Arts: Return to Romance

A new festival features timeless songs.

The Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawai‘i, a 40-piece ensemble of local musicians headed up by conductor, music arranger and performer Matt Catingub, hosts its first Return to Romance festival this month. The festival, held March 1 to 11 at a variety of venues (including the Waikiki Shell, Hawai‘i Theatre and Lewers Lounge), aims to bring back classic love songs. The festival will feature the first live performance of the orchestra, and guest artists as diverse as Grammy-nominated Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom, singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins and jazz artist Peanuts Whalum. Tickets range from $45 to $75; for tickets and more information, visit www.mcooh.com.

Matt Catingub tickles the ivories with the Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawai‘i. photo: courtesy of the Return to Romance Festival