July 14, 2009

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Kuhio and Ka Hula O Ululani, Aunty Diana Aki, and Simple Souls
• Jeff Peterson and Jim Kimo West – Playa Del Rey, CA
• Dennis Kamakahi – congratulations!
• Keiki Hula (O’ahu)
• Prince Lot Hula Festival (O’ahu)
• George Na`ope Kāne Hula Festival (Modesto, CA)
• Banana Hut, Eureka, CA
• Hawaiian conference and concert - Chicago

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This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we see the return of Kuhio performing with members of the Nagoya portion of Ka Hula O Ululani, as well as Aunty Diana Aki, and Simple Souls.


Regular Pakele Live viewers might remember that Ka Hula O Ululani (under the direction of Kumu Hula Ululani Duncan) made an appearance last November – however the dancers were from the halau’s Fukuoka (Japan) chapter. Those dancing this time will be from the halau’s chapter in Nagoya. (Kumu Ululani's students number well over a 1,000 combined in the Nagoya and Fukuoka area!) They are scheduled to perform first.


Next up will be the return of musician, singer, composer, Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner and the "Songbird of Miloli'i," Aunty Diana Aki. Aunty made an appearance on Pakele Live last October while celebrating the release of “Kalihi” - her first CD in 15 years!

To round out the evening, we have the first-ever appearance of Simple Souls, an acoustic duo made up of Jenn “JRoQ Wright (MighTy J, PALI, Kanalo, She Rocks), and Zaysha Labrador (Kanalo, She Rocks).

Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, July 16 from 6-8 p.m. HST at the Pakele Lounge in the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). It’s free, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana shopping center. Drinks are available for purchase, (kala mai - the hotel is no longer serving food).

You may also watch live online. Those in Japan can watch here.
You may email the show at pakele@lava.net
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Southern California slack key guitar fans won’t want to miss Grammy and Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Jeff Peterson (pictured here with fellow 2009 Na Hoku winners Ledward Kaapana and Steve Jones) and Na Hoku nominee Jim Kimo West in concert Friday July 17! They’ll be performing at Trilogy Guitars in Playa Del Rey at 8pm. For reservations call (310) 305-7577
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Congratulations to Rev. Dennis Kamakahi who will be inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame for 2009. (The ceremonies will be held in September.) September will be a big month for Dennis – in addition to his Hall of Fame honors, his first grandchild (David and Lisa Kamakahi’s daughter) is due September 12!

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The 34th annual Queen Lili'uokalani Keiki Hula Competition (“Keiki Hula,” for short) takes place July 16-18 at the Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. Admission is $13 for adults and $10 for children 4-12 for reserved seats and $10 for all general seats. You can purchase tickets at the Blaisdell Center Box Office, or call Ticket master at 1-877-750-4400 (or online at ticketmaster.com.)

The performances of all of the groups and soloists will be broadcast by KITV 4 Island Television on July 31 and Aug. 1, from 7-10 pm HST each night. Friday will feature hula kahiko, and Saturday will feature hula auana. (Kala mai – I don’t know if the station will also broadcast it online.)
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And still more hula! The 32nd annual Prince Lot Hula Festival takes place on July 18 from 9am – 4 pm at Moanalua Gardens in Honolulu. This is the largest non-competitive hula festival in the Hawaii. There is a $5 donation for admission.


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Hula on the mainland – the 5th annual George Na`ope Kāne Hula Festival and 2nd annual Keiki Hula Competition will take place August 8-9 at the Modesto Centre Plaza in Modesto, CA. This is the only keiki hula competition on the mainland! Advance tickets are available by mail.
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For those near the Eureka, CA area, did you know about the Banana Hut (Hawaiian BBQ restaurant in Redwood Acres? This article caught my eye, primarily due to the mention of the owners having eaten at a "Hawaiian food restaurant in Santa Cruz"… (Timmy! Look what you and Aloha Island Grille inspired in the north state!)

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Chicago, are you ready for a bit of Hawaii to head your way? A three-day Hawaiian conference and a performance at North Central College's Wentz Hall. Among those who will be there are Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Uluwehi Guerrero, who will teach both hula and ‘ukulele, and the Makaha Sons will be in concert. Click here for more info!
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Pau for now - e malama pono a hui hou!