Aloha, peeps!
It’s the first day of December, which means that Christmas is now just around the corner and shopping panic will slowly start setting in! I know I told you guys that I wanted to keep a light schedule for the next couple of months, but it looks like that will be impossible. And as the weekend quickly approaches, it looks like ManoaDNA will be busy – again. Even though we’re taking a break from our regular venues (Lulu’s and Kani Ka Pila Grille), we will be performing at various special events around town. The most notable will be our “Boys & their Toys” benefit toy drive next Saturday, Dec. 10th, down at Gordon Biersch from 5:30 – 8:00pm. We’ll also be performing at the Lokahi Tree donation drive this Saturday at the Center Stage in Ala Moana Center from 11:15 – 12noon … in fact, I have to be down at IOLANI early this morning to tape a promo for this event (almost forgot!). We’ll also be doing a Christmas tree lighting event at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki this Friday from 5:00 – 6:00pm … so as you can see, if it’s not one thing it’s another! It’s all good, though, especially if we can bring some musical joy to people during this holiday season …
Last night after work, we all gathered for the Kawakami family’s annual Christmas tree shopping at Tajiri’s in the Ala Moana Center. We first stopped in at Zippy’s for a quick bite to eat (mahalo, Andie!) before walking over to the lot to select trees for our house, Nick’s house, and our IOLANI store. They had all types of trees – Douglas firs, nobles, grands, etc. – but my favorite is always the one that smells the most … whichever one that is! And as you all know, I hate shopping – I’m the type who goes in, picks the tree which is either the closest or immediately catches my eye, pays for it, and leaves. I used to be like the other shoppers who stand patiently for hours and check every tree in the container, but no more … go, buy, leave. Hey, I have to get home to watch my NCIS …
Aloha, “D”