Mana'o Radio

Maui’s favorite little radio station, listener-supported Mana’o Radio (KEAO-LP) 91.5 FM, is celebrating its 9th anniversary and the memory of its co-founder, Barry Shannon, with BarryFest 2011 on Sunday, May 22 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Events Lawn. Gates will open at 12:00 noon, concert starts at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the MACC box office: $20 advance/$26 day of show, plus applicable fees.

 

The legendary Barry Flanagan headlines BarryFest this year.  Flanagan has been an ardent supporter of the non-profit low-power FM station since its on-air debut in March 2002.  Though he has performed in previous benefits for Mana’o Radio, this will be his first appearance at BarryFest, the station’s annual major fundraiser.

 

Opening the concert with a delicious blend of funky smooth jazz and R&B will be SLAM featuring David Choy.  Saxophonist Choy performed live on Mana’o Radio shortly after relocating to Maui from Oahu, and has been a frequent guest at the station’s benefit shows for the past several years.

 

The show will culminate in a two-hour set by the Mana’o Radio Air Force Band, an assemblage of talented musicians who double as volunteer on-air hosts.  The MRAFB includes Maui favorites Vince Esquire, Gail Swanson, Dr. Nat, Randall Rospond, Steve Grimes and many more. 

 

More than half of the station volunteers are working musicians who share their knowledge and love of music weekly on the air.  Other Mana’o Radio staff will bring their spoken word talents to the BarryFest stage as well.  Station co-founder Kathy “Tita” Collins will emcee.

 

BarryFest 2011 will include a fabulous silent auction, door prizes, food & beverage and beer garden. Please, no coolers or outside food and beverage other than bottled water. No re-entry or parking along the highway. Concert is rain or shine.

Commercial-free Mana'o Radio (KEAO-LP) broadcasts 24/7 at 91.5 FM, and via the Internet at www.ManaoRadio.com. Mana'o Radio is a non-profit (501(c)3) organization funded by listener donations and staffed by volunteers dedicated to informing, educating, and entertaining the Maui community through broadcasts of multi-cultural and community-related programming. Much of the mana‘o shared is musical, including frequent live performances by local and visiting artists. Proceeds from BarryFest 2011 will help to ensure the survival of one of the last free-form live radio stations in the country, so be sure to mark your calendar and come be part of Maui’s future in radio and music!