"Four Docs" Concert a Success!

What happens when you put four doctors, a mayor, and a patient on one stage? You get an evening of top-notch entertainment and fun during Aloha Medical Mission's annual benefit concert August 18 at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall. And best of all, the concert helped raise the needed funds to continue operating AMM's valuable work or providing free medical services to the underprivileged in Hawaii and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

This year's concert, titled "Four Doctors, a Patient & the Mayor" brought the musical talents of AMM's medical doctors, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, and former AMM patient Chris Cerna on one stage for a full evening of classical and pop music. Many of the performances were in memory of those who have gone before us. The proceeds raised from the concert benefits AMM's overseas missions and the Honolulu Clinic at Palama Settlement.

AMM was honored to welcome Mayor Hannemann as one of the performers. The mayor sang a medley of songs in memory of two singing legends: Waikiki entertainer Don Ho and Elvis Presley. It was an appropriate tribute. Ho, one of the Hawaii's most famous entertainers known worldwide as our Island's ambassador of aloha, passed away of a heart attack earlier this year. This year also marked the 30th anniversary of the death of the king of rock and roll.

Hannemann showed that he not only can run a city, but he can also entertain a crowd with his vocal talents and charismatic stage presence. He was joined on stage by Philippines singer and actress Kristian Lei, who has performed on stage in "Miss Saigon." She sang "I'll Remember You," one of Ho's signature songs. The crowd erupted in applause as Hannemann sported a scarf and dark glasses to impersonate the king of rock and roll. During the musical tributes, a wide screen on stage showed video images of the two musical legends.

The concert also showcased the musical talents of AMM doctors. Dr. Jorge Camara, an AMM board of director and past president who's been involved in the organization for over 20 years, proves that his hands perform both on the keyboard as well as the operating room. He selected three character pieces for the evening: Claude Debussy's "Reverie" and a nocturne and étude by Frederic Chopin. He titled his emotional performance, "Songs I Used to Play for my Son" in memory of his son, Augusto, who died last year. Dr. Camara explained to the audience that he would play these musical pieces for his son when he was a little boy.

Also on stage was Dr. Ruben Guerrero, who played Anton Rubinstein's "Romance" and Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona's "Andalucia from Spanish Suite Andalucia." Dr. Guerrero, a cancer specialist, did a fine interpretation of the piece's unique Spanish sounds.

Also on stage was Dr. Ruben Guerrero, who played Anton Rubinstein's "Romance" and Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona's "Andalucia from Spanish Suite Andalucia." Dr. Guerrero, a cancer specialist, did a fine interpretation of the piece's unique Spanish sounds.

Dr. Timothy Lee wowed the audience with Chopin's powerhouse Scherzo No.2 in B Flat Minor. Dr. Lee, a Kauai ophthalmologist, proved he has the technique to tackle such a difficult and demanding piece of music. He also performed Maurice Ravel's "Pavane pour une Infante Defunte" and "Lover" by Richard Rodgers.

One of the highlights of the evening was hearing the musical talents of Chris Cerna, AMM's former patient. Cerna, who was born in the Philippines, came to Hawaii under the wings of  AMM in 1991, and underwent eye implant surgery by Dr. Camara. Cerna, who's been blind since the age of 18 months, performed a medley of songs on the piano and the mandolin that he composed himself. He played jazz and bluegrass tunes and was accompanied by a backup band. He dedicated his performance to his mother, who died this March. Also during the concert, he announced that he will be moving to California to further his music career.

AMM would like to extend a big mahalo for the many people who helped make this concert a success. It took countless hours of work by our dedicated volunteers and staff. We hope those who attended enjoyed themselves and will return again for AMM's next benefit concert event.