Plastic can sing! Come learn how to build musical instruments out of household rubbish with local educator/ethnomusicologist Benjamin Fairfield, author of Kani Ka ʻŌpala (How can garbage sing?). Attendees will learn to make a “Squawkie-talkie” instrument that can sing like a chicken, talk like a robot, and purr like a bobcat. Fairfield will also showcase some of his other home-made rubbish instruments from his 2025 Hawaii Climate Artist in Action Residency.

• Fun and appropriate for all ages (5 and up).
• Materials provided
• No musical prerequisites needed
• Preview the instrument here: “Squawkie Talkie” Tutorial: 1-minute instrument
• Due to limited space, registration is limited to 25 spots; please contact the Kaimukī Public Library at (808) 733-8422 or come in-person at the Reference Desk to register.

Learn more about Fairfield’s work at his website: Kani ka ʻōpala: music made from Rubbish website, or see his Benjamin Fairfield’s current exhibit at UH Hamilton Library.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change. See a schedule of upcoming events on the HSPLS Events Calendar.