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COURTESY HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY
Hawaii Convention Center
With an expansive rooftop garden, the Hawai’i Convention Center is launching a new monthly entertainment event featuring free performances by upcoming local musicians and activities for families.
| ‘SUNSET MELE ON THE ROOFTOP’ >> When: 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday >> Where: Hawai’i Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave. >> Cost: Free >> Parking: $5 per vehicle (entrance on Kalakaua Avenue) >> Call: 943-3025 >> On the Net: fb.com/HawaiiConventionCenter >> Note: Due to inclement weather, this month’s event will be held in the Hawai’i Convention Center Ballroom |
The "Sunset Mele on the Rooftop" series kicks off at 5 p.m. Saturday with a performance by musician Josh Tatofi and a keiki hula halau, followed by a showing of Disney’s "Frozen" on a large, outdoor screen at 7:30 p.m.
Characters from Storybook Entertainment will be on hand for photos and autographs about an hour before the movie. Gov. David Ige and first lady Dawn Ige are expected to make an appearance at the inaugural event.
The idea was inspired in part by Waikiki’s popular "Sunset on the Beach" events, according to Teri Orton, general manager of the Hawai’i Convention Center.
"We have such a beautiful venue on our rooftop," said Orton. "We wanted to create an event that would not just draw visitors, but kamaaina and our neighbors while showcasing up-and-coming local musicians."
Tatofi, a solo artist, composer and producer, is the son of the former bass player for the popular local band Kapena. Tatofi’s musical compositions range from Hawaiian to reggae to R&B.
The Sunset Mele events will be held until the end of the year, at least, with the next one scheduled for
Aug. 15. The venue can accommodate more than 500 guests.
Guests are welcome to bring blankets, mats and low-seated lawn chairs to enjoy music and the movie. Coolers and outside food, however, will not be allowed.
A Sunset Mele Marketplace will be available starting at 5 p.m., offering goods for sale from artisans and craft vendors, and booths selling gourmet hot dogs, popcorn and beverages and food prepared by the convention center’s culinary team. The event concludes at 9:30 p.m.
"We hope that this inaugural event will showcase what we can do here and that locals will come to support us every month," said Orton.
Note to readers: Just prior to press time, this month’s event was moved into the Hawai’i Convention Center Ballroom due to the possibility of heavy storms.
