IGE international philanthropic operations unite musician, nonprofit and arts patron communities through musical retreats, cross-cultural collaboration and global benefit performances.

In Kaua’i, we scheduled concerts and events at iconic locales. We intended to merge public benefit events for a coalition of local nonprofits with private events. In consequence of the recent closure of Kaua’i Performing Arts Center at which two public events were scheduled, mandated cancelation of the community youth festival due to Covid county regulations, constantly shifting and uncertain county capacity restrictions, event liability insurance riders and contractual responsibilities to artists, we were left no alternative but to shift to private shows at smaller venues with strict Covid protocols at all events.

Grateful Aloha remains a purely philanthropic event. Over a dozen Kaua’i nonprofits form the Grateful Aloha nonprofit coalition. We are advised by these organizations, Kaua’i county officials, and by elders of our many Kaua’i communities. Together, we concluded that it was important to successfully complete Grateful Aloha, despite challenges, in anticipation of an annual series of future benefits. Though currently a private charity event in 2022, we will return with public shows in 2023, or as soon as circumstances permit.

We are sorry that participation at individual shows is currently impossible. That was neither our intent nor wish. Like you, we look forward to a return to something approaching normal so that we may entirely resume our public benefit performances and global philanthropic work.

For Reference – Link to 2019 Lisbon Immersion Itinerary

One Bedroom Condo w/King Bed and Queen Sleep Couch:
917 square feet, King Bed master bedroom, Queen Sleep Couch in Living Room, 2 bath, 2 Lanai, 2 Televisions, Fully-equipped kitchen, Washer & dryer, Mid-week maid service (for 5+ days), 2 beach chairs and cooler in unit, Complimentary Wi-Fi and use of business center

Two Bedroom Condo with King Bed, Loft w/2 Queen + Queen Sleep Couch:
1,231 square feet, King Bed master bedroom, Separate Sleeping Loft with 2 Queen beds, Queen Sleep Couch in Living Room, 2 bath, 2 Lanai, 2 Televisions, Fully-equipped kitchen, Washer & dryer, Mid-week maid service (for 5+ days), 2 beach chairs and cooler in unit, Complimentary Wi-Fi and use of business center

Charitable Contribution:
Innovative Giving Enhancement (IGE) 501(c)(3) Immersion Guests may claim a substantial charitable contribution deduction for the excess of the purchase price paid over its fair market value (FMV). IGE will provide documentation to Guests indicating your tax deductible donation to IGE

Payment Schedule:
50% of Trip Price at booking
75% of Trip Price by July 1st, 2021
100% of Trip Price by September 1st, 2021

Cancellation Policies:
100% of 50% deposit on booking refundable until July 1st ($250.00 administrative fee)
75% of 75% payment refundable until August 1st, 2021
50% of 100% payment refundable until October 1st, 2021

If Covid requires postponement of A Grateful Aloha, 100% of all payments (- $250.00 administrative fee) are refundable or can be applied to future Immersions.

Payments can be made by Credit Card (3% fee), Check (must pay amount in full 12/1/2021, no fee) or with Appreciated Securities (not accepted after 11/1/2021) . Please contact [email protected] if you wish to take advantage of payment by Appreciated Securities.

The Cliffs at Princeville

9 days and 8 nights single, double, triple, quadruple, quintuple or sextuple accommodations at The Cliffs at Princeville, our hotel community event partner. The Cliff’s luxurious condominiums are “nestled on a secluded bluff overlooking the Majestic North Shore.” 

Thanks for your interest!

Click Here to Register for Kaua’i Music and Art Immersion – “Grateful Aloha”

Other Donations:

-Scholarship for one local student pursuing a fine arts degree

-Scholarship for one local student pursuing a degree in Hawaiian Cultural Studies

-Music in the Schools – Musicians will present assemblies in local schools

-Local Performing Arts Schools – Donations for participation and performance in Youth Performance Festival and evening concerts

–Lawai International Center – Donation for pavilion capital campaign

FAQ

What Airport do I fly into in Kaua’i?

Immersion participants fly into Lihue (LIH), an approximately 45 minute drive to The Cliffs, IGE Kaua’i headquarters. Participants will take rental cars, taxis or rideshare services (Lyft and Uber) from the airport to The Cliffs.

What dates should I arrive and depart?

The Immersion begins Monday, January 3, 2022 and ends Tuesday morning, January 11, 2022. Most flights from the United States, particularly from the west coast will have a same day departure and arrival on January 3, 2022 for an arrival typically in the afternoon or evening on the 3rd. Check in on January 3rd begins at 11am room dependent. Check out on January 11th is 11am.

Can I arrive early or stay after the end of the Immersion at The Cliffs?

All such reservations should be made directly with The Cliffs.

What is the capacity of A Grateful Aloha?

Maximum Immersion capacity is approximately 150 participants to maintain the intimacy of the experience.

Is the Immersion fully inclusive other than airfare and Kaua’i ground transportation?

Immersions are largely, but not entirely inclusive. The Cliffs condominiums have lovely kitchens with a well stocked grocery store a few minutes away. A combination of four catered or restaurant meals are included during the Immersion as well as a heavy IGE Ohana Pu Pu service at Smith’s Tropical Paradise. All concerts and musical performances are included.

In addition to the Immersion participation fee, what other expenses can I expect?

During the Immersion, prepare to pay for those meals not included in the package, ground transportation, as well as your private activities and adventures. Kaua’i is an expensive destination in general. It would be reasonable to budget $500.00 – $1,000.00 depending on your plans.

Do included meals cater to all dietary choices and restrictions?

Yes. IGE Grateful Aloha meals are designed to meet all dietary choices and restrictions.

If I’m a single can I be paired with another participant to bring down my cost?

Typically, on Immersions we are delighted to pair singles with other singles. In the age of Covid, we are more sensitive about pairing you with others you may not know. At present the most certain single option is buying the IGE Grateful Aloha Package Without Lodging. The other option is staying at The Cliffs in a One Bedroom Condo w/King Bed and Queen Sleep Couch with no more than one other single so each has a private sleeping space.

Are all IGE concerts and performances exclusive to Immersion participants? How many performances can I expect?

A Grateful Aloha includes 5 public benefit concerts held for the nonprofit coalition as well as 5 or more substantial private collaborative musical events. Immersion participants receive IGE Ohana seating and amenities at all public events. IGE events are reserved exclusively for Immersion participants. Over the course of the Immersion, expect a dozen or so performances including afternoon sets, nightly concerts, and some after hours shows.

Can I attend the Immersion for a shorter period?

Given the purposeful cap on participant numbers, IGE guests typically attend the Immersion for the entire period. Immersion guests stay in The Cliffs, IGE headquarters. Certainly, participants are welcome to come for as long as they wish, though no discounts are offered for shorter stays.

Can I participate fully in the Immersion if I stay somewhere other than The Cliffs?

We are offering a quite limited number of IGE Grateful Aloha packages to non Cliff residents. The precise number and availability of these packages will depend upon participant numbers staying at The Cliffs given our maximum of 150 full Immersion participants. We suggest that you reserve IGE Ohana Non Resident Packages as soon as possible if you wish to stay elsewhere, yet enjoy all IGE Immersive activities, meals and private concerts.

How does IGE select venues and what types of venues can I expect?

Immersion venues are located across the eastern and northern shores from Lihue to Hanalei and lie at the heart of the immersive experience. Venues are selected for atmosphere and range from state of the art concert halls to mind blowing botanical gardens, magical pavilions to enchanted churches, grand estates to iconic restaurants. A number of spectacular venues, many of which do not typically host musical events, are available only to IGE as a nonprofit partner of local charities in the nonprofit coalition.

What does IGE mean by International Artist Collective?

IGE is an international music philanthropy drawing together North American Musical Ambassadors and a diversity of Global All-Star performers. Together, these top tier, multi-genre musicians form the IGE International Artist Collective, an expanding worldwide collaborative musical community.

How do IGE Immersion performances differ from those at other festivals, concerts and events?

All shows are artistically directed by different members of the artist collective, have a unique concept and involve performance of independent and communal works often created during the Immersion. One musician recently described his fashioned lineup in Lisbon as like his fantasy football team with the band created for his show as his dream band. In contrast to his fantasy football team, however, his supergroup was real!

How much of Kaua’i will I visit through IGE concerts, events and outings?

IGE participants experience Kaua’i in profound insider fashion as honored community guests. Venue selection, performance arrangement and group adventures are structured as an arc and crafted to reveal the Garden Island in manners no other visitor can experience.

What is the refund policy should Grateful Aloha be postponed or cancelled?

Should Covid or other circumstances lead to the postponement of Grateful Aloha, you can shift your payment to the rescheduled date, apply your payment to a different Immersion, or receive a full refund minus a $250.00 fee.

How does my participation in Grateful Aloha benefit the Garden Island nonprofit coalition?

Immersion participants fund all production costs for the public benefit concerts permitting 100% of the revenue raised on Kaua’i through ticket sales and donations to be shared by members of the nonprofit coalition. Additionally we will distribute a broad range of donations.

           “An IGE immersion is like no musical excursion you will participate in. It’s incomparable to any vacation – becoming a community in a foreign land to appreciate culture, art and music is the way to get to know a city like you never can sightseeing alone. On Immersions you are simultaneously a traveller and at home with a group of common minded people.” – Paul Hoffman, Greensky Bluegrass

           “For me, the IGE immersion is truly unique. It’s not a gig, it’s not a vacation, it’s an opportunity to be who we are, among friends. Lovers of culture, of language, of food, of lifestyle. Its about special musical collaborations in sublime settings. It’s about sharing laughter and wonder and song in enchanting European locations. It’s about tuning in to the local vibe and rhythms and soaking them up. It’s less about performing music, and more about playing it out of joy, inspiration and gratitude fueled by the immersive experience.” – Keith Moseley, String Cheese Incident

           “The opportunity to see disparate artists join together in multiple formats, to watch their musical language at work, creating new harmonious wholes, was awe-inspiring.” – Zak Gordon

           “I had a fantastic time. I wasn’t sure what to expect but felt truly immersed–no other word truly applies–with my favorite music. I loved the venues you found and how the music was seamlessly integrated with the art and architecture around us. Some of the experiences (the Holly Bowling concert at MEAM comes to mind) were truly stunning. I also liked the ratio of group activities to free time for exploring.” – Wendy Gordon

           “Just as there was “Nothing like a Grateful Dead show”, there is nothing like the IGE experience. I’m still high from it and there will be lifelong memories and, I expect, ongoing relationships. Extremely well organized, seamlessly designed, thoughtful artists. A very classy operation. Folks were smiling even when it was rainy. Help was always nearby. AND THE MUSIC WAS TOPS!. – Barry Elkin

           “At first I was hesitant to attend this event as a solo. I’m forever grateful I made the leap and signed up. Less than 24 hours in – the experience had more than paid for itself. The warmth of the group, talent and graciousness of the musicians, and attentiveness of the staff combined to make for one of the best vacations I have ever taken.” – Reed Lewis

           “Thank you so much for the memories! May the Universe return to you the blessings you shared with us tenfold!” – Brenda Hann

           “I have been on more than my share of wonderful travels and adventures in my lifetime, but the trip to Barcelona was super duper extra Special! What a special experience to be a part of a living breathing music troupe coming together! The music and the people helped me reset myself vibrationally, and emotionally! – Alessandra Schwartz

           “Music, travel, friends. No other festival captures the intimacy and creativity of an Immersion. There’s just nothing else like it. This year’s immersion was equally mind-blowing as last year’s.” -Susi Bouse

“Mind-blowing is an understatement for what we experienced in Barcelona, on many levels. From the music, the architecture, the food, the people, the IGE staff & production crew who worked so hard to make it all happen & run smoothly….Barcelona was an exhilarating adventure that we’ll be talking about for a long time to come.” – Joel Tarantal 

           “An absolutely fabulous experience… We have been around the block a few times and I can say that in almost 50 years of listening to this music and being a part of this community, this was our finest experience ever.” – Ron and Lili Zweibaum

      “Unforgettable. The City of Venice – its people, history and culture – was beyond my wildest imagination. Our IGE hosts and fellow travelers were kind and wondrous. The musicians were bellissimo – in performance and in spirit. Living in the villa along the canal, I felt like a Venetian.”  – Michael Jon Samuels, Qello Concerts 

          “Hands down the best musical experience I’ve ever had. If there’s a heaven, it’s pretty close to being immersed for 10 days with great musicians in a beautiful setting, surrounded by friends old and new.” – Dave F.

“We had an amazing experience with IGE in Venice. The performances and friendliness of the unbelievably talented musicians and outstanding hospitality of the hosts exceeded our expectation. It was truly a memorable experience which we will always cherish.”  – Jason Eig Partner at Blank Rome LLP & his AWESOME wife Heather Eig

                         “Nothing beats immersing yourself in a beautiful city like Venice, surrounded by live music and kind folks – truly a unique travel experience!” – Melissa Herman 

              “Our trip was an incredible experience that approached was almost surreal with the level of camaraderie that we enjoyed with the artists and our fellow travelers. Friendships that will last our lifetime!” – Peter H.

“I just want to tell you that our time together in Venice was one of the best times of my life. I feel that I understand the concepts around immersion and flow as I never have before. I loved everything you did to make our time here transformative and engaging and crazy fun. And full of heart.”  – Vanessa

“Great Music, Great Venues, a well thought out program that blends music, local culture and a truly unique intimate experience with like minded music freaks- you won’t find this elsewhere.” – Todd Z.

“We had the time of our lives and became so fully immersed in music and art that our hearts were exuberant! This experience is like no other with musical talent and fellowship beyond compare.” – Emily S.

“After augmenting our Venetian Immersion with subsequent expeditions to Florence and Rome, we have finally safely, albeit somewhat sadly, arrived back home in Philadelphia. The abrupt difference in the view from our bedroom window this morning from weeks past was a rude awakening, to be sure, but we are indeed most grateful for the abundance of joyful memories from this excursion which replay so vividly in our nightly dreams, and which will no doubt continue to titillate our souls for time eternal.Our deepest and most humble thanks to everyone who participated in and made possible this most extraordinary and magical event.” – Tanto amore,  Stu and Maria

“Venice washed over me like a wave, and touched all the senses. We saw amazing art & were treated to fantastic music everyday we got to be with friends old & new, and what more could you ask for? Yes, Yes, Yes!” – Joel

“What a special way to explore a new place! I really loved settling in and getting to know my surroundings as well as spending time with new and old friends. The music was icing on the cake and a pleasure to be a part of!” – Jilian

“One of the peak experiences of my life, and I’ve had (more than) a few!” – Greg

Current IGE Covid Protocols: Our intent is to exceed all prudent recommendations as we provide the highest possible degree of safety.

• All IGE Immersion participants will be fully vaccinated.
• Participants will arrange a pre-travel PCR test.
• Participants, staff and artists will take rapid tests on arrival and then every three days thereafter.
• We are arranging options for local on demand PCR testing as necessary, and medical care as required.
• We’ve contracted with Medjet, the premier medical evacuation service available and each participant will have an opportunity to purchase this premium package. 
• Should circumstances require, IGE reserves the right to limit all Immersion events to IGE participants only.