One of Hawaii’s biggest book events is happening this weekend! You’d recognize it if you drove by the civic grounds near Honolulu Hale. Dozens of tents, stages, seating and eating areas overwhelm the parkway. It’ll be a star studded event all in celebration of the unique role that books and music play in local and international cultures. Since it’s humble beginning, the festivals purpose was not only to help Hawaii’s authors, publishers and books gain exposure, but to provide a fun environment that encourages reading and sharing ideas. Although it’s only the 4th Annual Festival since it’s inception in 2006, this event gets bigger and bigger every year drawing in more celebrities and bestselling authors along the way. Terry Brooks will be making a keynote appearance, as well as Hawaii native Lois-Ann Yamanaka (we recently blogged about here) who has garnered critical acclaim for her novels, most of which are inspired by her life and experiences growing up in the islands. There’s something for everyone with live music, storytelling, author interviews and signings—a whole weekend of literary fun. For a complete list and schedule of authors, concerts and stage performances visit the festival website at www.hawaiibookandmusicfestival.org.
No book festival is complete without proper attention to the importance of children’s literature. Local and national companies donate thousands of dollars and employee volunteers to create one of the largest and most interactive keiki fun sections. Stage presentations, play areas, arts and crafts, and reading stations all designed to show kids how great reading can be and give parents some free time to peruse the thousands of books for sale. Not only will there be overstock books at publishers’ displays (like Bess Press) and exhibits, but Bank of Hawaii is also hosting a book swap. The best part is that all proceeds go to non-profit organizations that promote literacy in the community. The festival is set up so that you can walk around, eat, sit down anywhere, read, make connections and talk story. No other event offers such leisurely book browsing and entertainment–this year promises to be even better than the last!
Event Information:
4th Annual Hawaii Book & Music Festival: A Celebration of Story and Song
Sat. & Sun, May 16th & 17th
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Civic Grounds, Downtown Honolulu
FREE event, with free parking!
One of Hawaii’s largest independent publishers turns 30 this year! Bess Press has been printing books in the islands and greater Pacific region since 1979 giving many local authors a chance to have their voices heard. They donate to and participate in events that encourage literacy in the community and have produced some of the most unique and enjoyable books that are a proud reflection of our local culture.
The