Bands Playing Tribute To Kaimuki Music Hostess

With the Oct. 29 passing of longtime arts supporter Jacqueline Hope Ward, 95, her musical ohana will gather from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 6 at Hawaiian Brian’s to celebrate her life and help her family continue the legacy of Ward’s Rafters in Kaimuki.

According to Paul Sato of the Saloon Pilots, a frequent performer at the venue, Jackie was “the matriarch and guiding spirit of Ward’s Rafters, which brought live music of all genres to thousands of people without ever charging an admission fee.”

Saloon Pilots will play a “loving aloha” to her at 7 p.m. Also playing are PBS Little Big Band, Taimane and a “surprise” band. Tickets cost $25 at the door and donations also are being taken at givebacktojackie.com.

“You can help to celebrate Jackie’s spirit and what she believed in by staying close to your family and friends, especially during this month of thanksgiving,” said Sato, a banjo player, in announcing the concert. He estimates that Ward and her late husband Herb invested up to $100,000 in out-of-pocket funds to keep the third-floor loft of their home open to weekly jam sessions, jazz nights, singer/songwriters, poetry readings and more.

For more information, visit givebacktojackie.com.