It all started with my friend Thomas Dang Vu asking for recommended vendors in Hawaii that could ship fresh lei to New York. He explained that he was planning a wedding for his dear friends. I sent him a few names of places that friends of mine have used over the years to which he thanked me and joked, “Now I just have to find music…” My reply was where and when?
Last Friday evening, I had the pleasure of playing Hawaiian music for Joanne and Mike’s wedding, an intimate gathering of family and friends on a rooftop in Battery Park City. Thomas invited me to play as a surprise for the bride and groom. The views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty were stunning. My task was to perform 45 minutes of music as guests arrived and mingled, up until the ceremony started. Typically, I prefer having light amplification, even among a small group, because the acoustic guitar is difficult to hear over even mild chitchat. The rooftop did not have a power outlet so I picked and sang as loudly as I could. It turned out great. It’s always fun to bring Hawaii to New York City.
Here are a few photos by the talented Thomas Dang Vu.
