Hey, want to have a sneak peek at what I’m going to be wearing on Saturday, March 3rd? Some of you may have seen my Facebook page about Ala Moana Shopping Center, where I’ve been going a lot lately. Business Insider has recently named Ala Moana the most valuable mall in America, with nearly $6 billion in total assets, with over 350 stores, all the way from Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales to Ross’s and Target.

And — the reason I’m going to be wearing my Sunday best (even though it’s a Saturday!) is because I have been named the 2018 Dale Noble award recipient by the Oahu Choral Society (!) Here is a portion of the letter which was emailed to me:

Mele Aku, Vivace! will take place March 3, 2018 from 5-9:30 pm at the iconic Bishop Museum. Every year we take one night in the spring to celebrate the members and supporters of the Oahu Choral Society and the greater fine arts community. The Dale Noble Award has been an honor we have reserved for those outstanding musicians that exemplify OCS’s mission; to contribute to the rich tradition of choral singing, bringing the finest choral music to Hawaii. Over the years, Kathy, you have promoted choral singing in Hawaii not only by your contributions as a talented organist but
also with the passion you share for music on your blog. In today’s changing media climate you have created a true “buzz” for the musical community, not an easy task! You are a true champion for the arts!

When Malina Maneevone, the chair for the Vivace! event, called me on the telephone to give me the news a couple of weeks ago, I told her: You have got to be kidding! I’m someone who stays in the background—I do stuff like type programs and send out publicity releases. I’m just stunned that you chose me!

And … I’m not a choir director waving at people to try to get them to sing! I just sit at the organ (or piano) and give out pitches for other people to sing.

Furthermore, as you may recall, it was just six years ago (2012) that Carl Crosier was named to this prestigious honor. I was going to protest, “Isn’t there some sort of law about not giving the award to two members of the same family?!” I’ll save you the trouble of looking for the 2012 Vivace! photos because here are just a couple:

Being that this year’s dinner will be at the Bishop Museum, the event will have a different look and feel. There will be music from the Oahu Choral Society Chamber Singers, the Honolulu Barefoot Boys, an exciting Silent Auction including an excursion on Maui including a 2-night stay at the Grand Wailea, tickets to premiere events, private art tours, concerts, restaurants, Maui Divers exclusive jewelry line and a night at Oahu’s The Modern Hotel.

Psst—There will also be a slideshow of yours truly, including some of my baby pictures!

Here’s the invitation:

Tickets are available on the Oahu Choral Society website. I would be so honored if you would join us that night. It will be a great night of music and speeches—aw shucks!