Ka’u School –Big Island, Hawaii
November 06, 2009At the Big Island’s very own K-12 Ka’u School, Jake makes a stellar appearance once again. Not only did Jake render an always awesome school visit, but the talented students at Ka’u School gave Jake a performance to remember as well. Around 400 students and faculty were there to witness the fun-filled event. Jake’s visit was part of the 8th Annual Slat Key Guitar and Ukulele Institute, a Kahuliu Theater community outreach event. Thank you to Janet Colburn for including Jake in the wonderful program!
Immediately, Jake built on the excitement of the students that set the beginning of another great school visit. He opened with some messages reminding students the importance of being drug free. He also told students to find their passion in life, and to never lose sight of their goals. With that, Jake said that drugs will crush any attempt of achieving your goals. Jake told everyone that music was his muse, his positive inspiration that has kept him drug free all of his life, and that the students should find their positive inspiration too.
After Jake wowed the audience when playing his song, “Orange World”, Jake spoke more about music and used his looping machine again to play a few improvised songs. Everyone was all smiles and applauding as they watched Jake loop percussive and melodic sounds of the ukulele. After that, Jake’s song, “Let’s Dance” was to be performed, but this time, Jake sat with audience as he watched a Ka’u School student play it!
Two more students would come up individually to play with Jake to George Harrison’s, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and another fun song. Jake later spoke more about music as he entered into a question and answer session with the students. Many questions were raised from the curious students for Jake to answer. Lots of “oohs” and “ahhs” came from the students as Jake told students that he has even played with the likes of Joe Perry from Aerosmith when answering the question: “Who have you played with?”
Jake later got a request to play his song, “Blue Roses Falling.” Students loved it and embarked on another question and answer session. After that, as the end of the visit neared, Jake reminded students to follow their dreams and stay drug free. Jake played “Third Stream” for his last song and the Ka’u School students gave him a warm ovation. Ka’u School was indeed another stage for a great school visit.