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Jazz Maui to present free ‘Jazz Aid’ concert on Sept. 24

By Staff | Sep 15, 2023

As the long-time director of the University of Texas Jazz Orchestra, Jeff Hellmer led performances of the band at the North Sea and Montreux Jazz Festivals. He has appeared with jazz masters such as Chris Potter and Joshua Redman.

HONOKOWAI — Jazz Maui is sponsoring a free jazz concert at Honokowai Beach Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, featuring Paul January on trumpet, Dave Graber on bass, Howie Rentzer on drums, and Jeff Hellmer on keyboards with vocals by Sheryl Renee and Abra Joy.

Honokowai Beach Park is located on Lower Honoapiilani Road across the street from the farmers’ market. Concert goers should bring a blanket or low-back beach chair.

“Jazz Maui appreciates the donations received through our ‘Save the Musicians’ program and is using those funds to sponsor this free concert,” said Bryant Neal, executive director of Jazz Maui.

“The money raised pays the musicians. Contributions are being collected on our website: www.JazzMaui.org.”

Jazz pianist Hellmer has enjoyed a 35-year career as a performer and educator, appearing frequently on the Central Texas scene as well as throughout the United States at venues ranging from the Litchfield Jazz Festival to the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Twice named a finalist in the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, he has performed and taught jazz throughout the United States as well as in Russia and Taiwan.

Keyboardist January got his first paying gig when he was 11 years old and has continued as a single performer playing jazz, standards and pop, or with groups as large as 17 playing everything from funk to big band jazz. He has worked with some of the biggest names ever to grace the stages of Reno and Las Vegas.

Bass player Graber was awarded the Edmonton Jazz Society Scholarship and graduated from Grant MacEwan College with a diploma in Jazz Studies in 1991, and then graduated with distinction from the University of Calgary in Jazz Studies/Performance. He has studied privately with Gary Willis of Tribal Tech and Charlie Banacos of the New England Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music.

Drummer Rentzer has played in lots of top 40 bands in Boston and Los Angeles, and in Honolulu where he played with Jimmy Borges, Carol Kai, Maria Muldaur and Bobby Enriques. On Maui, he has performed with Henry Allen, George Benson, Mose Allison and Greg Karukas. Howie has opened for Kenny Loggins and was in the band for Howie Mandel’s comedy show.

Known as the “Lady with a Golden Voice,” Renee moves effortlessly between music genres and artistic avenues. As a vocalist, she has been featured on countless recordings and commercials. As an award-winning actress, she has appeared in more than 40 theater productions. Always an audience favorite, she has shared the stage with some of the best talent in the world.

Jazz Maui, a branch of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Arts Education for Children Group (www.aecg.org), provides opportunities for participation in high-quality jazz music education and performances.

Throughout the year, Jazz Maui presents concerts, classes and clinics. Selected performances presented by Jazz Maui are live-streamed on the organization’s website at www.JazzMaui.org.

For more information, text (808) 283-3576 or e-mail info @aecg.org.