By Kathy Hansberry
Looking for a fun and relaxing way to celebrate the holidays? Head down to Plaza Stage at Waikiki Beach Walk to enjoy the popular Sunday Showcase music series, a free weekly program that takes place every Sunday afternoon from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event continues to attract visitors and residents alike by providing a great line-up of local entertainers.
Four talented groups culminate this year’s Sunday Showcase series with scheduled performances by The Performing Artist Academy, The Carmen Haugen Quartet, A Touch of Gold, and Nihoa.
December 7 -The Performing Artist Academy (Variety)
Under the direction of William Daquioaq, the children and teens from the Performing Artist Academy will
The Performing Artist Academy will appear on December 7
incorporate holiday, island, and contemporary tunes in their performances. Mr. Daquioaq, a musician with the Society of Seven Las Vegas, is the owner/director of The Performing Artist Academy and former vocal teacher for “American Idol” finalist, Jasmine Trias. Following their Waikiki Beach Walk engagement, this group will be performing at Disneyland and Las Vegas from December 12 through 16.
December 14 – The Carmen Haugen Quartet (Hawaiian)
After 30 years of performing in Waikiki and around the world, Hawaiian music legends Keith and Carmen Haugen return to Waikiki as The Carmen Haugen Quartet. Known for their pleasant mixture of old and new Hawaiian songs, in Hawaiian and English, Keith and Carmen are joined by pianist Ron Miyashiro and Pakini (washtub) bass master Frank Uehara. Allow them to share their laid-back style of life, and you’ll walk away with a sense of what aloha is all about.
December 21 – A Touch Of Gold (Classic Oldies, Motown, Contemporary)
A Touch of Gold is known as one of Hawaii’s premiere musical groups. Over a decade since they began, “A Touch of Gold” continues to delight people of all ages. Their soulful harmonic voices will mesmerize you, as they sing those classic “Motown” hits from the 50s up to today. Join “A Touch of Gold,” as they celebrate the release of their second CD.
December 28 – Nihoa (Hawaiian)
Veteran Hawaiian entertainer Andrei Puchert and Guitar Institute of Hawaii’s Mike Barques come together as the duo Nihoa. From Hawaiian Falsetto singing, Hawaiian slack key guitar, to country and contemporary music, Nihoa brings an assortment of music to Waikiki Beach Walk.
Valet parking for up to four hours is available for $6 at the Embassy Suites – Waikiki Beach Walk (201 Beachwalk) and the Wyndham Vacation Ownership-Waikiki Beach Walk (227 Lewers Street), with any same-day purchase from any Waikiki Beach Walk merchant.
