Mayor signs Royal Hawaiian Band Christmas CDs

            Mayor Mufi Hannemann will be autographing copies of “Christmas with the Royal Hawaiian Band and Friends,” the band’s first Christmas recording in its 170-year history, at the following times and locations:

·       Thursday, Nov. 30 – 7 to 8 p.m., Borders, Windward Mall.

·       Saturday, Dec. 2 – 3 to 4 p.m., at Borders, Ward Centre.

·       Saturday, Dec. 9 – Noon to 1 p.m., Sam's Club, Pearl Highlands Center.

·       Saturday, Dec. 9 – 4 to 5 p.m., Borders, Waikele.

·       Sunday, Dec. 10 – Noon to 1 p.m., Sam's Club, Keeaumoku.

            The Royal Hawaiian Band, under the leadership of Bandmaster Michael Nakasone, provides the accompaniment on all of the tracks. Several numbers feature solos by band members and accompanists past and present. RHB French horn player Eric Kop produced the album, which includes an arrangement of “Auld Lang Syne” by teen-age music prodigy Michael Foumai.

            Mayor Hannemann sings on two of the CD’s 16 tracks: “Christmas Time Again Aloha,” with his brother Nephi and Iva Kinimaka, and “Do You Hear What I Hear” with the group Pali.

            The CD went on sale November 21 at major music, department and bookstores across Oahu and online from www.booklineshawaii.com  Proceeds from the $16.98 holiday collection will go to the Royal Hawaiian Band Music Society, a private nonprofit group that supports the band.

The CD’s tracks are:

1.     Jingle Bells – Royal Hawaiian Band

2.     Christmas Time Again Aloha ­­– Mayor Hannemann, Nephi Hannemann, Iva Kinimaka

3.     Jingle Bells – Nina Kealiiwahamana

4.     Christmas Time is Here – Pali

5.     Hawaiian Fa-La-La! – Karen Keawehawaii

6.     Here Comes Santa in a Red Canoe – Royal Hawaiian Band Glee Club (Scott Furushima, Kaipo Asing, Gary Aiko)

7.     Cantique De Noel (O Holy Night) – Misty Kelai

8.     Sleigh Ride – Royal Hawaiian Band

9.      Angels We Have Heard on High – Pernny Silva

10.  Do You Hear What I Hear? – Mayor Hannemann with Pali

11.  Mele Kalikimaka – Puamana

12.  Song of Christmas – Gary Keawe Aiko

13.  Silent Night – Nalani Olds

14.  White Christmas – Gene Roland

15.  Old Scottish Melody (Auld Lang Syne) – Iwalani Kahalewai

16.  Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) – Eric Miyashiro

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Contact:

            Bill Brennan, 527-6928

            Mark Matsunaga, 527-5767