Grassy Rootsy Folks Build Community Around Music & Art

Intentional events merging nature, music, art & farm-to-table food on the windward side of Oahu

The city is bustling again with life as we knew it pre-pandemic, maybe a bit too much bustling…. I find myself missing the intimate gatherings during the pandemic that allowed us to come together and share our humanity with heightened appreciation. Apparently, I’m not the only one looking for alternatives to be together in new ways as we return to our jam-packed lifestyles. On a farm tucked away in the Waimanalo backroads Kahnma Karnga is creating small community-oriented gatherings centered around music, art, and nature, and hence, the “Grassy Rootsy” movement has begun.

Says Kahnma, “I think after the pandemic people like myself were ready to get back out there and engage again. But to be honest, I didn’t realize how much the pandemic changed my interests. Things that once resonated no longer did. But the desire to connect and engage was still there. So I decided, if I can’t find my space out there, maybe I should create it.”

Kahnma is known for her “Soul Oasis” jam sessions in Kaimuki and is initiating this new space to host similar events that merge the creative spirit with the natural energy and beauty of the Waimanalo backroads country saying, “The building community aspect of the Kaimuki/Summit jams is a goal, but I’m allowing this new space to evolve into its own thing. “

So, what can you expect to experience at a “Grassy Roosty” event? The beauty of nature at the base of the Koolau mountains for starters, and people coming together to share soulful music and art. At October’s open-mic event I had the honor of witnessing two young musicians-in-the-making sing before an audience for the first time followed by more seasoned talents and finishing with the powerful voice of local & international singer/songwriter, Irie Love, performing songs from her soon-to-be-released music. In Kahnma’s own words, “You’ll feel peace, you’ll hear conscious music and sounds, you’ll taste farm-to-table locally grown foods. I hope people leave feeling full with a sense that there’s more that connects us than not. “

Sound like something you can vibe with? Then you’re welcome to reach out and get on the personal invitation list. You won’t find “Grassy Rootsy” events on social-media. Kahnma is adamant about keeping everything in the grassroots spirit of the event so – word of mouth only. She goes on to explain, “social media is so saturated I think people tend to put things all in one box. I figured if you get a personal invite from me or a friend, the energies cultivated are more intentional.  I think keeping an email list and reaching out that way sounds right, for now. “

If you’d like to join the “Grassy Rootsy” community reach out to Kahnma to get on the invite list for upcoming events: dkarnga@gmail.com.

by Honolulu Vibes