John Cruz Headlined the Kahilu Gold Series

Hawaiʻi music legend John Cruz headlined a special private performance for the Kahilu Gold series on Hawai‘i Island.

THE PARTY For the latest and fabulous edition of Kahilu Gold­—an intimate, off-site concert series from Waimea’s Kahilu Theatre­­—music lovers gathered for a private fete featuring a special concert by the one and only John Cruz. THE GUESTS Kahilu Theatre board member Jon Staub played the perfect host for the evening’s 70 attendees at his home at Parker Ranch. THE HIGHLIGHTS Kahilu Theatre staff and volunteers gave superb island hospitality, while Pau Restaurant provided delectable bites. To start the show, students from the theater’s Performing Arts Classes warmed up the audience with a preview of Dance of the Bees, directed by Angel Prince. Then, Cruz took the spotlight, accompanied by his brother, Tony, with whom he sublimely performed audience favorites and soulful ballads. And to top it off, an anonymous Calabash Challenge was met and exceeded by guests to benefit all of Kahilu’s arts education programs. -Kai Andersen

Photos by Kirk Lee Aeder