Pianist Jeff Hellmer, former director of Jazz Studies at the University of Texas, has also been an instructor at the Arts Education for Children Group. Courtesy photo
What began as a desire to provide arts and music enrichment for his daughter Olivia and other youths in afterschool programs has grown into a more than quarter-century effort by Bryant Neal, who has produced jazz concerts, workshops and clinics for Maui students and adults.
The Arts Education for Children Group, founded in 1997 by Neal, has brought some of the best jazz performers and teachers to the Valley Isle, including Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Rick Hendricks, DownBeat magazine artist Katie Thiroux and Jeff Helmer, former director of jazz studies at the University of Texas.
The artists work with students through workshops in schools, including King Kekaulike High School.
Neal said he is looking ahead to 2026 workshops led by music director Craig Roselieb and pianist Tommy James, a former music director for the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Also planning to participate in clinics are violinist Meg Okura and her husband, saxophonist Sam Newsome.
Their participation is funded by Neal’s nonprofit, Jazz Maui, through a combination of free student workshops and paid performances at venues including the regular Sunset Jazz Concert Series at Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Factory, held every Sunday at 78 Ulupono St. in Lahaina.
Jazz Maui will present the second annual New Year’s Eve Experience on Dec. 31 at the Chocolate Factory from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will include a New Year’s toast by MauiWine and a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, featuring award-winning vocalist Sheryle Renee backed by a seven-piece band.
Cocktail and drink specials will be available, along with food available by preorder, including sushi by Smash Maui, cheese plates and pho. Tickets are available at jazzmaui.org.
On Jan. 2, Jazz Maui will join ProArts Playhouse in South Maui to present “Jazz Masters in Hawaii,” featuring a 12-member Jazz Maui Little Big Band performing music by Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Glenn Miller, Ella Fitzgerald and others. The 7:30 p.m. performance will be under the direction of Roselieb. Tickets are available at proartsmaui.org.
Neal holds a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from Hendrix College in Arkansas. He is also known for his annual performances reciting excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech for King’s birthday and Black History Month.
Neal’s daughter Olivia later earned a degree in photography and textile design from the California College of the Arts and now works at the John Derian Studio in Manhattan.
During regular Sunset Jazz concerts, the Chocolate Factory offers wine, spirits and beer paired with gourmet chocolate. Pairings include traditional selections such as ports and red wines, as well as less common options such as sake and tequila. Nonalcoholic beverages are also available.
Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate, through its Chocolate Laulima program, supports local nonprofit organizations including Arts Education for Children Group/Jazz Maui. Proceeds from concert ticket sales benefit Jazz Maui’s music education programs.
Cheese plates are available for preorder for $32 and serve two to three people. For more, go to tinyurl.com/4sk8b8ju.
Sunset Jazz concert attendees must be 21 or older and present a valid photo ID. Seating is limited, and advance ticket purchases are required at mauichocolate.com/sunset-jazz or jazzmaui.org.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.mauinews.com ’
