 We’re delighted to announce that multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Noland Conjugacion, better known as Brother Noland, returns to the Pakele Live! stage this week after a two year absence! Noland will be joined by long-time associate Vergel Jepas and Vergil’s wife Paula, who will perform both with Noland and in a separate set of their own.
Known for performing a variety of genres, and probably best known for his hits “Coconut Girl” and “Pua Lane,” his most recent album (2009ʻs “Hawaiian Man”) was the long-awaited traditional Hawaiian album. It includes a number of familiar songs as well as a remake of “Pua Lane” - and a new version of “Mr. Sun Cho Lee.” But the title track is perhaps the most compelling.
In addition to his long and celebrated music career, Noland has written several books, including The Lessons of Aloha, and The Lessons of Aloha: Stories of the Human Spirit . He also spends a great deal of time working with children, helping at-risk youth by teaching them guitar, ‘ukulele and composition, and has set up arts programs in public parks where they can discover their individual talents and learn that there is a good life; one very different than the one they believed they were destined to live.
Noland is also a steward of the land, and cares for acreage on Molokai in order to preserve Hawaiian customs, indigenous plants and animal species. This work allows him to maintain his connection with being Hawaiian, and this connection feeds his inner being which, in turn, allows him to work on his music with an understanding of its relationship to his soul.
Another aspect of Noland’s life is his involvement with The Tracking Project. Founded as a non-profit organization in 1986 by John Stokes, The Tracking Project has worked with community educators and Native elders from around the world to design a series of teachings which connect individuals directly to the natural world. Discovering and identifying this part of his life has awakened parts of his spirit that again enhance his musical creativity.
As important as all of his interests are, Noland credits his children for feeding his inspiration. “They give me the opportunity and require that I teach the wisdom that I have been blessed to learn from others.” At the same time they bring him the innocence that allows for creative growth and self discovery.
As Brother Noland continues on his journey he continues to leave his mark as one of Hawaii’s musical icons and visionary leaders. He proudly carries with him the values of aloha through his music and his life. Whether composing a song, plucking an ʻukulele, strumming a guitar or sharing the gift of aloha with those who may have lost their way, he does so as a Hawaiian in the Hawaiian way. Brother Noland lives aloha and you can hear it in every note he plays.
Please join host Tony Solis as he welcomes Brother Noland and Verge & Paula back to the Pakele Live! stage on Thursday, December 1 from 6:30-8:30p.m. HST at the Willows Restaurant (901 Hausten St., Honolulu). Those who are unable to attend can watch the live stream at www.pakelelive.com. (The show will also be edited for television and shown at a later date on OC16 TV and www.oc16.tv)
Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Doors open at 5:30.) Guests may choose from the full nightly buffet ($34.95) or an a la carte menu created especially for Pakele Live! (and available only during the show), with prices ranging from $5 to $16. Drink specials are also available. Validated valet parking is only $3.
Note: If you watch online, don’t forget to email the show at pakele @ lava.net and let us know you’re watching! Mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!
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Brother Noland and Verge & Paula - Pakele Live
Posted - 11/30/2011 : 8:13:19 PM
