Schaefer Portrait Challenge VII (2022)

The small island of Lana’i, while perfect in countless ways, lacked a comprehensive program in music and performing arts for children. In 2012, musician and songwriter Matt Glickstein set about changing that. He began working with the Lāna’i High and Elementary School 4th grade class for his “Songs For A Better World” CD. That led to “Island Below The Star”, an original musical production, and the creation of the Lāna’i Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA). Over the years LAPA has presented 11 musicals for the community, and even performed for the Dalai Lama. Remarkably, during the pandemic, the scope of LAPA has expanded to include classes in songwriting, directing, screenwriting and special effects make-up.

As I watched Matt playing his teaching keyboard, the keys glowed under his fingertips. This I thought was a perfect metaphor for a person who has sparked the creative endeavors of hundreds of Lānai’s children.