It was a joy to watch the Symphony, and singers perform some of the greatest hits of that iconic decade. The talent on stage was undeniable, and the venue provided a perfect backdrop for the evening.
However, my wife and I were surprised that out of the 19 songs performed, 18 were by white artists. While we greatly admire the talents of artists like Elton John, Madonna, and Phil Collins, we believe that the concert missed an opportunity to celebrate the full diversity of 80s music.
With only one song by an artist of color (Whitney), the event did not fully represent the wide array of musical talent that characterized the decade. The 1980s were a vibrant decade for artists of color as well, with legendary figures like Michael Jackson, Prince, Tina Turner, Luther Vandross, Lionel Ritchie, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder making an indelible impact on music and culture.
Given Hawaii’s rich cultural diversity, it would have been meaningful to see that diversity reflected in the concert’s song selection.
We hope future concerts will take this into consideration and include a more representative mix of artists that shaped such a culturally rich decade, making the experience more inclusive and celebratory for ALL attendees.
Thank you for considering my feedback.
