Is It Music or Noise?

Jazz is more than music; it is audio art. While some people prefer their music with easily discernible melodic lines, repetitive hooks, and generic harmonies, others want to break free of musical norms and discover something that sets their synapses on fire.

On May 31 to June 3, the Big Island Jazz Festival will heat up the Kohala area at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and the Blue Dragon Restaurant in Kawaihae.

Grammy winners will perform throughout the four-day event and include jazz and blues legends Les McCann, Joe Louis Walker, Skip Martin, Eric Marienthal.

Grammy winner John Keawe and Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Brother Noland will also perform. Other amazing talents include Grammy nominated saxophonist Javon Jackson and Akira Tana on drums among others.

On May Thursday 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., a jazz and blues dinner will kick off the festival at the Blue Dragon restaurant located at 61-3616 Kawaihae Road. Call 808-882-7771 for more information.

On Friday June 1, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., a special VIP event will take place at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel located at 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive. This particular performance will have limited seating for $75 per person.

Then on Saturday June 2, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., an oceanfront blues and jazz performance will commence at the hotel. Tickets are $60 per person and VIP tables are also available.

Sunday June 3 brings the festival to a close with jazz and a sumptuous brunch at the hotel for $50.

Make your reservations early and inquire about special hotel rates for this event.  Tickets can be obtained online at www.bigislandjazzandbluesfestival.com.