
| Jack Johnson's Holiday Performance for Keiki |
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| Written by Sunrise on KGMB9 - sunrise@kgmb9.com | |||||||||
| November 21, 2008 05:20 AM | |||||||||
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There was no stadium full of thousands of fans. Just kids singing the lyrics and dancing. No fancy stage or lights; just Jack Johnson performing in an elementary school cafeteria, and he was still amazing. He was at Waikiki Elementary to teach kids how to simplify their holidays. Most Jack Johnson fans would shell out major money to get a private show like this. But this elementary school impromptu sing along was free. It's part of the Kokua Foundation and Kanu Hawaii's kick off, urging people to simplify their holidays. Johnson is starting with the kids. "I do feel like I'm seeing positive effects from going and playing music to the kids and talking to them about recycling and farming and that kind of thing." After three years, 10 elementary schools across Oahu have adopted Kokua's Aina Program, or actively integrating nutrition and agriculture into schools. This is a special holiday night. Instead of buying new presents, kids are urged to find materials in their house to use. With old wrapping paper or cards from last year, they can make new ones. Old cans are used to make toys, and egg crates and dirt can make a splendid sustainable gift, according to 7-year-old Cole. "Well we're making seedballs and when you're done you can throw it anywhere and a plant will grow." "Going into the garden, seeing their own carrots grow. and making something out of it. That hands on experience is what we try to do in our programs to spark that interest." It's a message Johnson incorporates into his lyrics for kids. A musical message that is resonating with the young. "Are you guys using new materials here? No. Why not? Because we want to reduce reuse recycle." Sound familiar? It should. "Reduce Reuse, Recycle." Buying local produce, and teaching kids about farming is also a key part of the Aina Program, especially during the holidays. That's why the Johnson's have their own traditions. "We always get a tree say an orange tree and we're plant it in the yard. We use that for our Christmas tree. The kids aren't always real happy about it, but now they're getting used to it. The first couple of years they were like 'Dad, what's with this tree? That's not a Christmas tree,' and stuff. But now I think they're starting to appreciate it. It just took a year or two. They all have a little character in them. We've had a palm tree, a mountain apple tree and a tangelo tree." Are you working on a new album? "Not right now. I'm writing songs, but I probably won't record for another year or so. I'm going to take some time to decompress after all the touring from last year. And write and surf and yard work, catch up on all the overgrown stuff." So how does this big star stay so grounded? Perhaps it's the company he keeps. We're about to hear from Jack Johnson. Are you excited about that? Yes I am. Do you know his music? No but I love music. A love Johnson and Cole share, did someone say share? "And it's always more fun to share with everyone. And it's always more fun to share with everyone." |
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| Last Updated ( November 21, 2008 11:22 AM ) | |||||||||

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