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Events 2010

 


January, 2010

Wednesday, January 6 - Hawai`iana Live!: "Hapa Inikini":  Blackfoot flute player Troy Good Medicine De Roche  joins Leilehua for a presentation on Indians in Hawai`i. In a cross-cultural artistic collaberation, Troy will play his traditional flute as Leilehua dances the late 19th century hula "Hapa Inikini," a mele about a Hawaiian/Indian young man who escapes the wiles of a woman who lives by the sea, prefering to enjoy the beauty of the lehua of Pana`ewa. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo. What a fun time we had! Troy's flute playing is not to be missed! It was really special for me to be able to sing the mele, Hapa Inikini and dance it as Troy played his beautiful flute.

Saturday, January 10 - Song Stick Flute Workshop: Flute playing workshop with Blackfoot flute player Troy Good Medicine De Roche. Learn the basics of traditional Native American flute music and explore this haunting musical tradition with Troy. 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Lihi Pali, Pu`u Hāla`i. Flutes will be available for purchase. Wonderful experience to listen from my office as Troy and his students played. Future workshops will be held at various venues. For more information, contact info@songstick.com.

Wednesday, January 13 - Hawai`iana Live!: "Nā Pu`u o Hāla`i":  Kī Ho`alu master Moses Kahumoku joins Leilehua in a musical trip around the island, featuring favorite mele of the Kahumoku `ohana in his inimitable and innovative slack key stylings. Leilehua tells legends of Hilo, especially Hāla`i and Pu`u Honu cindercones, which lie at the top of modern-day Haili Street. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo. Uncle "Moke" Moses is tons of fun - not only is a a master of the guitar, but he is a VERY talented lei hulu maker as well! Here, he shows off the tiny stitches on a 2,000 feather lei. Such a precious work of art!

Wednesday, January 20 - Hawai`iana Live!: "Kumulipo":  This story of the source of the world, is a much respected Hawaiian geneological chant. Kahu Kimo Pihana joins Leilehua in an exploration of this Hawaiian Genesis through chant, hula, and storytelling. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo. Uncle Kimo was so generous to share his mana`o today, even bringing geneology charts, star charts, photos of the summit of Mauna Kea, and then staying well after the show to talk story in the lobby. Maika`i loa! We've worked together for so many years in various cultural events, and I always look forward to the next one - which likely will be the Hilo Inter-Tribal Powwow this year!

Saturday, January 23 - Annual Meeting of the Hawaii Island Chapter of the United Nations Association of the United States of America: This year's guest speaker will be Andrea Rosanoff, Ph.D., an author, teacher, nutritionist and researcher who has been an invited lecturer at meetings in Australia, Japan, Ireland and Romania. In addition, Steve Parks, her husband, will show pictures he took in Romania. Opening chant by Leilehua Yuen. The meeting will be on Saturday, Jan. 23, from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Nani Mau Gardens Restaurant at 421 Makalika St. A buffet luncheon will be served for $20 at the door. For more information call Parks at 965-7061 or Hale at 959-7423.

Wednesday, January 27 - Hawai`iana Live!: "Wai`anuenue, the Rainbow Waters": Leilehua tells the story of Hina, mother of Maui and the goddesses of Hala`i, and her courtship by the great mo`o (dragon) Kuna. Stan Kaina and Nā Leo Nahenahe Pohai ke Aloha join Leilehua to share their beautiful songs and hula. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo. Always good fun to share the stage with Uncle Stan and his ladies. And, just an update, if you have a group visiting Hilo, I'm always happy to work as a guide and tell stories of our special places as you visit them. Nothing like hearing the story of Kuna while seeing his bones in the water!

February 2010

Wednesday, February 3 - Hawai`iana Live!: "The Naha Stones": Two huge stones sit in front of the Hilo Library. Where did they come from? Why are they there? Leilehua tells the story of "The Naha Stones" in chant and hula. Ben Kaili, far right, joins her to share his slack key stylings and songs of the islands. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.
Ben Kaili is always a delight on stage, and this time he continues to share his wonderful music. His Hi`ilawe, about the famous waterfall of Waipi`o Valley, where Kamehameha was reared, is not to be missed - and I do so enjoy dancing hula for him!

Wednesday, February 10 - Hawai`iana Live! "Ke Aloha": Hawai`i, Isles of Romance, have produced some of the most beautiful love songs. Slack Key artist Manu Josiah, left, joins his wife, Leilehua, to share some of their favorites. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo. It's always a special time when I get to share the stage with my own Sweetie - time to break out the family stories and songs!

Wednesday, February 17 - Hawai`iana Live! "Hilo Rains": Kamaluhia Wooley, right, joins Leilehua on stage to dance hula describing the famed rains of Hilo. From ancient times to the present, Hilo's rain has been honored in chant and song. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo. What a fun time when the lovely Kamaluhia joins me and shares her mana`o of traditional herbal medicine - AND shares a hula! I get to play music and enjoy someone else's dance!

Wednesday, February 24 - Hawai`iana Live! "Uala, Rooted in Hawai`i": Continuing to explore the traditions of the Makahiki, the four lunar month new year festival, "Uala, rooted in Hawai`i" explores the culture of the Hawaiian sweet potato through legends, chants, and storytelling. Braddah Walter joins Leilehua to share his traditional and original mele. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.
First time we had Braddah Waltah join us for Hawai`iana Live! WOW! One TALENTED guy! And his wife danced so beautifully for us, too. Come to Kalākaua Park on Lei Day (May 1) and here him there, too!

March 2010

Wednesday, March 3 - Hawai`iana Live! "E Hula Kākou" From ancient times through today, hula remains an important part of Hawaiian culture and lifestyle. Leilehua shares hula of the past, and Stan Kaina and Nā Leo Nahenahe Pohai ke Aloha share their modern hula. A video on hula implements will be screened. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo. Another good fun time with Uncle Stan and his lovely ladies. If you have not heard Stan's beautiful falsetto, you want to check back with this calendar and see when he is playing again!

Wednesday, March 10 - Hawai`iana Live! "Wa`a Auhau" closes the Makahiki season shows with a re-enactment of some of the traditions which close this season in the Hawaiian
calendar, including the Net of Makali`i. Kramer Herzog's award-winning video "The Lost Art of Pawehe," which talks about a traditional Hawaiian technique of decorating gourds, will be screened. Special guests, Sammi and Buddy Fo share their incomparable musical stylings, bringing back the beauty and grace of Hawai`i's Nightclub Hulas. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo. Each time I hear and see Aunty Sammi and Uncle Buddy I am swept back to my early teens, when I first began dancing hula on-stage. They exemplify the hey-day of the Night-Club Hula era, creating a magic bubble in time that recreates those magic moments of the best part of my youth.

Monday, March 15, Nightfall - Makahiki Ends  On the day Lono-Makua returned at last to his district of origin, the high chief went to the sea to bathe. After being purified, the chief and his warriors took their canoes out to sea. This possibly was a reenactment of a portion of the legend of Lono.
    The high chief and his warriors then returned to shore where they were met by a group of warriors set to resemble an opposing army. As the chief jumped ashore from his canoe, a retainer expert in the art of spear warding accompanied him. An opposing warrior threw a spear at the chief, and it was struck aside by the retainer. The opposing warrior then touched the chief with a second spear.
     That afternoon, the two armies held mock battles and the high chief made offerings to Lono-Makua and the Short God. The next day a feast was prepared. It spent the night steaming in the imu, and at dawn the feast was ready. All of the community took part in this sacred feast. Anything left over was carefully disposed of, much like modern communion wine. The same day, the Makahiki images were dismantled and placed in the temple.
     Other ceremonies which closed the Makahiki festival included filling a net with large meshes with various foods. The net was shaken and watched to see how much fell through the meshes. If everything fell through, the following year would be prosperous.
     A woven basket was also filled with food and lashed between the booms of an outrigger canoe. It was paddled out to sea and cut loose to drift as an offering. Orders were given to cut timber for a new temple.
     An unpainted canoe was put to sea and paddled back and forth signaling the lifting of the kapu on fishing, farming, and other work necessary to daily life. While the common people now could return to their normal lives, the chiefs and priests continued wrapping up the religious observations. Then over the next few days the high chief was purified in a series of ceremonies and the remaining kapu lifted from various activities. At last the ceremonial duties were over. The high chief, the high priest, and the man who beat the ceremonial drum took a final sacramental meal of pork. The new year could now begin. Click here for more information.


Wednesday, March 17 - Hawai`iana Live! "Nā Hulu Manu - Precious Elders": Join Leilehua on a journey into the ancient forests of Hawai`i as she tells in story and chant how the kia manu, the bird catchers, harvested the royal feathers to make the famed feather cloaks and other regalia of the chiefs. Aunty Diana Aki joins Leilehua on stage to share her years of wisdom and beautiful melodies. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.

Wednesday, March 24 - Hawai`iana Live! In "E Hula Mai!" Leilehua tells a story of how the hula was created, and how different styles developed. Manu Josiah joins her on-stage to share his slack key stylings, and the musician's perspective of hula music. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.

Friday, March 26 - Hawai`iana Live! In "E Hula Mai!" Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah take a musical trip through time to find the origins of hula. Along the way, those joining them will learn about some of the traditions, chants, musical implements, and songs used in hula through the ages. 7:00 pm Volcano Art Center.

Wednesday, March 31 - Hawai`iana Live!: Uncle Manny Mattos returns to the stage. This time, he and Leilehua share ancient and modern stories of tsunami, from the wrath of the goddess Namakaokaha`i to modern tsunami detection technology. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.

Wed-Fri, March 31-April 2 - Lei Making Workshop: Learn to make traditional Hawaiian Lei in this workshop with Leilehua Yuen. Three evening classes at the East Hawai`i Cultural Center will expose students to chants, traditions, types, vocabulary, and crafting techniques of the lei. $50. Materials provided. Students should bring notebooks, pen/pencil, hand-towel. Wear comfortable/gardening clothing. Students are encouraged to bring materials they would like to try making lei from. Contact Leilehua at 895-0850
 


April 2010

Wednesday, April 7 - Hawai`iana Live! "The Making of a Hula Dancer" shows some of the training that a hula dancer goes through before he or she is ready for a competition such as the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Leilehua explains the early training, and Stan Kaina with his lovely hula ladies demonstrate the acomplishments of a lifetime of hula! The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.

Wednesday, April 7 - Saturday April 12 - Merrie Monarch Week

Wednesday, April 14 Hawai`iana Live! - Uncle Moses Kahumoku joins Leilehua to share songs of Hawai`i's iconic emblem, the lei. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.

Saturday, April 17 - Mauna Kea Visitor Center, Mo`olelo o Nā Lei features Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah weaving together traditions of the lei through storytelling, song, chant, and hula. Evening, Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station.

Wednesday, April 21 - Hawai`iana Live! celebrates Earth Day with chants and hula of creation. Leina`ala Lassiter, left, joins her childhood friend Leilehua on-stage to share songs of the island. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.

Wednesday, April 28 - May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i, and Hawai`iana Live! will help get Hilo in the mood for May 1 with a 1940's style hula show featuring the beauty of the lei. Sing along with "May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i!" The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.

Friday, April 30 - Volcano Art Center evening talk story features Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah weaving together traditions of the lei through storytelling, song, chant, and hula. 7:00 pm Volcano Art Center, Hawai`i Volcanoes national Park.

May

Saturday, May 1 - May Day (May 1) is Lei Day in Hawai`i! Join Leilehua, Hālau Nā Mohala o Hāla`i, the East Hawai`i Cultural Center, www.KaaheleHawaii.com,and others in this 5th annual Mo`olelo o nā Lei celebration of Hawai`i's "garlands of aloha." Reading of the Mayor's proclamation declaring May 1 "Lei Day in Hawai`i County" and "May the Month of the Lei in Hawai`i County." Free event. Call 895-0850 or e-mail Leilehua for more information

Sunday, May 2 - May Day Mele - Leilehua co-hosts the annual Lei Day celebration at Hilo's historic Palace Theater. Live music, historic movies, free and fun for all! 38 Haili St. Hilo.

Wednesday, May 5 - Hawai`iana Live!: Different lei have different meanings. Join Leilehua in learning about some of the kinds and meanings of them through storytelling and hula. Anakona Tompson, left, tells traditions of the trail. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.

Wednesday, May 12 - Hawai`iana Live!: Hula dancer Kamaluhia Wooley joins Leilehua to share her lovely interpretations of the lei in graceful motion. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.

Wednesday, May 19 - Hawai`iana Live!: "Mo`olelo o na Lei," Stories of the Lei fill each Wednesday of May. Leilehua tells traditional stories of the lei. The joy of the lei is expressed by Stan Kaina and Nā Leo Nahenahe Pohai ke Aloha. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.

Wednesday, May 26 - Hawai`iana Live!: Today's show explores how as the different kinds of foliage are bound together to make a beautiful lei, so the different people of Hawai`i are bound together in aloha for these islands. Troy and Liz De Roche join Leilehua to share stories of the long-standing connection between Hawaiians and Native Americans. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

May 29-31 - Hilo Inter-Tribal Pow Wow: Annual Pow Wow celebrates the diversity and beauty of Native American / First Nations culture. Held on the banks of Hilo's famed Wailoa River. Join Leilehua and her haumana in learning the 19th Century hula, Hapa Inikini, which tells the story of a young Indian/Hawaiian man. Left, Shawl Dancer Cady Ching performs at a previous PowWow. Contact Leilehua at 808-895-0850 for workshop date/time.

May 31 - Hilo Inter-Tribal Pow Wow: Annual honoring of the Veterans takes place on Memorial Day on the banks of Waiakea Pond of the Wailoa River in Hilo. While many books and movies have celebrated the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II, many people are unaware that Native Americans have served in the United States military since the American Revolution.  During the Civil War, there were both Confederate and Union units primarily made up of Native Americans from the Oklahoma tribes.  In World War I, 6,000 of the 8,000 Native Americans who served were volunteers, with another 17,000 registering for the draft.  This is impressive, especially considering that Native Americans were not recognized as United States citizens until after World War I in 1924. [From www.HiloPowwow.com]
 

June

Wednesday, June 2 - Hawai`iana Live! "Nā Wahine Holo Lio" Leina`ala Lassiter joins her childhood friend Leilehua on-stage to share songs and stories of Hawai`i's beautiful and skillful horsewomen. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ, and video featurettes. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.

Wednesday, June 9 - Hawai`iana Live! "E Hula Kākou" From ancient times through today, hula remains an important part of Hawaiian culture and lifestyle. Leilehua shares hula of the past, and Stan Kaina and Nā Leo Nahenahe Pohai ke Aloha share their modern hula. A video on hula implements will be screened. The show also features Bob Alder on the theater's historic pipe organ. 11:00 am Wednesdays, Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo.