comedian Mike Inouye. The lineup includes:
* Hawaiian music groups: Steven Espaniola & Friends, Faith Ako & Friends, Side Order Band
featuring Chris Kamaka & Asa Young, 'AHAmele 'Ukulele Band, Ho'omana and JD Puli & Friends
* Polynesian dance troupes: Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu (hula), Ke 'Olu Makani 'O Mauna Loa with
kumu Meleana Manuel (hula), Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea (hula), Merahi O Tehani (Tahitian 'ōte'a)
* Diverse musical acts: Feelosophy (funk, soul), Project Gojira (fusion), Native
Elements (reggae), Stymie & the Pimp Jones Luv Orchestra (funk, rock, ska.)
Local merchants have donated items for raffle prizes, while Hawaiian Airlines is flying in 200 special
"Aloha" T-shirts for sale with the help of the Hawai'i Lieutenant Governor's office, which is
coordinating the islands' Aloha for Japan fundraising effort. The T-shirt, which uses a rising sun for
the "o" in "Aloha," will sell at Kōkua Japan San Francisco for $25, from which the $15 profit per shirt
will go to earthquake relief. Sponsors include Aloha Warehouse, Colortone Digital, Hawai'i
Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, Susie Kagami, Osaki Creative Group, and Sound
Innovations. Thanks also go to Sandy Lee of the San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department.
CONTACTS
Edgar and Leah Dang: (415) 346-7553, kokuajapansf @ gmail.com
Steven Espaniola: kokuajapansf @ gmail.com
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Steven |
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Kōkua Japan San Francisco Benefit Concert 4/2
