Garden Island Arts Council

The LT Smooth Phenomenom

admin — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:45:48 +0000

Photos on Facebook for February 20 EKK #5; mahalo to Tashi:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.346338308740210.85168.173083409399035&type=1

Taking a Journey with Vakanui

Photo by Tashi

Each Monday as EKK groupees and new attendees step through the doors of the Jasmine Ballroom, there is an air of anticipation for what’s to come. The big question is, “Can you top off last week’s outstanding program?”

By the end of the evening, the glowing faces speak for themselves, “Ya done it again! Tonight is phenomenal!” The way to do it is to hide in the shadows and let the musical stars shine brightly; we are so gifted in Hawai’i to be witness to the kind of talent that grace our stages and share music of the heart for us to enjoy.

And so it was with LT Smooth (Leon Toomata), Bruce Collins, Pati Taulaulelei, and Heidi the hula dancer. Known as the group “Vakanui” they took us on a musical journey that made us laugh, swoon, cry, dance, cheer and fall in love all over again with our significant other, old friends and new friends. For three wonderful hours we were transported into a place of musical joy — we moved from island to island, sat in church with missionaries, danced in the lounge and whistled and yelled with appreciation.

The ukulele and hula hour ended early with instant graduation as all the players and dancers had to go up on stage before they got cold feet and perform for the audience to Beautiful Kaua’i. Instant gratification … good move!

Another good move, LT invited Ed Blanchet up to the stage to represent the audience as LT greeted him with “honge” or touching of the nose and sharing of the breath of life, love, joy and peace. Ripples of nervous laughter quieted to a subdued and respectful silence as the audience witnessed the cultural greeting.

Before coming to Kaua’i, LT called his Mom to tell her of his trip to Kaua’i; she told him to be sure to pray on the airplane and “plant the seed” of joy, peace and happiness. So he was here on this mission. Many songs were familiar as we have heard them sung by Bruddah Iz, Gabby, and countless other singers, but LT certainly puts his own spin on every song. When he took off on his guitar, all you could do was hold your breath. His life story is one of hope.

Overcoming Adversity and Rising Above The Past

LT’s Mom is half Maori and Half Samoan; his Dad was Irish. They met at the University in Oakland, but home was in New Zealand where they lived off the land and had few modern distractions resulting in a large family of ten boys and one girl. His father was strong so they all followed him, but many bad things happened in their life. LT took his first cocaine at age 10 and began heroin at 12; at age 20 he had to free himself from 10 years of addition or die; with a lot of help, “…17 years later, here I am…”

“Close your eyes and think of how blessed you are,” said LT as he began talking about the Captain in the belly of the ship, feeling the slave, humming and weeping, “…and that was me chained up with ten years of cocaine…I had to clean myself up or die.” His voice hummed resonantly and as he sang the moving lyrics to Amazing Grace, Heidi stepped out in her black holoku and began to sign the words, bringing out goose pimples on my arm. LT’s voice resonated through the first verse and when percussionist Bruce Collins added his Samoan voice on the second verse, you could feel chicken skin on top of your goose pimples. As Heidi moved from signing into a hula, and the voices soared in harmony, you really had to close your eye and feel the blessings. Bruce is from Las Vegas and bass player Pati Taulaulelei is from Samoa; they all live in Kona and met in church. They play together every Sunday night right on the ocean where many supporters go to enjoy their music.

Acknowledging his love for his Irish Dad, LT sang Danny Boy. His singing oozes with emotion. In fact, LT does not sing; he emotes the music….it just comes pouring out like a dam that just gave way. He pours his heart and soul into his music and everyone present can feel it.

Bruddah Iz definitely influences LT as he does so many others in Hawai’i and around the world. To pay tribute to those who came before and paved the way for musicians of today, LT sang, White Sandy Beach and Somewhere Over the Rainbow, the Iz version known worldwide. Gabby’s Hi’ilawe, one of the most famous Hawaiian songs about the waterfall in Waipio Valley on Hawai’i Island was brought to life as Heidi danced about the gossiping birds, the lovers, the waterfall, and closed the song chanting an oli.

photo by Anne E. O'Malley

Exotic Heidi is a vision of loveliness in her white flowing angel-like dress as she dances to the beautiful song, Beautiful Kaua’i, a song for the host island which was taught to the ukulele gang and hula dancers; it made us all appreciate the beauty of our home island all over again.

LT liked playing with the audience as he was trying to take a poll of who was married long, very long, short, or not at all; he invited everyone to grab their spouse and dance in the aisle to Only Fools Rush in. This is really a dancing crowd because you don’t have to ask them twice, they all love holding, hugging, smooching, and moving their bodies to music.

When they were little kids growing up they liked to sit in a circle and ask each other, “What will you be when you grow up?” Ten years, from age 10 to 20, was lost to drug addiction which he began to lick starting at age 20 with the help of his mother and her tough love. The song he wrote for her, Momma Don’t Cry, speaks of his love for his mother. He recently called his Mother and told her that he was nominated for a Grammy. She told him how glad she was. Twenty minutes later before hanging up, she asks, “By the way, what’s a Grammy?”

The talented LT plays 13 to 14 different instruments, but when he met and started playing the guitar eight years ago, he gained a new friend that does anything he asks it to. He loves the way the instrument is made, the contrast, the speed and especially the strings. Fingers flying up and down the fret, tuning it up, tuning it down, never pausing, his face mirrors the joy of playing as he played a song about the vaqueros in the 1800′s. For five minutes everyone held their breath as he played Desperado until finally everyone started clapping to the manic music … or burst. As he strummed the last chord, the audience stood up en masse and clapped, whistled, stomped and cheered. Standing “O”!

To calm everyone down, LT played one of his favorite songs in a way that I’ve never heard it before. It took him a long time to record it as the song brought tears to his eyes whenever he heard it. The song honors the missionaries who came to spread their teachings. With LT, Pati and Bruce harmonizing the hymn E Holu Mea Nui, we were no longer sitting in a ballroom with clam shell chandeliers but transported into a place of worship surrounded by voices that cradled us in spirituality.

LT once again showed off his amazing skill on the guitar with an instrumental titled LT Smooth. He acknowledged his band members — Pati who showed off on the bass and Bruce who could not show off too much on the cajon but hammed it up by doing body builder poses in between his drum beats . . . a percussionist with an extraordinary voice and a great sense of humor. No wonder he was invited along on the trip.

LT honored musical greats whose music lives on for generations to come by singing the songs they made famous. Bruddah Iz is definitely one of LT’s idols. When LT first came to Hawai’i, he was dressed in a suit and tie. Not knowing how hot it was here, he was sweating like a pig. He heard Bruddah Iz singing Ahi Wela/Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. He closed his eyes and took it all in; it’s now one of his favorite song.

Composed in 2003 by Mickey Ioane and made popular by Iz and the Makaha Sons, Hawai’i ’78 is one of the most powerful and influential songs of the last half century. The three voices harmonizing the haunting melody with Heidi dancing the hula will certainly be an image that many took home with them. “What A Wonderful World is my Mom and Dad’s favorite song;” LT gave it the old Sachmo spin and many voices joined in to sing the upbeat song.

“We lost a good sister in music,” said LT , acknowledging the sudden unexpected loss of one of the outstanding singers of our time. Heidi danced the hula with sign language as the three power voices rose to sing Greatest Love of All popularized by Whitney Houston.

Of course no musical event with LT would be complete without a whole lot of rocking and rolling; it would have gone on all night had it not been for the hotel pumpkin hour . . . and so another wonderful night of musical sharing became history.

When Sistah Robi rolls into town, expect the unexpected

admin — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:41:20 +0000

Photos on Facebook for March 26 EKK #9; Mahalo to Tashi

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.369818496392191.90067.173083409399035&type=1

Photo by Tashi

It really was not through any fault of theirs when Sistah Robi and Ku Kahakalau came to do EKK Monday in March 2006 that the electrical circuit for Island School bombed out and EKK could not happen without any electricity.There we were at 6:00 pm with hundreds of excited fans waiting in the parking lot and nowhere to go.

Panic button #1: What to do? The only place close by that could hold our group would be the cafeteria at Chiefess Middle School next door. Luckily I had Vice Principal Pohaku Nishimitsu’s cell number on my phone so I rang him and gave him our dilemma and asked him if there was any possibility to regroup at his school. “I just got home to Kapa’a but I will turn around and go back,” said our lifesaver Pohaku, so I yelled out across the parking lot, “Go across the Kaumuali’i Highway to Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School cafeteria!” and the long lines of cars slowly snaked around and around the long roads circling KCC, some following cars going in the wrong direction, but in about 15 minutes everyone was excitedly seated on the cafeteria table/benches and the Kahakalau Family Show went on, embellished by the wonderful accompaniment of Kekai Chock and Dennis Chun who unexpectedly showed up.

I started scheduling EKK 2012 back in August 2011 and by early November 2011 had Sistah Robi and Ku Kahakalau scheduled for March 26 with a high school Hawaiian choir to open. EKK 2012 started and rolled along beautifully but no word from anyone for March 26 and I needed to book flights, so I started sending persistent emails. A month before the event, Ku said she was unable to come due to urgent family matters but she could send her daughter I’inimaikalani in her place and would take care of all the arrangements so I booked their flights and printed up the song sheets. I cc’d Robi on every conversation, not knowing that RoadRunner dropped the ball for her internet, so she was completely in the dark on all these preparatory emails. Same time the high school choir could not come so that was just crossed off the list. I tried to find Kaua’i musicians to accompany Robi but everyone was tied up.

Panic button #2: The night before, I get a late night call from Robi that the song sheets received and printed three weeks ago had wrong chords so could I re-print the songs with the correct chords. “If it does not come through by email, I will meet you at the airport at 12:45 to get the song sheet.” It came through fine but Monday was a holiday so finding a copy machine was problematic. Luckily UPS store does not do holidays so I got the songs printed. I met the artists at the airport to make sure that everything was okay with them.

Panic button #3: An hour later I picked up a voice mail from Robi and called her. She said, “If you think the song sheet was last minute, I have one more thing for you.” It turns out that during her early morning KKCR interview with Linda Lester, she found out that EKK was not only a workshop but a followed by a concert. ”Concert!?!” Robi panicked. So at 2:00 pm she asked if she could locate John Cruz, is there any possibility we could fly him to Kaua’i for tonight? ”Ahhhhh . . .” Silence! (thinking thinking . . .) She was expecting me to breathe fire through the phone line and I could picture her wincing (she does that a lot). I said, “It’s kinda late but see if you can find him and let me check online if there are any flights left; but I need his birth date because can’t make reservations without birth date.” Luckily Kaya was next to her and could supply that information, so I went online and found one seat left on one available flight leaving in two hours, so I booked his one way ticket, since I did not know when he would go back.

Panic button #4: HAL email confirms he has the flight but no seat guarantee, so I had to call HAL office to make sure that John Cruz and his guitar would not have to stand in the aisle from Honolulu to Kaua’i. In the meantime, they located Johnny and he said he could make it and wanted the last flight out, so I booked his last flight out. Not only did John Cruz show up and put on a wonderful spontaneous show with Robi and I’inimaikalani plus Mike Young, he also jammed in Shutters after EKK until time to catch the last plane out. Oh . . . these musicians who love to perform . . .

Good thing the nurse tells me every time they take my blood pressure, “Wonderful! Your blood pressure is like that of a sixteen-year-old.” Often the drama behind the scenes is enough to fill a book, but it pumps up the juice for everyone and that is part of putting on a wonderful show.

Life as a musician…roll with the punches

The average person looks at a musician and sees a glamorous gregarious spontaneous person oozing with talent who can whip out an instrument and sing his heart out on the spot, but the stories shared by Robi and John, both so willing to be transparent about their experiences, gave new insight into the lives of musicians. They shared their experiences with so much humor that if they ever could NOT sing, at least they could join the Comedy Club.

First thing John thanks the sound man for being here with a sound system. He said that sometimes with last minute gigs, another musician will call him to show up at a restaurant and add, “Oh, by the way, bring a sound system with you . . . and I may be hour-and-a-half late so just go ahead with the gig until I show up.”

Robi was profusely thankful that Johnny showed up; tonight he could do no wrong. She shared a story about her Thanksgiving night gig at Chai’s Bistro when her usual partner said she could not play because she has big family dinner, so Robi is wracking her brain to see who among her musician friends has no family or is member of the “lonely hearts club” . . . “Oh! Johnny! Johnny! He came to help a friend in need…I love Johnny! And tonight my good friend Mike Young showed up so now we have a surplus of musicians; the more the merrier. Anybody who knows me knows that I do not like to play by myself.”

She also dreads tuning her guitar on stage. When she and Cyril Pahinui were opening for the Makaha Sons at Carnegie Hall, she could tell that one string was off but did not know which one. Cyril did not want to say anything but he winced every time she strummed; her imitation of Cyril’s wincing expression was hilarious. Finally he told her, “Put your volume down, baby,” so she ended up playing “air guitar” for that performance.

When she and John were playing in Seattle, “John’s mic kept drooping and drooping because they don’t take care of their equipment like you guys, so John said, ‘Take it, Robi!’ ” She did it and admitted that only twice in her life she sang solo.

But sing she can, as he and John harmonized beautifully on Makua. “I have only one song and that’s it. I hope you like it.” Someone who can write a song like Makua should really be pumping out more songs, but her sister Ku Kahakalau is the poet in the family. They followed with Kaua’i Nani La and No Ke Ano Ahi Ahi about Prince Lunalilo. It’s a good thing that Robi and John play music together a lot so they can put on a show with no rehearsal….just a lot of whispering back and forth as they created their playlist on the spot.

Robi talked about the early days when they traveled so much from place to place so often they were confused what island they were on and could not tell if they were coming or going. At a concert at the MACC in Maui, John calls out to the audience, “How we doing, Kaua’i?” John’s rebuttal, “Lemme, lemme, lemme explain. Everywhere I perform I ask, ‘What’s up, Maui?’ but since we were in Maui, I could not say that so I said, ‘What’s up, Kaua’i?’ ” Robi expressed surprised to learn he had a method to his madness.

John shared a song that will be in his new CD coming out this summer about being away too long. Robi loves John’s version of Waimanalo Blues composed by Liko Martin; it’s her Mom’s favorite song, and Waimanalo is her favorite place to swim with her dogs. Her dogs must be important as she later shared a story about Bula’ia who “kidnapped” her dog so she finally had to go and retrieve her pet.

The ‘ukulele class went on stage to play Na Pali Alo Lua composed by Ku Kahakalau in 2003; the hula gang that learned the dance from I’inimaikalani, Ku’s eldest daughter, performed the hula. Robi imitated the way that I’ini used to say her whole long Hawaiian name – I’inimaikalani Keali’ikua’aina Kahakalau which translates to “Desirefromheaven TheChiefessoftheCountryside” – when she was little and could not pronounce the letter “k” and substituted “t” in its place. Isn’t that what they do on purpose between Tahitian and Hawaiian words? I’inimaikalani was a linguist even as a toddler. I’inimaikalani danced to the beautiful Hi’ilawe about the famous waterfall in Waipio valley . . . most appropriate as that is her home.

Mike Young joined the artists on the stage and sang the song he wrote in the early 70′s – Nani Kauai (Beautiful is Kaua’i). Robi was supposed to record it years ago but either Hurricane Iwa or Iniki twarted their plans. Such passion in his singing brought shouts of hana hou. Mike sang his favorite Dennis Kamakahi song Koke’e while Robi spoke the translation and of course Donna Stewart could not resist the hula. Other hula songs that enticed hula dancers to the stage included Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett’s Kapalina, Dennis Kamakahi’s Wahine ‘Ilikea and Ku’u Hoa by Francis Keali’inohopono Beamer for his wife, enticing her to share a moonlit night together.

Robi introduced John’s signature song Island Style which describes life in the islands no matter where you are — mauka, makai, backyard, no matter which island. John sang another favorite Shine On and a song that will come out in his new album to be released this summer, We Should be Together.

Pi’i Mai Ka Nalu is another well known favorite composed by sister Ku as a final exam for Hawaiian language instructor Larry Kimura’s poetry class. Song describes how everyone drops everything and heads for the ocean when the surf is up. She followed with a haunting song Mele O Kaho’olawe by Uncle Harry Mitchell that was recorded by Olomana. Mitchell told her “Baby, stick to the singing.” So Robi sings, Ku writes the songs and I’ini, a Hawaiian language scholar, dances the hula.

When Robi and I’inimaikalani arrived at the Jasmine ballroom, they asked, “Are we late?” She was surprised “There were some really early people out there!” Yes! That’s how it is at EKK; can you believe that some folks used to be in line outside from 3:00 pm for a 6:00 program, so we have been trying to get folks to comes just a tad later so we don’t feel so panicky ourselves. Robi said, “One anakala just looked at me and said Blue Bayou. I hope it was a request for that song as I took it as a request.” Slow and sultry the song fit her voice perfectly. No wonder uncle requested it.

For an evening that stood on a precarious ledge at one point, the final EKK Monday 2012 turned out to be a fun and animated workshop concert full of great singing, spontaneous hula, great audience participation and the hilarious stories you rarely hear about life as a musician.

One more final concert this Saturday!

Saturday, March 31, 7:00 pm

EKK Finale Concert with Hot! Hot! Hot! Super Stars!”

Nathan Aweau & Jeff Peterson

plus lovely solo hula dancers from Leina’ala’s halau

Kauai Beach Resort Jasmine Ballroom

PS! Bring heavy sweater or jacket with you; the ballroom temperature will make you feel like you are in Minnesota.

MARCH – APRIL 2012 ART & CULTURE EVENTS on Kauai

admin — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:36:54 +0000

email giac@hawaiilink.net to get listing in advance

MARCH – APRIL 2012 ART & CULTURE EVENTS

Thursday, March 29, 5:00 – 7:00 pm; 4:30 pm refreshments

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Mayor’s Committee on the Status of Women, Kauai County

hosts a special presentation honoring

“Living Treasure” Kupuna Frances N. Frazier, author

Hali’a of Hawai’i, A Legacy of Language

The Story Behind the Stories of Hali’a

Talk & Slide Presentation by Dawn Kawahara, TropicBird Press

Mo’ikeha Building Room 2A/B

Free & open to the public

Contact: Dawn Kawahara, 822-3271

Friday & Saturday, March 30 & 31 to Sunday, April 1-final weekend

Fridays & Saturdays, 7:00 pm

Sundays 4:00 pm

Kaua’i Community Players proudly presents

Murder at the Howard Johnson’s directed by Jeff Elkins

Puhi Theatrical Warehouse

$20 advance; $22 door; $18 seniors; $15 students/members

Opening weekend $5 discount

Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets 1 (800) 838-3006

Online: kauaicommunityplayers.org

Info: (808) 245-7700

Saturday, March 31, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

E Kanikapila Kakou 2012 – “Legacy of Hawaiian Music”

EKK Finale Concert – Nathan Aweau & Jeff Peterson

plus lovely solo hula dancers from Leina’ala’s Halau

“Hot! Hot! Hot! Super Stars!”

Kauai Beach Resort, Wailua

Tickets: $25 Advance; $30 Door

Outlets: Hawaiian Music Kiosks, Kauai Music & Sound,

Island Soap & Candleworks, Scotty’s Music,

Veronica’s Gallery, Kauai Beach Resort Concierge

Contact: giac@hawaiilink.net; (808) 245-2733

Friday and Saturday, March 30 & 31

Sixth Annual Kauai Orchid & Art Festival

featuring Makana at 3:00 pm on Saturday

Also Rakudo Taiko

Gallery Shows, music, Spring Fantasy Orchid Show,

workshops, children’s activities and more

Plein Air Painters are invited to paint around the town

Contact Angela Headley, 335-0591 for info

Old Hanapepe Town

For current schedule of events: www.hanapepe.org

Contact: Kimberly Busch-French, (808) 651-9801

APRIL ART & CULTURE EVENTS

Kauai’s Biggest Easter Egg Hunts w/ thousands of eggs

March 31, 10:00 am

Vidinha Soccer Field

March 31, 1:00 pm

Hanalei Soccer Field

April 7, 10:00 am

Hanapepe Football Field

April 7, 1:00 pm

Waimea Athletic Field

Meet the Easter Bunny, puppet show, kids dance group

prize drawings, the Easter story

Sponsored by King’s Chapel, 643-PRAY

Sunday, April 1, 8:00 & 10:00 am

Palm Sunday Services – Special Palm Procession

Guitar & ‘ukulele choir, Ali’i String Trio – Hilary Eldridge, Dennis Haack, Laura Haack

Dramatic Reading of the Passion – Arnold Meister, Cher Ellwood, Dominic Simmons, Greg Nickerson, Sean Evans

Accompanied by Aki Conquest on drums & Music by Karen Dickinson

Donkey rides for keiki

Info: 245-3796; www.stmichaels-kauai.org

Sunday, April 1, 3:00 pm

Free Backyard Compost Bins Distribution + 1/2 hr compost training

Kekaha Community Garden

Call: 651-5197, Email <kekahagarden@gmail.com> to reserve bin

Limited 24 bins; www.kekahacommunitygarden.org

April 2, 5:30 pm

Merriman’s Fish House and Koloa Rum Company invite you to

Koloa Rum Dinner

$85 per person plus tax & gratuity

Merriman’s Fish House

The Shops of Kukui’ula, 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka, Suite G149, Koloa

Reservations & inquiries: (808) 742-8385

Friday, April 6, 7:00 pm

The Good Friday Project features

Eight different artists or groups responding to

themes of Crucifixion — Alan Van Zee, Lee Richards,

Hank Curtis, Dottie Bekeart, Karen Dickinson,

Aki Conquest, David Braun, Cher Ellwood, Mark Rossi,

Pua Rossi Fukino

Performances are interspersed among darkness and silence;

there is no applause

St Michael’s & All Angels Episcopal Church

Free and open to the public

Info. 245-3796, www.stmichaels-kauai.org

Saturday, April 7, 8:00 pm

“Meetings with Remarkable Men” by director Peter Brook

Search for truth movie about Russian philosopher G.I. Gurdjieff’s journey

through the Middle East and central Asia to find the meaning of life.

Movie salutes Gurdjieff as a spiritual seeker with a love of questions,

openness, attention and wonder.

Film made on location in mountains and deserts of Afghanistan

$6 donation in advance; $8 donation at door

Benefit for Unity of Kauai

at Children of the Land, Kapaa (next to Papayas)

Contact: Eve Powers

Sunday, April 8, 8:00 and 10:00 am

Easter Sunday Service featuring

Brass Quartet – David Braun & Barry Toy (trumpet),

Dennis McGraw (trombone), Larry McCreery (french horn),

Hank Curtis (piano)

9:15 am – Easter Sermon by Father Bill Miller

11:15 pancake breakfast – parish hall

child care provided at both services

St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church

4364 Hardy and Umi Streets

Info: 245-3796, www.fatherbill.net

Sunday, April 8 and 29

88 Shrines at Lawai International Center

Tour Times: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm

Open rain or shine; wear comfortable shoes

Donations appreciated

Info: (808) 639-4300; map at www.LawaiCenter.org

Friday, April 13 (second Friday)

North Shore Dance Party

7:00 – 8:00 pm Tango

8:00 – 10:00 pm Swing, Ballroom, Latin

No partner necessary; all levels welcome

$5 donation

<kauaidancingblog.com>

Tuesday, April 17, 7:00 pm

Island School’s Music Department presents

“We Didn’t Start the Fire: Occupy Music”

A Choral Concert featuring

Island Schools Alaka’i Chorus, ‘Opio Chorus,

Keiki Chorus, Singers

Under the direction of Philip A. Steinbacker,

Accompanied by Rose Alfiler

Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center

Adults – $10; Students 4 – 12 – $5; Students Grades 3 and below – FREE

Tickets available at Island School Office; also at KCC on April 17/

Contact: Philip Steinbacher

Deadline for application extended to April 20, 2012

Hawaii Children’s Theatre sponsoring

Ethan Shell Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts

$1,000 scholarships for 1st & 2nd year college students from Kaua’i

Info and applications on HCT website, www.hawaiichildrenstheatre.com

Contact: Debra Blachowiak, (808) 639-2437

Fridays & Saturdays, April 20, 21, 27, 28, 7:00 pm

Sundays, April 22, 29, 4:00 pm

The Kauai Performing Arts Center (KPAC) presents

Lerner & Loewe’s “My Fair Lady”

Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall

Tickets: Adults $12 in advance; $15 at door

Students $10 in advance; #12 at door’

Advance tix available from cast members,

North Shore Pharmacy, Jim Saylor Jewelers,

Vim ‘n Vigor, Progressive Expressions, Scotty’s Music

Info: 651-2417, Dennis McGraw

Saturday, April 21, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Kauai Children’s Authors Guild Book Signing

hosted by Kauai Mini Golf, Kilauea

Book signing by authors + a round of mini golf with your family

Info: <lucidhawaii@mac.com>

Kauaichildrensauthors.blogspot.com

Open to all poets, lovers of poetry, readers, performers, teachers, students,

all ages, all cultural traditions, from this planet or other galaxies — share your VOICE

Friday, April 27, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Poetry reading and open mic (please sign up)

Steve Backinoff, Dawn Kawahara, Michaella Mintcheff, Virginia Beck

Love donation $5 requested – supports St. Michael’s jazz festival

and taiko drumming ministry

Saturday, April 28, 2:00 – 5:00 pm

Creative writing & Poetry workshops with Virginia Beck & Michaella Mintcheff

St. Michael’s and All Angels refectory room

Love donation $5 requested – supports St. Michael’s jazz festivall and taiko drumming ministry

Sunday, April 29, 8:00 – 10:30 am

Sweat Your Prayers Dance & Poetry celebration

Nataraj Dynamic Dance meditation, poetry, facilitated creative writing

Kauai Athletic Club facilitated by Michaella Mintcheff

Fee: $10

Email: misha@hawaii.rr.com to reserve space

Sunday, April 29, time TBA

Sunday Ritual Poetry Mass

St Michael’s & All Angles Episcopal Church

Contact: Steve Backinoff, Michaella Mintcheff

Saturday, April 28, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Monica Mira Book Signing

The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book

hosted by Na Aina Kai Gardens, Kilauea

Info: <lucidhawaii@mac.com>

Kauaichildrensauthors.blogspot.com

Sunday, April 29

88 Shrines at Lawai International Center

Tour Times: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm

Open rain or shine; wear comfortable shoes

Donations appreciated

Info: (808) 639-4300; map at www.LawaiCenter.org

HEADS UP FOR MAY

Thursday, May 10, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

6:00 pm – heavy pupus & cocktails in courtyard

6:45 pm – doors to gallery open

7:00 pm – concert

Hawaiian Soprano Emma Veary Concert

Songs from golden age of Hawaiian singing

Tickets $100, seating limited, includes, reception & concert

Kaua’i Museum 4428 Rice Street

to benefit KM cultural & education dept

Info: 245-6931

ONGOING CLASSES/ACTIVITIES:

They are back!

Every Monday, 7:00 pm

The Complete History of America (abridged)

500 years of American history in the spirit of Monty Python & the 3 Stooges

Starring Jeff Demma, Ian Foster, Aaron Martin (New Cast)

5:00 pm: Sit-down 3-course dinner w/ five entree choices

The Aston Aloha Beach Hotel, located at the Wailua river mouth

3-5920 Kuhio Highway

Reservations: www.OPTheater.com; (808) 212-8444

ART ART ART ART ART ART ART ART ART ART ART ART ART ART

Thursdays, February 2 – March 29

Intermediate: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Beginners: 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Kathy Kovala Watercolor classes

Plantation Garden Restaurant in Poipu

$35 per class or $50 all day

Discount for 6 classes

February 18, 19, 20; 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Three-day seminar: Waterfalls & Lighthouses

Jean Camp Residence, Anahola

$200 for 3 days,

Contact Kathy (715) 360-9929, (808) 823-0256; Jean (808) 821-1093

www.kathykovala.com for schedule

Instructor Kaeo Bradford offers, Native Hawaiian Art Series

1. Na Hulu-Featherwork I-$55 to KCC and $50 to instructor for supplies

January 26 to March 1, Thursdays, 6-7:30pm

2. Kapa La’ahu-Hawaiian Print Art-$55 to KCC and $10 to instructor

March 8 to April 19, Thursdays, 6-7:30pm

3. Ka Moena Lauhala-Hawaiian Fiber Art & Mat-Making Techniques-$100

April 21 to June 7, First two Saturdays 10am-2pm (will be collecting fiber) & Thursdays 6-7:30pm

Call KCC-OCET at 245-8318 to register; Visit OCET website at info.kauai.hawaii.edu/training

Lea Ingram offers, Fabric Collage as Functional Art-$50

Tuesdays, February 7 to March 6, 6-8:30pm

Call KCC-OCET at 245-8318 to register; Visit OCET website at info.kauai.hawaii.edu/training

Artist Nick Cannizzaro offers, The Art of Carving: Basic Sculpture I-$100 covers all supplies

Tuesday/Thursday, Feb 7 to March 1, 4-6:30pm

Call KCC-OCET at 245-8318 to register; Visit OCET website at info.kauai.hawaii.edu/training

Art Classes with Marionette

Ongoing classes in watercolors, acrylics, silk painting, pastels, sumie-e and more offered throughout the week for locals and tourists. All materials are included and beginners are welcome! http://www.kauaiartclasses.blogspot.com for more info or call 808~631~9173.

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

Every Monday, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon

“Malama the Aina”

Calling volunteers to Coco Palms

Restoring this sacred site so traditional cultural practices can return with integrity

Kauai Landscape and Nursery has prepped the area

Volunteers needed to mow grass, haul fronds and coconuts to green waste dumpsters, chop vines, lop weed saplings

Refreshing coconut water is served island style from coconuts

Contact: Tek Nickerson; Phil Villatora

AIRPORT WINDOW DISPLAYS

HAL side: Garden Island Arts Council Celebrating 35 Years

United Airlines side: NOAA on Kaua’i

Brought to you by Garden Island Arts Council

Funded by a grant through the Hawai’i Tourism Authority

In cooperation with the County of Kaua’I Office of Economic Development

(open to all passengers in transit)

Open for business:

“The Grove Cafe”, home of the Waimea Brewing Company

featuring brew from Kona Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company,

and (soon) Kauai Island Brewing Company

New menu with daily specials perfect for affordable family dining

Entertainment: Uncle Ambrose Smith and his group on Thursdays;

Charlie, Dayne & John on Wednesdays & Fridays;

Karaoke on Sundays

Contact: Waimea Plantation Cottages, 338-1625

Kekaha Community Garden Membership is open

Communal gardening – 2 hours per week of food, fun and health

Replace your monthly produce bill with $35 per month fees -

includes weekly box of food; free compost bins for residents by appt

Open daily, group meets Sundays from 4 – 6 pm

8610 Kiowea Road, St Pauls Episcopal Church, Kekaha

Contact: <kekahagarden@gmail.com> 651-5197

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat

7:30 – 11:00 am; 11:45 am – 4:15 pm

Kauai Resource Center Open & Accepting Recyclables

Redeem HI5 bottles, plastic #1&2, aluminum,

Cardboard, Mixed paper, glass, newspaper

Saturdays monthly, 8:30 am

Forest Workday

Koke’e CCC Camp

(808) 335-9975. kokeemuseum@earthlink.net

www.kokee.org

Saturdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

during the hours of the Hanalei Farmers Market

North Shore Psychic Faire

Metaphysical Artists providing their expertise to the community

in fun and healing atmosphere — all are welcome

Tarot, Astrology, Psychic Readings, Healing Mandalas

Hanalei Community Center Meeting Room

Contact: Bard Widmer (808) 652-9897

Every second Saturday

Art, surf movies, hula

Hanalei Town

Contact: Joel Guy or

Christine Bayley-Wortley,

kauainutroasters@gmail.com

Every Saturday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Kauai Community Market

fresh ingredients, holiday foods & gifts, taro products,

tropical plants and flowers, coffee, hoiday pies & baked goods,

goat cheese, health & beauty items from goat’s milk,

breakfast & lunch choices, educational demo, and more

KCC front parking lot across from Grove Farm

hosted by Kauai County Farm Bureau & Kauai Community College

Contact: Melissa McFerrin, 337-9944

First Saturday night of each month, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Old Kapaa Town Art Walk

Live music, meet the artists, tasty bites, tasty bites,

dancing, entertainment, support local businesses

Contact: Angelique Ell, angie@aelldesign.com

Second Saturday of Each Month, 8:30 pm until lunch

Friends of the Path Clean Up

Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the path that goes by the coast

Potluck lunch at 11:00 am

Meet at the rest pavilion makai of the Kapaa Neighborhood Center

Contact: Brett, 639-4561

Every Sunday, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Sing, Dance and Feel the vibrational sounds of energetic kirtan

guided yoga breathing and spiritual insights from sacred yoga texts

Indian sweets and beverages

Hanalei Community Center

Free and open to the public

www.kauaikirtanjam.com, 821-1424

Every Monday at 3:00 pm

Outdoor Farmer’s Market

Kukui Grove Center (behind K-Mart)

Contact: 245-7784

The Kauai Inn

The Kauai Inn has lovely rooms tucked away on three tropical acres where the Nawiliwili Bay meets the Huleia River. Our Kauai Inn is a charming 48 unit plantation style resort, where every guest is special! All our tropical rooms have 27” televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, A/C, ceiling fans, Hair dryer, Iron w/ Ironing board, free high speed internet, free local calls and parking. In the morning, coffee, tea, fruit and pastries are served poolside. We are centrally located and very close to beaches, golfing, shopping and many more fun activities.

$79.00 w/ 3 night minimum (std King or Queen room)

$99.00 (2 full size bed room)

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call toll free (1-800-808-2330)

Local 1-808-245-9000 ext 6 or e-mail us. Visit our website for pictures at www.kauaiinn.com

Fax: 1-808-245-3004

We look forward to having you as our guest!

CULTURE CULTURE CULTURE CULTURE CULTURE CULTURE

Thursdays, 6:30 – 7:45 pm

Tai Chi Chuan & Chi Gung

Core Holistic Integration

Francis DuBois instructor

Martial Arts practitioner since 1976

Author: Introduction to Tai Chi Chuan

at Children of the Land, 4-831 Kuhio Highway

Open to students at any level

Integrated approach w/ layers of intention and purpose

Ancient Chinese Health Exercises, bio-mechanics, energy flow,

breath, martial applications & psychological aspects

Donations appreciated; partial proceeds to support Children of the Land

Contact: francis dubois <francis@soulskin.us>, 635-9868

Wednesdays, 11:30 am – 12:45 pm

Kundalini style core-building yoga by Joella Shepherd

Breathing, moving energy & meditation

traditional yoga asanas incorporated

focus is clearing out stuck energy

Yoga House, Kapaa

Halau Hula o Leilani – cultural education, friendship & fun!

Tahitian Dance for Adults/Teens 7:30 pm & Keiki 6:16 pm

taught by Leilani Low, assisted by Ariel Leilani Bond

Wednesdays, All Saints Church Gym, Kapaa

Hula Classes for Adults/Teens & Keiki

Mondays, All Saints Gym

Tuesdays, Koloa Neighborhood center

Now enrolling students for 2012 Semester of Classes

Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai

Under the direction of kumu hula, Kehaulani Kekua

Formal instruction & hula study for Keiki, Kane, Wahine, Kupuna

Kilauea, Anahola & Lihue

deadline for registration – January 11, 2012

Call in advance: (808) 346-7574, <halaupalaihiwa@kaieie.org>

www.kaieie.org

Ongoing Tuesday nights, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

“Halau Hula Na Lei Kupua” hula class

Dance, Chant, Language & Legends

Under the direction of Alaka’i Fern Merle-Jones & Kumu Susan Pa’iniu Floyd

Under the guidance of Hula Loea Kawaikapuokalani Hewett

Entry level students & visitors welcome

Church of the Pacific, Princeville

Info: Call Fern, 828-1342, 639-0964

Second and Last Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm

88 Shrines at Lawai International Center

Tour times: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm

Brief video and talk story session by Lynn Muramoto

Donations are appreciated

Info: 639-4300, LM@hawaii.rr.com

www.lawaicenter.org

2nd, 3rd, 4th Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Kauai Museum’s Saturday Clubs

monthly workshops on unique island traditions

Kaua’I Museum daily public tours, 10:30 am to noon

Led by knowledgeable & entertaining docents

Free with admission to the museum

The Kaua;I Museum, Keepers of the Culture

Info: 245-6931

Second and Fourth Sunday every Month, 1:30 – 3:00 pm

Reiki with Renee!

Reiki Energy Healing Circle

Hawaii Holistic Health Center, 4585 Lehua St. #11

(above Hoku Foods in Kapaa)

$11

Call or email Renee, 821-2243, <info@psychic-services.com>

<www.psychic-services.com>

Waimea Plantation Lifestyle Tour

Ongoing – Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday,

volunteer guides lead walking tours through

the Waimea Plantation cottages and the Waimea

Sugar Company “camp” houses, which date from the

turn of the 20th century. Tours take approximately

90 minutes and are limited to 12 people.

Waimea Town, (808) 337-1005

DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE

Carol Culver Dance Academy — Dance Kauai!

New Classes at Kapaa Neighborhood Center

Thursdays, starting February 23

3:15 – 3:55 pm Tot Ballet, ages 3 – 8

4:00 – 4:40 pm Beginning Jazz/Hip Hop, ages 6 – 12

4:45 – 5:25 pm Beginning Tap, ages 5 & up

Cost: 6 weeks $42, 40 minute classes

Island School, Lihue

Mondays, 5:00 – 6:00 pm, ages 4 – 8

Fridays, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, ages 6 – 12

Cost: $48 per month, 1 hour classes + one-time registration fee

Info: Call Carol, (808) 245-3150; http://dancekauai.com

Kauai Dance Center

Dance Classes for all ages & abilities, ages 3 – adult

Enrollment January 3 – 15

Session January to May 2012

Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern Dance, Flamenco

Directors Jennifer & Mel Bell-Grey

Class locations: Kilauea Parish Hall; Kapaa All Saints Gym;

Kauai Athletic Club in Lihue; Island School in Puhi.

Golden Lotus Studio, Church of the Pacific

Open registration; Call: (808)823-9588, www.kauaidancecenter.com

NEW! Online ballet – “The Anatomy of Ballet 1.2.&3″

Upcoming Event: ”Once Upon A Dream” — Saturday, April 28, 11 am & 2 pm

www.onlinedancecenter.com

Kauai Dance Theatre’s Winter-Spring Term

26th season
January 2 – May 12, 2012
Ages 4 through Adult at the Kalaheo Studio
Ballet – Tap – Contemporary – Jazz for Kidz -

Creative Movement – Adult Exercise Classes
Visit www.KauaiDanceTheatre.com for the class schedule
Janie Crane, Director, 332-9737, jbcdance@hotmail.com

Mondays, 7:30 pm – Kalaheo Neighborhood Center

Thursdays, 7:00 pm, Kapaa Neighborhood Center

YMCA-sponsored Tango Kauai Dance Club

Classes open to the public

Argentine Tango for absolute beginners begin in June

No experience or partner necessary

$5 per class

Tango Tuesdays, 7 – 9 pm – Small Town Coffee Shop, music and dancing

Info: Maurizia Zanin, (808) 635-8049, www.tangokauai.com

North Shore High Beginner/Intermediate Line Dance Class!

Ongoing – dance experience required!

Every Friday morning, 10-11:30am.

Dance to all kinds of awesome,

fun music, great exercise, great fun and no partner

required! $8 per class. Instructor: Gina Mello

Church of the Pacific, Princeville. Questions call Gina 212-1847 or

kauaigina@yahoo.com.

Aloha Dance Studio — Enrolling now

full schedule online at www.AlohaDanceStudio.com

Professional instruction for ages 3 through adult

Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Modern,

Flamenco, Contemporary and Lyrical jazz

Master Classes with instructors from “So You Think You Can Dance”

Elite Company Groups

Travel to National Dance Conventions

Freaky Fridays at Kukui Grove Center every October

Beginner through Advanced welcome

Contact: Tiffany Dodge

MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC

Mondays, 7:30 pm — Rehearsals begin on January 9

Kauai Chorale Recruitment for Spring Concert

Performing “Carmina Burana” – a famous musical piece

Concerts scheduled for May 5 and May 6, 2012

Seeking singers of all walks of life, ages, experience

Island School

Call Wes Cronk for details: (808) 332-9356

Saturdays, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Kapaa Slack Key Saturdays

Doug and Sandy McMaster’s traditional Slack Key/Ukulele Talk Story

Children of the Land Center (Under Clock Tower, Kauai Shopping Village, Kapaa)

Admission $20/$15

Free Gift Drawing

Info: 826-1469

Every Friday, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

“Fridayphile” Live Music by La Dolce Vita Social Club

Michael Ruff, grammy & hoku winner

Kirk Smart, guitarist & singer

Elijah, percussion, guitar & vocals

1/2 price drinks & small plates

Original latin, R&B, Jazz & Love Songs

Gaylords at Kilohana, Puhi

3-2087 Kaumualii hwy, Lihue

Contact: 245-9593

Every Friday Night, 7:00 pm

Live Country Music with Billy Paul

Kalaheo Steak & Ribs Saloon

Saloon: 332-4444

Billy Paul: 634-8001

Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm

Children’s Singing Class

by Dolly Kanekuni

Learn natural healthy singing technique

Hawaii Children’s Theatre, Puhi

$15/child

Info: Dolly Kanekuni, (808) 652-1323, <dollyvocalhawaii@gmail.com>

Opening the Channel

Private Voice Sessions with Hezar Courson

Private Sessions – 1.5 hours for $75

2 hours for $85 + 30 minutes on sound table

Contact: Hezar Courson, (808) 652-8750

artofsoundinstitute@gmail.com

Every Wednesday Night, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Larry Rivera’s Love & Aloha Show (Every Wednesday)

Larry & Lurline performing

Cafe Portofino, Kalapaki

Contact: Larry Rivera, <larryrivera@hawaiilink.net>

Friday nights 7:00-8:00pm

Friday Nights on the Mall

Entertainment at Center Stage

Kukui Grove Center

Contact: 245-7784

EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE

FREE FOR ALL AGES

BEGINNING QI GONG CLASSES – Wednesdays
(QI GONG GOLDEN
Promotes balancing the body for greater health, increasing vitality, and radiating more energy

Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
LOCATION: SUN VILLAGE, 3-3400 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue 96766

VILLAGE HALL “D”, REC ROOM
Turn into Wilcox Hospital at light, drive past hospital, turn right
after Garden Court “B”, drive downhill and turn left into
Visitors Parking Lot, walk across parking lots to
VILLAGE HALL “D” on left, enter Rec Room.

Mondays & thursdays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Multipurpose Facility, Kalepa Village, 4535 Kalepa Circle, Hanamaulu 96766

Enter Kalepa Village, take first left, Multipurpose Facility is bldg on the left

Turn into circle & park

No fee for the sessions; contact <qikauai@gmail.com>
For more information, contact Dora Hong, qikauai@gmail.com
Questions: Call Peter Sterne, 635-0306
REJUVENATION: information for those who have taken the class; email qikauai@gmail.com

Fitness Classes in Kalaheo

Group Exercise offerings include Super Sculpt, Cardio & Strength Interval,

Smart Muscle Training, Boot Camp, Prenatal/postnatal Exercise

Location: Private Studio in Kalaheo, call 332-6320 for directions

Contact: Jodee Burris, ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, 212-4034,

<puuwaifitness@gmail.com>

Current schedule & fees online : www.puuwaifinesskauai.com

Kupuna Wellness Ageless Beauty Fitness Program

with Rose T. Warken Ceballos, certified fitness trainer, instructor, Wellness Guidance, Author

Monday, 8 – 9:30 am: Total Conditioning – Hanapepe N Ctr

Monday, 10:30 – 11:30 am: ChairAerobic-Koloa N Ctr

Wednesday, 8 – 9 am: Body and Mind Clarity – Kalaheo N Ctr

Friday, 8 – 9:30 am: Total Conditioning – Kalaheo N Ctr

Classes are free and for Seniors

You will need your doctor’s approval before beginning a new exercise program

Contact: (808) 652-8985, <kupunawellness@aol.com>

Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30 – 9:45 am

Aloha Aerobics

Stretch, step and weights

- complete fun workshop for Baby Boomers in particular

All Saints Gym, Kapaa

All Welcome

Contact: 822-3817

Morning Exercise in Kalaheo

“Stretch and Tone” on Mondays, 8:30 – 9:30 AM - Pilates-inspired exercises to stretch, strengthen and tone muscles in a fitness format

“FitDance Fusion” on Fridays, 8:30 – 9:30 AM - standing stretches, 20 min. simple aerobic dance movement, toning floor exercises

Both classes are ongoing at Kauai Dance Theatre’s Kalaheo studio – call for location, details, current schedule

Bring exercise mat or thick towel for floor work; wear comfortable clothes, athletic shoes if desired for aerobic dance on Fridays

$7/class, $26/4 class card, $48/8 class card

Contact: Janie Crane, 332-9737, jbcdance@hotmail.com

www.kauaidancetheatre.com

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 1 – 2 pm

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

Especially for those with Arthritis

Cis Odell – instructor

Dress comfortably

Check with doctor before beginning any exercise program

Contact: 596-2900, Jennifer DeMarrre, Director

* * * * * * *

Mahalo to all who enjoy and support Art and Culture on Kaua’i

www.gardenislandarts.org

Photos on Facebook for January 29 concert

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.330739750300066.82797.173083409399035&type=3

Photos on Facebook for January 30 EKK #1

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.332199040154137.82982.173083409399035&type=3

Photos on Facebook for February 6 EKK #2

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.336675913039783.83679.173083409399035&type=1

Photos on Facebook for February 13 EKK #3

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.336675913039783.83679.173083409399035&type=1

Photos on Facebook for February 20 EKK #4; mahalo to Tashi:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.346338308740210.85168.173083409399035&type=1

Photos on Picasa for February 27 EKK #5; Mahalo to Anne O’Malley

https://picasaweb.google.com/109766123679939219619/EKanikapilaKakouGuestGordonFreitas#slideshow/5715399666179846226

Photos on Facebook for March 12 EKK #7; Mahalo to Tashi

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.360977633942944.88266.173083409399035&type=1

Photos on Facebook for March 19 EKK #8; Mahalo to Tashi

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.365148256859215.89113.173083409399035&type=1

Photos on Facebook for March 26 EKK #9; Mahalo to Tashi

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.369818496392191.90067.173083409399035&type=1

Send out on Thursday, March 29, 2012

When you see, hear and feel the Aloha, it’s the real deal

admin — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:29:03 +0000

Photos on Picasa for March 19 EKK #8; Mahalo to Tashi

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.365148256859215.89113.173083409399035&type=1

: Troy Lazaro • Photo by Tashi

I first laid eyes on Troy Lazaro when he was a slip of a boy, probably still in high school, at Nathan Kalama’s 50th birthday party which was a back yard-under the tent-singing and dancing all night kind of Hawaiian lu’au party. I could not believe the way this young man danced in one continuous smooth movement like his bones could all bend. More than his fluidity, I held on to the memory of the most joyful expression on his face. I can still visualize the way he danced.

Soon he was appearing on stage as a singer as he became involved in Hawai’i Stars. When the audience applauded I would often say to whoever was sitting next to me, “. . . but, you should see him dance the hula!” I wondered if I would ever see him dancing hula again because he seemed headed in the direction of aspiring young singers.

It wasn’t until last year when I was coordinating the Aloha Week events for Kaua’i that he surfaced as the singing dancing emcee for Kumu Hula Doric Yaris. Since Doric was in charge of the program for the westside celebration at Waimea Plantation Cottages, he got Troy to hula, sing and emcee. With his spontaneous gift of gab he was the most entertaining emcee. He also started attending last year’s EKK Mondays and expressed so much appreciation for the artists who came to EKK.

It was time to have Troy share his talents at EKK. Not only was he ready and willing to present at one of the EKK Mondays, he came up with the brilliant idea to leave the audience with the “Perfect Hawaiian Memory” by sharing the most exquisite hula mele danced by solo hula dancers. What a concept! It turned out to be a wonderful gift to everyone there. The morning after, my email was flooded with comments from many who were there and appreciated what Troy shared.

Troy was a difficult person to pin down because does the cultural programs at Waiohai Marriott and teaches ZUMBA probably eight days a week, but I am persistent so when Troy said that he was thrilled with the invitation because it gave him a chance to get back to his hula roots, I was elated. When someone possesses a gift like Troy’s, it’s important to explore the possibilities of sharing that unique gift. He did just that in a mesmerizing non-stop two hour program of singing, dancing and the sharing of Aloha.

An Evening of Angelic Music and Hula

Troy is theatrical. Dressed all in white accented with red feather head lei and sash and Niihau shell leis cascading out from under his flowing white short pareau, he set the tone for the evening with a beautiful hula and asked everyone to stand and join him in a pule and followed with a Christian spiritual Magesty as he presented his kumu with a lei.

Accompanied by the wonderful music of Na Molokama — Fred Aki, Jr., Alberto Genovia and Bruddah DeFries — Troy launched into an exciting program of solo hula dancing to angelic hula songs of Kaua’i and Hawai’i. As he put it, he loves to see the spotlight on a dancer who “owns the stage.” Stunning were all the hula dancers. It felt like we were having our own private Kaua’i Style “Merrie Monarch” exhibition as dancer after dancer came up and showed us why they had won their much deserved titles.

Kainani Viado, stunning in a long red velvet holoku setting off long strands of rice-style shell lei, was captivating as she dance Hopoe by Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett. Troy shared the story of the flowing lava from the volcano that inspired the song. She also danced to the song Where I Live There are Rainbows as sung by Troy.

Jayden Pavao, Miss Keiki Hula 2010 and niece of kumu hula Leina’ala Pavao Jardin, brought to life the beauty of Wai’ale’ale, Nohili near Polihale and the swaying hala on the north side of Kaua’i in the song Nani Kaua’i. Youthful and poised beyond her years, Jayden captivated the audience with her sweet energy and smile.

Hi’ilawe, a hula favorite, was exquisitely danced by Miss Keiki Hula 2009 Breeze Ann Pavao, daughter of Leina’ala Pavao Jardin. At her young age Breeze already has a number of “titles” for her accomplished hula ability; it was evident as she floated across the stage and moved like the wind on bamboo that she was born a hula dancer.

Jenny Lynn, former Mrs. Kaua’i Mokihana Hula, won her title in the annual Kaua’i Mokihana Festival. Her hula rendition of Waika was stunning as Troy harmonized with Na Molokama. She also dances in Leina’ala’s halau and moves with the elegance and grace exhibited by her dancers.

The beautiful Jayna Shaffer, former Miss Kaua’i Filipina and Leina’ala’s halau representative to this year’s Merrie Monarch Ms. Aloha Hula solo competition was stunning as she danced to Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett’s Ola’a Beauty, a song that Frank shared when he came to EKK last year. Jayna’s exquisite and sensitive beauty captured everyone’s heart as she commanded the stage with her mesmerizing grace and poise.

Troy Sings and Works the Audience

Troy honored the majestic uplands of Koke’e with the song Mokihana Lullaby made popular by the late Loyal Garner. He talked about the rarest of blossoms found only in Koke’e. Later in the show he sang Me and Mrs. Jones to represent the years he spent as part of “Hawai’i Stars”.

The audience loved the interactive activities. Troy invited anyone who wanted to dance up to the stage and the adorable Yumi Teraguchi, formerly of Japan and now Anahola, swished, swayed and paddled her boat in Hula O Make’e, another hula favorite about Captain Make’e's ship which sank off the coast of Kapa’a.

Kainani, during the ‘ukulele hour had taught the party hula Papalina Lahilahi so Troy invited everyone to stand up and dance the hula in their own style. Jayden, Breeze Ann and Jayna danced on the stage while Troy and all the hula dancers filled the dance floor; it was truly a party with so many hula dancers everywhere . . . all happily dancing this most popular party hula about “her rosy cheeks.”

Troy’s playfulness with the audience was infectious as he said, “I want to do something. Can I do that? Of course I can do what I want, yeah?” and had the whole audience finger snapping and singing faster and faster as he taught a Samoan song he learned from his cousin who married a Samoan princess…the real kine princess. When he started adding fast-moving hands and feet dance motions, no one could keep up with the agile Zumba master but everyone tried and had great fun.

Further involving the audience, he asked all the ‘ukulele circle players to sing and play Hawaiian Superman made famous by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole. Troy dramatically shared the legend of demi-god Maui that inspired the song.

Honoring Momi and Doric and Uncle Nathan

The most touching part of the evening was when he sprang a surprise on Kumu Hula Doric Kaleonui Yaris to come up on stage to sing. “Shall I dance a hula for you? asked Troy; shouts of “Yes!” came back from the audience.

“What shall I dance, Kumu?” asked Troy; Doric instantly called out I’ali’i No’oi which Troy recalls he learned in the Waimea High School band room. Troy invited Kumu Doric to come up and sing while he shared his heartfelt appreciation for Doric for all he had done to help Troy become the person he is and learn the hula without ever spending a penny. As Doric slowly approached the stage, the playful Troy shared a story about this person from Pakala (Doric) in a fun melodramatic interactive storytelling style inviting the audience to join in with expressive words. Troy loves to dance the hula to the beautiful voice of Doric because it takes him back to the moment he learned the hula and the hula comes so naturally; his feeling to dance comes from deep inside and becomes more than just a hula. As he spoke of Doric it was so evident that the love and respect he felt for his kumu was as tangible as the hula itself. Doric sang the fast-paced hula as Troy danced it just as fast . . . no wonder he won the Mr. Mokihana Hula competition when he danced this number.

Doric, on the other hand, being so down-to-earth, said something like, “One thing I taught Troy is never show up to the gate dressed like this with basketball shorts. This is what going happen…Look! . . . look what happened . . .gunfunit . . . I tell you!”

“I am so proud of Troy; my work is shown through my students,” said Doric. Of course the audience called for a hana hou and Doric obliged with Manu ‘O’o which Troy dedicated to all the kupuna in the house. ”I have not danced this since junior high,” said Troy, but no one could tell as he moved sensuously around the stage.. He confessed that the show was being put together right on stage with no rehearsal….and that is why it was so fresh, spontaneous and delightful.

Building up to honoring Kumu Hula Doric, Troy shared his experience with Doric’s late wife Momilani Yaris who has left a lasting impression on Troy just because of how she treated everyone. A shy person, Momi over the years gained confidence in playing the ‘ukulele and even sang in Japan her favorite song by Amy Hanai’ali’i Gilliom. Troy sang the song while Kainani danced to Palehua. As a tribute to Aunty Momi, he asked Kumu if he could dance to her beautiful song, Ke Kauoha Kumu Kahi-Mele.

Troy expressed his appreciation for Uncle Nathan Kalama, who together with Doric, Maka Herrod and Aunty Puna Dawson, form the hula hui called “Hui o Kalama’ola”. This hui believes in the sharing of hula resources and provides the dancers the freedom to learn the hula from many sources. Uncle Nathan unfortunately could not be present, but his presence seems always to be felt by everyone there.

Troy called Kainani back to the stage to dance Queen’s Jubilee written for Queen Emmalani. Troy harmonized with Na Molokama so the singing was simply great and the whole evening of angelic hula music with gorgeous dancers left everyone with a natural high and great appreciation for the gift.

PS! Bring heavy sweater or jacket with you next week; the ballroom temperature will make you feel like you are in Minnesota.

Who’s Coming Up Next at EKK — the FINAL EKK MONDAY of the season!

Monday, March 19, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

E Kanikapila Kakou “Legacy of Hawaiian Music 29th Season

Sistah Robi Kahakalau & I’inimaikalani Kahakalau

“Capturing Hawaiian Lifestyle in Song”

P.S. The Kamoa ‘Ukulele donated by Larry’s Music will go to one lucky winner TONIGHT!

Kaua’i's Own Ukulele Boy Wonder – Aldrine

admin — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:20:18 +0000

Meet Aldrine Guerrero

Photos on Picasa for March 12 EKK #7; Mahalo to Tashi

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.360977633942944.88266.173083409399035&type=1

Photo by Tashi

At the end of last Monday’s program, a gentleman came up and told me how much he loved my introduction of Aldrine; I saw him again in line at Cost-Co outdoor snack shop and he again told me how much he enjoyed the intro . . . so . . . as well as I can remember what I said, here is Aldrine:

I first met Aldrine when he was fifteen years old, back in the last century when we held EKK in the church parish hall. When some musicians could not make it to EKK, Fran Nestel invited the Kauai High School Hawaiian Club to perform at EKK. A whole group of very talented high school students showed up and Aldrine was a standout. Twelve years later and in the 21st century, here is Aldrine looking pretty much the same but now twelve years older and whole lot more experienced. My favorite story about Aldrine was told to us by Aunty Stella Burgess from the Hyatt who used to drive the school bus for Koloa School. Stella picked him up at kindergarten to drive him home but Aldrine did not know where he lived….now the roads in Koloa are not neatly gridded streets and avenues like on the mainland so you need to drive in and out of small camp roads to get to the houses, so Stelle did that until they found his home. Now a world traveler, Aldrine travels all over to perform but always finds his way back to Kaua’i…so let’s give Aldrine a big Kaua’i welcome home.

Aldrine made a correction that at that time he was in the second grade so had no excuse to not know where he lived. However, being an 8-year old first generation Filipino who had just moved to Koloa the day before was his excuse for not knowing where he lived plus all the streets had Hawaiian names which he cannot pronounce . . . even to this day. He considers tonight his homecoming to Kaua’i as he just got off the plane after spending three weeks helping a young ‘ukulele player in Victoria, Canada.

“The Rise and Tide of the Ukulele in Hawaiian Music as experienced by Aldrine”

Aldrine wanted to share his personal experiences and insights on the topic of the ‘ukulele. Going back to Aldrine’s first public performance at EKK when the Hawaiian club showed up with matching aloha shirts, the Hawaiian Club members got together every lunch hour to watch the video of their first performance. They thought at that time “it’s never going to be better than this” but now when they look at the tape they want to throw it away. That is how much they have grown in their musicality.

Aldrine today is the ‘ukulele instructor on a website called “Ukulele Underground” which originally started as a little program under <www.IAmHawaii.com> with Aaron Nakamura videotaping the lessons. The mission of the website is to build a whole new generation of ‘ukulele players. When the website owners decided to focus on the Japanese-Hawai’i market, many programs were “let go,” including the ‘ukulele lessons. Out of concern for the roughly fifty loyal ‘ukulele players who posted constantly, the program kept going s a separate entity with the name ”Ukulele Underground.” Today they cater to ‘ukulele players all around the world with about a million and a half views per month, boasting 60,000 registered members with 6,000 actively logging each day to either “Learn the play the ‘ukulele” or “Learn to play the song”. They are now expanding to new areas such as “Learning how to build an ‘ukulele.” Not bad for someone who could not find his way home; now the entire ‘ukulele world is home and family to him.

Although Aldrine was always playing the ‘ukulele, he went to school to become a teacher, worked as a pool boy in a local hotel and one day just threw in his rake and quit his job to focus on what he loved most — play the ‘ukulele. He hooked up with Jake Shimabukuro as his mentor and focused on developing his own style and writing his own ‘ukulele compositions. Many of these original songs were played for the appreciative audience. Among them were “Schizophrenic Snowflake” where both his playing and his body movements expressed the feeling of the first snowfall, “Bandido Tyler” who was inspired by his unsuccessful superhero friend who stole from the rich to give to the poor but was always trying to get away from the cops and getting caught, and Tyler’s nemesis “Senor Victor” who was always out to get Bandido Tyler. ”Only Mine” was a song for his ‘ukulele but also for that special girl.

Aldrine traces the progress of the ukulele as waves and that we are now in the third or fourth wave…first wave being the time when the Portuguese fist introduced the ‘ukulele in Hawai’i. Later, Elvis and Hollywood gave the ‘ukulele renewed attention but this time the ‘uke was viewed as a toy instrument. About the same time, Tiny Tim, who is known as the “Patron Saint of Awesome” to the members of “‘Ukulele Underground,” gave a new life and outlook to the humble instrument.

In Hawai’i, the ‘ukulele played a big part in Hawaiian music. Innovators such as Ohta-san, Troy Fernandez, Eddie Kamae, Ka’au Crater Boys, Peter Moon, Lyle Ritz and Jake Shimabukuro changed the way the instrument was played. Although the big question is, “Is the ‘ukulele just a fad this time?” Aldrine feels that the big difference about the ‘ukulele is that there are ‘ukulele clubs forming all over the world. Last year he went to Thailand for the ‘ukulele club convention and there were between 3,000 to 5,000 participants; this year 7,000 showed up. Aldrine said you would never find clubs with guitar players, dijiredoo players or flute players, but ‘ukulele clubs are popping up all over; the ‘ukulele is an instrument of peace that brings people together.

He also feels that the ‘ukulele is magical and has healing powers. Case in point. He just returned from Victoria, Canada, where he was invited to help a young boy in the ‘ukulele underground club who amazingly was able to figure out Aldrine’s complicated arrangements. Victor was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and not given much chance for survival. Benefit concerts were held to help him with medical expenses. Where doctors said that little could be done to help Victor, through his music he has now learned to speak again, is now able to walk, and is beginning to play his ‘ukulele again.

Even if Aldrine has trouble pronouncing Hawaiian words, he lets his ‘ukulele say it all, so he started out with a Hawaiian tune titled “Healoha no Honolulu.” He shared his own arrangement of songs by artists he admired. Some of the songs included “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Something” by John Lennon, “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Pepper, “Me and Shirley T” by Jake Shimabukuro about getting a sugar high on too many Shirley Temples, Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl”, “Drift Away,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in the Judy Garland style, “Close to You” by the Carpenters, and John Lennon’s “Imagine” which is his favorite song of peace. It was so quiet when he played the song with such sensitivity that you could hear a pin drop in the ballroom. The varied styles ranged from quiet and sensitive, to wildly percussive, to gently melodic, and on and on.

“I have ten more songs I want to play,” but there was time for only two more, so he ended with a song dedicated to his early mentor, the late Kaui Low who was a huge early inspiration to Aldrine. I remember that he played it that first night in the church parish hall when he was fifteen years old, but after suggestions for improvement from teacher Jake Shimabukuro, he played it even better by inviting the audience to egg him on as hey played “Crazy G” faster and faster and faster until his fingers were a blur. He knows how to end on a high note.

The Traveling Troubadours of Paniola Music

admin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:04:10 +0000

“The Traveling Troubadours of Paniola Music”

Photos on Picasa for February 27 EKK #5; Mahalo to Anne O’Malley

https://picasaweb.google.com/109766123679939219619/EKanikapilaKakouGuestGordonFreitas#slideshow/5715399666179846226

“Local Folks” Spread Their Musical Aloha

Musicians seem to have the tightest schedules — juggling their gigs with their family lives and day jobs, composing songs, recording albums, and keeping up with their social media; it is really a gift if any musician tells me, “I am at your disposal for the weekend; where would you like us to play?”

And so it was with the Traveling Troubadours of Paniola Music — Gordon Freitas, Greg Sardinha and Ricardo Gonzalez — who came to Kaua’i a couple of days early both to immerse themselves in the Kaua’i rain (which they brought from O’ahu) and to share their music. On Saturday they played a few songs at the Waimea Town celebration (in the rain) and on Sunday they spent over an hour entertaining the long term care patients at Mahelona Medical Center in Kapa’a (in the thunder, lightning and rain). At one point the crack of the thunder was so LOUD that it sounded like the man up above had dropped his cast iron skillet on the roof of Mahelona . . . everyone visibly jumped! Good thing Gordon thought it was thunderous applause and upped his music and stories talking about Johnny Almeida, Ellison Onizuka’a Grandmother, history of the Parker Ranch, the vaqueros on the Big Island and more.

It was quite an amazing hour to witness. For the most part, each patient was quietly taking it all in with slight side-to-side nods of their head, gently tapping one hand over the other, tapping their wheel chair footstool with stockinged feet, or keeping time with their head. One patient kept getting up and did her marching steps when they played “Kohala March” and switched to a definite hula sway when they played “Kaimana Hila”. One lady in the front row sang along on nearly every song, but when they played familiar old favorites like “Koko Ni Sachi Ari” and “You Were Always on My Mind,” many recognized the melodies and hummed along with joyful smiles on their faces.

One of the staff dragged Ricardo off the stage and asked him to rhumba; you would think that someone with the last name Gonzalez was born dancing rhumba, but all he could do was try. It did not matter as the dancing patient kept cutting in so he had little time to figure out the steps. They added an extra fifteen minutes of music because it took that long for the staff to push each wheel-chaired patient back to their rooms; the three played until the last patient left the room. What great guys!

photo by Anne E. O'Malley

When the Rodeo Comes to Town the Ladies Come Out of the Woodwork!

photo by Anne E. O'Malley

One of the fun things about attending a GIAC event is that everyone really gets into the mood and so it was with the loyal volunteers at the EKK Monday. Carol Sue Ayala, Jodi Ascuena and Diane Wry give Gordon an unexpected boost to his ego and add their charm to greeting the guests at this joyful rodeo.

The ukulele gang opened the evening showing their vigorous mexican style strumming as they sang Big Island and Paniola Yodel with the audience joining in on the ”Ee da lay hee… Ee da lo ooh… Ee yo- da lay hee tee… Ee yo_ da lay hee tee…” every time Gordon waved his arm.

Nani Kaua’i in a mellow nahenahe style, complete with the sweeping sounds of the steel guitar, conjured up nostalgia as four hula dancers and Aunty Bev Muraoka came up to hula. Even though dressed in jeans and tees, the dancers were reminiscent of swaying hula dancers with flowers in their hair under the swaying coconut trees . . . it’s the strains of romance that we associate with the steel guitar.

The musicians launched into an evening of songs about and for the paniola and their cattle. I never knew there were so many songs in this genre but apparently the Local Folks music just touched the tip of the iceberg . . . or should I say saddlehorn.

Paniola o ka Pakipika is a song about how the cowboys road their cows into the Pacific Ocean as described to Gordon by his paniola grandfather whose job was to rope and drag the cattle to the boat while chasing sharks away by slapping the water with fans. Through his compositions Gordon is writing the history of the Hawaiian paniola in song. Whether based on tall tales or true experience, the songs describe the unique experiences of the colorful cowboys in the westernmost frontier of America. Greg could switch up the tempo from graceful hula music to a lively cattle chasing beat, complete with the horse’s whinny…Uihaa!

With lyrics like “Some day I’ll ride that painted pony down the mountain and into the sea,” these ballad-like songs tell stories so the lyrics are all important; if you don’t hear the lyrics, you miss the story. You can really hear every word Gordon is singing so it’s easy to follow the story. In addition, they repeat the same words over and over so if you don’t get it the first, second or third time, you can get it the fourth time. Gordon’s skill in songwriting is evident in this song written for his Grandfather.

“Saddle City” in Waimanalo is a place where cowboys from all over the real western world of cowboys get together to compete for the title of “Jackpot Roping”. Another competition that took place many years ago inspired another beautiful song. “Cheyenne Waiomina,” or Wyoming, which sounds like a lovely girl’s name is also the site where the famous steer roping championship took place many years ago. The famous paniola Ikua Purdy and other Hawaiian cowboys with flowers in their hats and jangling spurs swept the competition winning first, third and sixth place in spite of the less-than-hospitable conditions they experienced from the rodeo organizers. It was a big thing for a Big Island boy to win the tour, and Gordon wrote a song that just wants to rub it in.

Gordon shared a well-known song about Teddy Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders” cowboys. Greg’s steel guitar playing is truly outstanding in this song. Gordon pointed out that while he had the title of being Jerry Byrd’s worst student, Greg was positively influenced by Jerry Byrd and is today very active in perpetuating the instrument. Easily one of the outstanding steel guitar players in the state, Greg was given a chance to shine in the instrumental “Ka Nahona Pili Kai” inspired by a Japanese melody. Kohala March is another song that shows off Greg’s virtuosity.

Gordon and Ricardo, the bass player, have a long history as they served in the Navy for 20 years, but here they are years later playing music together. Although they never got to visit Koke’e in the pouring weekend rain, they decided to sing Ricardo’s favorite song Koke’e. Steel accompaniment takes me back to the days when Feet Rogers played the steel with the Sons of Hawai’i. Not only did the four young hula dancers race up to share their hula, but Gordon, who donates his lovely handcrafted purses to the weekly give-away package added his sensuous hula moves and had everyone exclaiming, “Where did he come from?” EKK is full of surprises. Hanohano Hanalei took us to the opposite end of Kaua’i and Paniola Country, made famous by Melveen Leed, takes us to Molokai where paniola history runs deep.

Gordon is a prolific songwriter, and being a paniola at heart, many of his songs tell stories. Songs he shared included Local Folks, Standing in the Ua (rain), Sing Hawaiian Sing (the EKK song), Pineapple Road and Swept Away (about the Hilo Tidal Wave). Everyone on Kauai can relate to these songs during these weeks of relentless rains that are carving new trenches in the yard and piling tons of debris along the edge of these massive puddles).

All too soon, the time was up and although the musician had gotten through only half of their play list, it was time to say adios and Gordon just had to sing the song for which he is well known. Hawaiian Cowboy started at fast speed and amped up verse after verse to fast, faster, fastest, and everyone who learned to yodel had their chance to join in on the yodeling. It’s really not as hard as it sounds….if you do a slow yodel….but Gordon is really the one who can yodel up a storm and bring the cattle safely home.

I want to tip my cowgirl hat off to Gordon for being a true ambassador of music sharing his music from the heart. Write, Gorgon, Write . . . you have such an ability to capture island life and have so much more to share!

Who’s Coming Up Next at EKK?

Monday, March 5, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

E Kanikapila Kakou “Legacy of Hawaiian Music 29th Season

Aunty Beverly Muraoka

“Epitome of Chalang-alang Music”

If you have never been invited to a Hawaiian-style party, this is your chance to hang out with one of Kaua’i's Queen of Entertainment — Aunty Bev will make you sing, dance, laugh and just have a great time at her party.

If you have a disability and need assistance call Carol Yotsuda at (808) 245-2733 for Monday events.

Contact: Garden Island Arts Council, <giac@hawaiilink.net>

(s) Carol Kouchi Yotsuda, www.gardenislandarts.org – “Celebrating 35 years of bringing ARTS to the people and people to the ARTS”

E Kanikapila Kakou 2012 Hawaiian Music Program is funded in part by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority, the County of Kaua’i Office of Economic Development, and the Garden Island Arts Council supporters with support from Kaua’i Beach Resort.

Garden Island Arts Council programs are supported in part by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts through appropriations from the Hawai’i State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

MARCH 2012 ART & CULTURE EVENTS on Kauai

admin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 02:48:38 +0000

email giac@hawaiilink.net to get listing in advance

MARCH 2012 ART & CULTURE EVENTS

EKK (E Kanikapila Kakou has started; here is the schedule online)

http://www.gardenislandarts.org/news/e-kanikapila-kakou/

March Arts & Culture Events

Thursdays, 5:30 – 8:00 pm

A Family Affair – Mailani Dinner Show

15% off for Month of March

for Inner Circle Members

Makana Terrace Restaurant, St Regis Princeville

Info: princevillesales@stregis.com

Sunday, March 4 Deadline for Submission

Contemporary Photography in Hawai’i 2012

The Fourth Annual Survey Exhibition

Open to all Hawaii resident amateur and professional photographers

“The LT Smooth Phenomenom”

admin — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:08:26 +0000

Photos on Facebook for February 20 EKK #5; mahalo to Tashi:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.346338308740210.85168.173083409399035&type=1

Taking a Journey with Vakanui

photo by Tashi

Overcoming Adversity and Rising Above The Past

photo by Anne E. O'Malley

“Take Me Back to the Days of Old Hawaii”

admin — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:06:03 +0000

on Facebook for March 6 EKK Monday; mahalo to Tashi:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.336675913039783.83679.173083409399035&type=1

Guess who is coming to EKK?

Statistics and data may sound boring to some, but surely not for those of us who are presenting EKK for our community enjoyment! Thanks to the willingness of our participants to let us know where they are from and how they found out about EKK, we can share some interesting tidbits with you:

Moving to higher places: Few years ago, our participants divulged the fact that they learned about EKK while in the resort hot tubs. This year our participants found out about EKK while driving by and seeing the roadside banner, while standing in the elevator, while shopping at the Farmers Market, while visiting our local Kaua’i Museum, and best of all….while attending CHURCH! Yes, folks like to share the wonderful program called E Kanikapila Kakou with our visitors. EKK is in your face!

Each week when we ask the first timers to stand up about one-fourth of the audience stands up; many of these first timers come back next year or in some future visit looking around for EKK so they might again enjoy the great feeling of Aloha they experienced. By far, the biggest “salespersons” for EKK are family, friends and previous participants who want to make sure their ‘ohana does not miss out on a great thing.

Also wonderful to share is that the largest block of audience is still the folks that live on Kauai — from Ha’ena to Koke’e, they make the weekly trek to Kaua’i Beach Resort to enjoy the best Hawaiian music program in the state.

photo by Anne E. O'Malley

K F C Finger Lickin’ Good Music

Who better to take us back to the music of old Hawai’i than the KFC team of Keith Haugen, Frank Uehara and Carmen U’ilani as they tried to squeeze a hundred songs into their two-hour program and managed to reach about a fourth of their goal.

Performing for decades in Honolulu, Keith and Carmen Haugen together must have sung many thousands of songs in their musical career. Their repertoire of 500 – 600 songs helped them to do 4 – 5 hour gigs. They have teamed up with pakini player Frank Uehara’s whose ingenious black five-gallon plastic barrel has been elevated to a viable percussive instrument as he is able to play actual notes on his drum. In addition to knowing choke songs, Keith also knows in-depth background on just about every song he sings, so you get a lot of background whenever he performs.

He loves to open his program with Koke’e by Dennis Kamakahi, who he regards as one of the all-time top-ranking greats in composing Hawaiian music. We were so fortunate that we could open the 2012 EKK season with a concert by the prolific Kamakahi and Stephen Inglis.

Ali’i Poe by Reverend William Maka’ehu, taught to the ‘ukulele circle, is about the composer’s love affair in Nawiliwili. Keith points out that the lovers’ trysts in the shelter of calla lily plants meant that they were either very small people or they were meeting in a supine position. When KFC performed it once in Waikiki, a woman came up to Keith after the show and said, “Thank you for not mentioning my mother’s name.” Whatever the background, the song was beautiful as Carmen spoke the English translation as Keith sang the Hawaiian lyrics translated by Aunty Alice Namakelua, well known authority of Hawaiian language.

Keith at one time researched every single hapa-haole song and tried to find a subject that was not written about and he came up with Brown Skin Woman, one of many songs written about Carmen. When they harmonize, it’s really quite beautiful. Keith often receives songs from friends; one that he especially liked, ‘Ukulele Lady by Richard Whiting and Gus Kahn, became one of their CD titles with Carmen featured on the cover; there are many ‘ukulele ladies around the state now.

One of his favorite Hawaiian songs He Nani Molokai by Ida Hanakahi is written in the old Hawaiian style where the composer takes you on a musical tour around the island always moving in the same direction. For the island of ‘Oahu he sang a song about the Ko’olau mountains sleeping peacefully now.

Keith took the time to commend KKCR Radio for doing such a wonderful job supporting arts and culture and GIAC and talked about the Monday morning phone interview with Linda Lester. Not being able to leave his sixth graders in Hawaiian language class, he asked them all to be very quiet, which they did, and when Keith got off the phone, everyone asked, “What did she say?” Every Monday morning at 8:00, Linda interviews the EKK musicians for that evening. Mahalo!

Hi Lili, Hi Lo, written by Helen Deutsch, from the movie Gigi starring Leslie Caron was translated into Hawaiian in 1952; for many in the audience, it was a very familiar song as many hummed along “…A Song of Love Is A Sad Song, Hi Lili Hi Lili Hi Lo…” Keith shared his new look, the shaved bald head, with a story. The best of many bald sayings came from his friend Burt who said, “I’m not bald; that’s a solar panel for a sex machine!”

Keith and Carmen have boasting rights for their 17-year longest running gig in the history of the 85-year-old Royal Hawaiian Hotel; it also meant they sang the song “Royal Hawaiian Hotel” soooooooo many times, but they still sang it for us.

Another less known song Ku’u Home Lunalilo that has been recorded only once by the Haugens, was taught to them when they visited the Lunalilo Home for old folks. Joseph “Wiki Bird” Halemanu of Iokepa, Utah who wanted to live out his life in Hawai’i, sang this song. Like “Wiki Bird”, Keith was born and raised in Minnesota; he left in 1958 to be stationed in Hawai’i. When he got off the airplane, he said, “This is really better than Minnesota,” and never left.

Carmen danced two hulas to acknowledge the gorgeous host island of Kaua’i – Hanalei Moon by Bob Nelson and Kipu Kai by composer Maddy Lam and Hawaiian language authority Mary Kawena Pukui on their visit to Jack Waterhouse’s estate. The gorgeous view of Kipu Kai is one of the most stunning shots of Kaua’i in the movie Descendents, a scene rarely ever seen by most folks. While in the hula mode, the EKK dancers got up bravely and danced Auntie Irmgard Aluli’s Puamana. Can’t believe they just learned it.

O’ahu is a collaboration between Keith and Carol Miguel of Seattle who wanted a beautiful song written about the place she called home. Kaimana Hila, Hawai’i's famous landmark called Diamond Head, was written by Charles E. King and later revised by falsetto singer Andy Cummings of Kaua’i; it became a world-wide hit because so many Hawaiian musicians performed around the world in those early days.

The second half of the evening was filled with a variety of music in their repertoire. Trying to squeeze as many songs into the short time as they could, KFC launched right into a medley of five well-known favorites.

They shared an unusual song written in Hawaiian about the battleship Missouri. In 1998 the Arizona Memorial was brought back and docked next to the Arizona Memorial; Keith had a chance to sing his composition, Mokukaua, on the deck of the battleship.

Carmen led off with her beautiful voice and Keith came in with harmony in an all time favorites by Alice Everett, a close friend of the Queen, Ua Like No A Like which they sang in a medley with I’ll Be Thinking of You by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning written to the same melody as Everett’s. I’ll bet someone in the audience was thinking that this exquisite song has to be sung at their wedding or at their renewal of vows. Hmmmmmm?

A wonderful harmony by Keith and Carmen is the song He Nani Ku Kilakila. Makes you close your eyes and imagine that you are sitting in the Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel watching women waltzing by in their elegant holoku. The song is also called ‘Aina Kaulana o Moloka’i or Moloka’i Waltz…. you can’t help humming along — “…in the shade of the old Banyan tree…”

Truckers Lament by Sheb Wooley and Dick Feller with the chorus “I just don’t look good NAKED any more” was written for the TV show Hee Haw. ”Here is a song you must learn to sing!” said the friend who sent it to Keith. Many in the audience could relate to the hilarious lyrics.

Mi Nei by Keith Haugen is about a young maiden who describes herself to her lover; if she was as sensuous as Carmen danced it, you know she got her man. A very catchy upbeat tempo song, Hapa ‘Ilikini, is about a half-Indian boy who lived in Panaewa in the rain forests of East Hawai’i Island. Another song about Hawai’i Island is Moku Puni Nui written in 1970. It’s a song that slack key King Ledward Kaapana has recorded three times on three different CD’s.

Keith is one of the few musicians that sings all the verses of Hawai’i Aloha as it were taught to the 60-plus in the ‘ukulele circle so singing was especially full and rich as we closed the evening’s program.

Kauai Music Festival

admin — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:55:50 +0000

Check out this great video on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=SbNraEyg1jU