Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) 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
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.
Lea Salonga in Hawai’i!
Broadway and Disney star, Lea Salonga, performed two stellar concerts in October with the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra (HSO), bringing the house down.
The concerts at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall in downtown Honolulu were very well attended. In addition to the symphony, MAH members Abe Lagrimas Jr. (drums), John Kolivas (bass), and Robert Shinoda (guitar) joined the orchestra just for the special occasion.
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.
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.
From the Fall 2026 issue, Ke Ola O Na Mele