Ukulele virtuoso headlines HANMI anniversary tonight
Japanese-American ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro will highlight the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands’ 20th anniversary celebrations today, promising to make the dinner-concert memorable as the industry celebrates two decades of hospitality in the Marianas.
The event, which will be held at Saipan World Resort tonight, will also feature a first-of-its-kind culinary delight: an eight-course dinner prepared in cooperation by six chefs from Saipan’s resort hotels. The participating executive chefs are from the Pacific Islands Club, World Resort, Dai-ichi Hotel Saipan Beach, Saipan Grand Hotel, Aqua Resort and Hyatt Regency Saipan.
“This is a special occasion that we hope will lift the spirits of the tourism industry. Together the hoteliers are working to create a 20th anniversary event that will be fun and enjoyable. It will feature the wonderful culinary talents of our executive chefs. We will also be fortunate to have Jake Shimabukuro add unique and memorable entertainment for our dinner guests,” said HANMI chairwoman Lynn A. Knight.
Shimabukuro, a master at the ukulele is known for his lightning fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques that defy musical boundaries. Shimabukuro’s repertoire includes jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco and rock. He has come up with three multi-awarded albums since 2002 and just released another in July.
HANMI is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1985 to provide a forum for the sharing of ideas and common issues for the CNMI’s hotel industry.
Tickets to HANMI’s dinner-concert cost $75. For more information, call 233-3773 or contact HANMI member hotels.
