Music Performance Trust Fund Overview, Summer/Fall 2026
MPTF continues to fund successful performances by Local 677 musicians in concerts at the MAH Studio 909 Performance Hall, as well as at retirement and care facilities (Arcadia, Pohai Nani, Kahala Nui, and others).
In 2026, to date, a total of 76 gigs for our musicians were funded by MPTF grants.
MPTF pays local scale, including cartage, doubling, health and welfare fee, and a pension contribution.
If you are interested in applying for an MPTF performance, contact us: sec-tres@musicianshawaii.com
Abe Lagrimas’ Monthly Monday Night Jazz Jam
Photo by Kelly Anderson
Percussionist, vibist, and ukulele player Abe Lagrimas Jr.’s highly successful Monday night jazz jam sessions continue to draw many participants monthly to Studio 909.
Many non-member jazz musicians, of all ages, are learning of the Musicians’ Association for the first time by attending these sessions. With many middle school, high school, and college-age attendees, these sessions have been a great opportunity for mentoring and reaching out to the next generation. Congratulations, Abe!
Next sessions: November 9 and December 14, 6 p.m.
Rehearsal Studios Backline Update
Abe Lagrimas Jr. generously donated a drum set for use by members in Studio 2. The set can be used for lessons or group rehearsals. Studio 6 and Studio 2 now have drum sets. Studio 6 also has a bass amp and rehearsal sound system. Both studios have acoustic pianos.
Lea Salonga & HSO Make Sweet Music Together
The award-winning Voice behind “Mulan,” “Miss Saigon,” “Les Misérables’” Éponine, and other Broadway/Disney productions — Lea Salonga — backstage at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall with Musical Director Daniel Desmonds, guitarist Robert Shinoda, bassist John Kolivas, and drummer Abe Lagrimas Jr.
Broadway and Disney star, Lea Salonga, performed two stellar concerts in October with the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra (HSO), bringing the house down.
The Oct. 17 and 18 concerts at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall in downtown Honolulu were very well attended. MAH members Abe Lagrimas Jr. (drums), John Kolivas (bass), and Robert Shinoda (guitar) joined HSO just for the special occasion.
Bonus sidebar:
Bassist John Kolivas and Lea Salonga go way back. The respect is mutual.
From a friend…
By John Kolivas, Local 677 member, bassist
I’ve had the privilege of playing and touring with Lea Salonga off and on for nearly 30 years. The last time I played with her was with a small band in February 2013 when we toured Maui, Kauai, and the Blaisdell Concert Hall in Honolulu. I’ve also toured with her twice in Guam.
The October 2026 shows were enthusiastically received, with people, shouting, and screaming after tunes. Both shows were nearly sold out.
Having played with her in the past, with maybe six or seven musicians, it was a great treat to have the Hawai’i Symphony and two backup singers perform with her. The sound was very full and majestic.
Lea Salonga and company relax backstage, Hawaiian style. Photos c/o John Kolivas
The concerts were memorable, because of Lea’s incredible voice. She sounds great as usual, even though years have passed. Her renditions of music from “Les Mis,” and “Miss Saigon” were highlights, as were her Disney hits, which brought screams from the audience. Also, “For Good” and “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked” were some of my personal favorites. It was also fun playing “Staying Alive” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody!”
“I admire her professionalism in always taking care of herself physically and her emotional calmness at all times. She is fun to work with and is down-to-earth, with a good sense of humor.”
As far as getting the call for the gig, I let the Symphony personnel manager and Michael Thomas Foumai know that I had played electric bass with Lea several times in the past and would love to play with her again. I also emailed Lea to let her know I was still here.
From the Fall 2026 issue, Ke Ola O Na Mele