An impressive lineup of local and internationally-acclaimed artists will perform from 7 to 10:30 p.m., including Kanekoa, The Deborah Vial Band (left), Pat Simmons Jr. (right) and Steven Von Linne.

WAILUKU – The nonprofit organization Tempo of the Heart will present “Food for Thought,” a rock-and-roll benefit concert to support the Hawaii Farmers Union United (HFUU), on June 2 at the historic Iao Theater.

An impressive lineup of local and internationally-acclaimed artists will perform from 7 to 10:30 p.m., including Kanekoa, The Deborah Vial Band, Pat Simmons Jr., and Steven Von Linne.

Tempo of the Heart will donate its proceeds from the concert to HFUU, with a portion also given to local broadcaster Mana’o Radio.

“Food for Thought” is the first in a series of concerts to be produced by Tempo of the Heart as a way to call attention to the work of HFUU and its mission to build a vibrant and prosperous farming future in Hawaii.

By focusing on smallholder diversified family farms that implement regenerative techniques in growing and raising food, HFUU envisions a resilient, vital and productive agricultural system to better feed Hawaii’s people.

Tempo of the Heart founder and Executive Director Corky Byer works to amplify the voices of those he believes are accomplishing great things in the community, which is why he chose HFUU as the principal beneficiary for this inaugural Maui show.

“We want to bring awareness to a more healthy and productive farming and lifestyle choice, which is what HFUU does through its promotion of regenerative agriculture. We are excited to support such a wonderful organization that is respected and recognized as a voice for farmers, ranchers,and fishermen throughout the Hawaiian Islands.”

In 2013, Byer held his first benefit concert, the “Rock and Roll Autograph Show,” in Los Angeles to great success, bringing 80 rock stars together to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. From that initial project, the idea for Tempo of the Heart as a nonprofit was born.

With its mission of “bringing the music community together to make a positive change in the world,” it is only fitting that Tempo of the Heart’s first concert on Maui should also benefit Mana’o Radio.

The local radio station provides multicultural programming that reflects the Maui community’s interests and values in a completely commercial-free, listener-supported and volunteer-driven environment. Beyond believing in the mission of Mana’o Radio, Byer also volunteers as a deejay for his weekly show, “Corx Jukebox with Corky Byer,” that airs on Sunday evenings.

Many professionals in the local and international entertainment industry have contributed their time and expertise to make “Food for Thought” on Maui possible, including all the artists performing that night.

“My heart and soul are deeply embedded with music at the core, and it is my gift to be able to share it with people,” said Von Linne, who has worked with Byer to organize the concert and will take the stage with his band, the Tropical Spice. “I champion the cause of growing and consuming healthy food, and this benefit will allow me to be of service to both factions: the growers and the consumers. I believe we as a community must come back to our roots of sustainable, regenerative farming methods to meet the needs of ourselves and future generations.”

Beyond purchasing tickets, attendees will also have the opportunity to give back by bidding in a silent auction the night of the event. High-value items on offer include a Tahitian black pearl necklace, a sunset dinner cruise for four, and an autographed drumhead signed by over 50 rock stars.

General admission tickets to “Food for Thought” are $25; premium seating is available at $40. Tickets can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/FoodForThoughtConcert. For more information on Tempo of the Heart, visit tempooftheheart.org.