Jazz Band Wows at Kahilu Theater

Gary Washburn and the Honoka’a Dragons Jazz Band struck a high note at Kahilu Theatre, drawing music lovers to their live show on Sunday. Some of the highlights were a rendition of Santana’s hit “Smooth” as well as the now classic jazz standard “Birdland” written by Joe Zawinul as a tribute to the famous New York jazz club of the same name. “Birdland is a happy song,” says saxophonist Sante Ragpala, “It’s exciting to play and sounds really good when the band plays together.” Pianist Zed Lee confessed to being nervous at first, “I was afraid I would mess up but, it turned out to be really fun.” “Yes, it was our first proper show” adds Sante.  “We dressed up and instead of just playing in front of a theatre, we played inside, it was such a great feeling!”   The ensemble class will be performing in front of the Peoples Theater at 5:00 today, 3/8 or you can catch the band Wednesday at lunch in front of E5.