SUQUAMISH — Some of the biggest stars in tribal music will hit the high note for the Suquamish Tribe during a kick-off party, called “A Time to Gather,” for the Suquamish Foundation’s capital campaign Thursday evening at Kiana Lodge.

Native Hawaiian slack-key guitarist Keola Beamer, Native American Navajo flutist R. Carlos Nakai and Native Hawaiian conch blower Chief Keoni will all give performances during the celebration, which will also include food, drumming from the Suquamish Song and Dance Group, a silent auction and discussion of plans to improve the Suquamish area.

“One of the foundation’s board members has a pretty good connection with Keola, so we got both performers through that connection,” said Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman. “I think this will bring a strong sense of tradition and spirit from the number of accomplished musicians who will be performing. They are very influenced by their heritage.”

The capital campaign, “Building for Resurgence,” will help raise funds for a new Suquamish Tribe Community House, a Suquamish Museum and Arts Center and other projects slated to be completed by 2009, when Suquamish will be the ending point for the Tribal Journeys canoe trip made every summer.

The tribe received money from the Washington State Legislature budget after the 2007 session ended, $550,000 for the community house and $1 million for the new museum, which will go a long way to helping the tribe construct the projects, Forsman said.

“This is going to help significantly,” he said. “It also demonstrates strong support of the state for the tribe’s goals and what we hope to accomplish.”