Ron and Andrea Tolentino

December 17, 2024 • Addison Ching • News

Ron and Andrea have provided assistance and support to HIMELE and Ke Kula Mele School of Hawaiian Music since 2013. Collectively, the Tolentinos have helped out in almost every way possible, including ground transportation, festival logistics, festival store, photography, and videography. Andrea also performed "Mommma Bear" activities, ensuring that all female Ke Kula Mele performers had their hair styling and accessories done "just right" while Ron also provided backup on bass and ‘ukulele for some performances.

pc-Don Touchi

Andrea was a festival logistics facilitator for many outer island festivals. She has helped with festival logistics coordination, distributing food vouchers, collecting musician W-9 tax forms, overseeing volunteer assignments, and disbursing performer compensation.She also coordinated festival t-shirt activities, from design to distribution and in support of the festival store.

Ron provided his expertise in videography, helping to video record festival performances prior to livestreaming. He also assisted with transportation for outer island festival school visits and airport shuttles. An avid bass player, Ron also shared his bass playing during many of Alexis' performances.

Please see the complete tribute and additional photos here.