The audience was typical for Hawai‘i, a mix of coats and
ties with aloha wear and even the occasional pair of shorts,
of singles, couples and families, people of all ages and backgrounds.
The selection of music was similarly eclectic, Broadway standards
mixed with Celtic ballads and operatic solos. One particular
favorite was Church’s rendition of the Simon and Garfunkel
classic, “Bridge over Troubled Water,” although the crowd’s
biggest response was reserved for “Danny Boy.”
For all her presence as a singer, Church is very much a teenage
girl, a point she makes in the most delightful manner. When
not actually singing, she constantly fidgets and giggles not
out of nervousness, apparently, but from teenage energy. She
charms with all the natural ability of one’s favorite niece
and cousin. She sheepishly apologized at the beginning of
the program for her sunburned features. Near the end, citing
a hike she had taken earlier, Church performed barefoot, which
further endeared her to the local audience. It was easy to
get the impression that she performs not for fame or fortune,
but because singing for an audience is “really cool.”
By the end of the concert, had Church suddenly decided to
remain in Hawai‘i, she would not have lacked for prospective
hanai parents. As if underscoring the magic of the evening,
a light misty drizzle descended upon the audience as they
left the Arena. Few minded, perhaps seeing this as the spirit
of the island’s response to Church’s angelic voice rising
from earth.
