Looking alongside the church back toward Kahului you can see the Pacific spread out on the horizon.
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I've heard about the Waihe`e jam on Maui for a long time on the Taropatch.net discussion board, so when Keith Marzullo suggested that I hook up with him to attend I immediately agreed. The experience exceeded my expectations. With Kevin Brown as the current host and leader, this is a wonderful opportunity to play and learn about Hawaiian music at its loveliest. It was also one of those 21st century situations where people who have communicated over the Internet meet face to face. Most of the folks in these pictures read and post messages on Taropatch.net. Keith very generously picked me up at the Kahului airport and ferried me to the Waihe`e church then (I apologize a hundred times) left the jam early to get me back to airport for my return flight.
The church is about 150 years old and stands alongside the Waihe`e stream.
Looking alongside the church back toward Kahului you can see the Pacific spread
out on the horizon.
The Waihe`e stream was dry while we were there.
At times, though it has flooded and damaged the church.
My little snapshot camera (and my limited skills) can only give a vague impression
of the interior of the church.
The flooring was once koa, according to Kevin Brown, but was replaced after
the stream flooded the church and damaged it severely. The interior has also
been remodeled due to extensive termite damage.
With the stream on the left and the church on the right, we can see Kevin and
Keith getting things set up for the big event.
Kevin says the pastor of the church supports the jam because it contributes
to the community spirit, oh, and because he's a guitar player too.
I didn't ask so I don't know who sets up the awning. It was in place when Keith
and I arrived.
Even at this distance you can feel the warmth and good vibes Kevin gives to
the world.
This is Keith Marzullo, my benefactor. We've exchanged comments on Taropatch.net
for a few years, and finally met in Palo Alto this spring.
I would never have thought of making the hop to Waihe`e if Keith hadn't suggested
it. I'm in his debt.
Here are Dave, Kevin, Keith's back, Kitty, and Ed Garces.
Ed and I met years ago when we visited Maui and Ed was managing entertainment
at the Kapalua shops.
Here's Hal, Kevin's cousin..
Things are just getting started and the smiles are already breaking out.
Steve Rinaldi is another Taropatch.net regular.
Ed and Emily.
Emily brought her new mandolin, and Kevin couldn't resist tuning it to taropatch
uke tuning. Sounded way nifty, and only took about a half hour to tune. Then
only another half hour or so to tune back to fifths so Emily could hit her mandolin/fiddle
licks.
We were lucky to have Sheldon Brown, Kevin's brother, join us.
The standup bass added a fabulous extra dimension to the music.
Here's Bob Vogele on autoharp, Paul, Randy, Steve, and Duke.
Duke made the long drive from Hana for his first Waihe`e jam. Bob just came
from a recording session so his fingers were warm.
Here's Dan Sythe getting acquainted with Keith.
You can see Kevin in the background playing lap bass in his inimitable style.
Another shot of Kevin, with Sheldon getting going on his uke.
Sheldon has a Ken Potts baritone cranked up to tenor pitch with the first string
down a whole step for a tenor uke version of taropatch tuning.
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