In today’s newsletter:
- This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis - Na Palapalai
- Halau o Keikiali’i-Sacramento Ho’ike
- Kuo/Pahinui/Martin tour – CA
- New Children’s Book
- New CDs - Amy Hanaiali’i and Keli’i Kaneali’i
- San Francisco Aloha Festival
- Mango Festival – Big Island
- Kaua’i Music Festival concert
This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we are pleased to host the award-winning trio Na Palapalai!
Na Palapalai was formed in 1995 by Kehau Tamure and Kuana Torres Kahele in their hometown of Hilo, Hawai’i. Raised around traditional Hawaiian music, they polished their skills playing local shows and backyard pa’inas. After briefly teaming with Wailau Ryder and Akoni Malacas in a group named “Akoni and Da Palapalai Patch,” Kuana and Kehau, along with new member Keao Costa, re-formed Na Palapalai.
The trio, with Keao on bass, Kehau on ‘ukulele, and Kuana on guitar, brought a raw energy and enthusiasm to traditional Hawaiian music. Of the six Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominations they received for their 2003 debut album “Makani ‘Olu’olu,” they won five. Two more albums followed: 2005’s “Ke’ala Beauty,” nominated for five Na Hoku Awards (of which they took home two), and 2006’s “Ka Pua Hae Hawai’i,” nominated for seven Na Hoku Awards. All three albums were nominated in the categories of Haku Mele and Hawaiian Language Performance, among others. Nominees in these two categories are subject to very high standards, and unlike all but the most technical categories (such as engineering, etc.), these categories are not voted on by the general voting membership of the Academy – they are voted on by specialists in the field. Thus, a nomination in the coveted Haku Mele and Hawaiian Language Performance categories is a distinct honor, and Na Palapalai’s debut release won in both categories!
In addition to the 18 Hoku nominations and seven wins, all three of the group’s albums have become veritable soundtracks for hula halaus worldwide. Valued for their original compositions and three-part falsetto harmonies, the band has made a significant contribution to the legacy that is Hawaiian music.
2009 has brought the evolution of Na Palapalai full circle. The band, once again comprised of Kehau and Kuana, continues to deliver powerhouse performances worldwide and remains a trendsetter in leo ki’eki’e, the Hawaiian falsetto sound. Na Palapalai’s long-anticipated 4th release is due out later this year.
Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, July 23, from 6-8 p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). It’s free, all ages are welcome, 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 at: http://www.pakelelive.com/
Those in Japan can watch at: http://www.j-wave.co.jp/
You may email the show at pakele@lava.net
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Halau o Keikiali’i-Sacramento is holding a ho’ike July 25 from noon to 4 pm at the Dance 2D Rhythm Studio in Elk Grove. Admission is $10 (free for children 4 yrs and under), and includes food. There will be hula, vendors, and games. Call (916) 271-5060 for info.
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George Kuo, Martin Pahinui and Aaron Mahi continue to add dates/venues to their upcoming CA tour. Here’s the most recent information I have:
Tues. August 11, Little Fox Theatre, Redwood City, 8 pm, 21+ only, tickets $17 advance, $19 door, Call 650-369-4119
Weds. August 12, Don Quixote's (under 21 w/parent), Santa Cruz, 7:30 pm, tickets $15 advance, $17 door
Thurs. August 13, Temple Bar, Berkeley, 5:30 pm, call 510-524-6403
Fri. August 14, Thockmorton Theatre, Mill Valley, 8 pm, Call 415-383-9600
Sat. August 15, Oaksong Music Society, Oak Run, 7:30 pm, Call 530-223-2040
Sun. August 29, Shannon Center - Whittier College (Aloha Series), 3 pm and 8 pm
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Children’s book author Dr. Carolan (Goodnight Hawaiian Moon, Where Are My Slippers) has released another book entitled A President from Hawai’i . I recently spent time at a local bookstore with Dr. Carolan, his wife (and the book’s illustrator) Joanna Carolan, and Amy Hanaiali’i and Keli’i Kaneali’i (co-founder of the group HAPA), who contributed music to accompany the book. Amy and Dr. Carolan both read from the book, while Keli’i played music in the background – what a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
An entertaining yet informative blend of facts about Hawai’i and tidbits about our new President, A President from Hawai’i includes photographs, illustrations, and a CD. The CD begins with an oli (chant), then Amy narrates the book while Keli’i plays background music. At the conclusion of the narration there is another oli, followed by Amy singing “These Islands” in both English and Hawaiian. (Additional musicians for “These Isl
ands” include Matt Catingub, Jeff Peterson, Chino Montero and Steve Jones.)The book begins by informing young readers that President Obama was born in Hawai’i (the first President to be born here), and poses the question, “Will this help him to be a good President?” It talks about life in Hawai’i, explains some of the customs (“What does it mean to give a flower lei?”) and language (“Mahalo is one of the first words we are taught”) and a bit of history. Sprinkled throughout are quotes from President Obama (“…we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.”)
Although this is a children’s book (it is not political!), I enjoyed it, too! To learn more, listen to a sample of Amy’s narration, or order the book, go to the Banana Patch Press website.
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Speaking of Amy and Keli’i, both have new albums coming out next month! “Amy Hanaiali’i, Friends and Family of Hawai’i” features duets with a variety of people, including brother Eric Gilliom, Keali’i Reichel, Willie Nelson, and many more. Keli’i’s album “Kaua’i” is his debut solo release and contains five original songs, as well as his take on some classic Hawaiian songs. Both albums will be released August 25.
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Just a reminder – the 15th Annual San Francisco Aloha Festival is coming up August 1 and 2 on the parade grounds at the Presidio . As always, the festival is FREE, and there will be plenty of ono Hawaiian grinds (over a dozen food booths), LOTS of vendors (over SIX DOZEN!), hula, and nonstop live music. A special treat this year – Mike Keale (nephew of Uncle Moe Keale, cousin of Bruddah Iz) moved to the Sacramento area earlier this year (sniffle – we miss him!), and will be performing at the Aloha Festival on Saturday at 1:30. Others on the schedule include Faith Ako (12:30 Sunday), Ho’omana (2:30 Sunday), and Kumu Hula Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu’s Academy of Hawaiian Arts performing a hula kahiko (4 pm Sunday). For directions, information on parking, FAQ, and more, visit the Pacific Islanders Cultural Association website.
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The 1st Annual Mango Festival takes place August 1 at Keauhou Beach Resort’s Royal Garden, Kailua-Kona (Big Island). Tickets are $10.
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The lineup for this year’s Kauai Music Festival has been announced, and includes performances by Jake Shimabukuro, Kenneth Makuakane, Charles Brotman & Kohala, Keale, John Keawe, and Paula Fuga with Mike Love. The concert takes place Friday, July 31, 7 - 10PM at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort in Lihu'e. Tickets are $25 advance, $30 door. Click here for more info!
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Please remember that the events listed here are just a sampling of what’s going on, and all events are subject to change or cancellation. It’s always wise to confirm an event in advance, especially if you’re traveling from out of town.
Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!
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