Web Posted - Thursday June 24, 2021
Ke Alaka'i

Audience members participate by howling and whistling during BYUH’s Shaka Steel outdoor twilight concert

Members of Shaka Steel playing at their concert on June 18, 2021.
Members of Shaka Steel playing at their concert on June 18, 2021.

Hawaii, USA - A group of more than 50 members of the BYU–Hawaii community gathered outside the Cannon Activities Center, unmasked and under the evening sky to enjoy a musical set by the Shaka Steel Band. The band is a group of students, faculty and community members headed by Dr. Darren Duerden of the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts. Toes tapped and children danced as the group performed nine pieces on June 18, 2021, surprising listeners with several different genres of music.

Ryo Oshiro, a Laie community member and BYUH alumnus, said he enjoyed attending his first Shaka Steel concert since he moved to Hawaii 14 years ago. “It was great. I’ve been to several concerts on campus, but this was my first time sitting through the whole concert.

“There were a lot of genres. I didn’t expect to hear music from classical to contemporary. It was surprising but awesome.”