The 3rd Annual Hawaii Book and Music Festival This festival was fun, exciting, and best of all free! There were multiple stages for dramatic storytellers (they really get into it with yelling and action!) and talented local musicians (the soothing Hawaiian music could be heard throughout the festival grounds). The keiki area was impressive because of their bounce houses, carnival kiddie rides, and (none-in-Hawaii-yet)Target-sponsored canvas tote decorating tent. All free, even the tote bags! The
Target dog mascot (human in a costume) was even there to take pictures with the kids.
The
Bank of Hawaii had a huge tent where people could bring old books from home to swap for new ones to enjoy. The friendly
Honolulu Printmakers let kids make their own artsy prints to take home.
Local publishers represented the voices of local writers. There were the major ones like
University of Hawaii Press,
Bamboo Ridge Press, along with many smaller, lesser known publishers. There were also author book signing sessions with local artists like
Peggy Chun. Bamboo Ridge Press had a super deal on their books just for the festival. I got a brand new copy of
Lee Cataluna's "The Folks You Meet In
Longs" for $8 (normal retail is $14.95)!
There was a table also at the Bamboo Ridge Press area that had a mysterious message on t-shirts that said "Bumbye". You can check out what the buzz is about at
bumbyehawaii.com.
Barnes and Noble had a huge tent but further down that same row
Revolution Books had also set up shop.
Loved the diversity! Since it is a Hawaii themed festival there were also panels and serious discussions on issues that
Native Hawaiians endure and concerns with
Hawaiian language.
It was great to see such a diverse representation of local talent (musicians, storytellers, and writers) and also local publishers that continue to help educate and entertain the community. This festival is for people of all ages who love words, spoken, sung and printed.
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