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markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
 Posted - 09/11/2009 : 2:02:51 PM
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What are a couple of the most memorable Hawaiian songs, you have seen, performed at a live concert. Here are some of mine.
"Koke'e" performed by Ledward Kaapana on the AUTOHARP. Seeing how he just had total mastery of an instrument that you don't normally see him play just blew me away. The way he attacked the autoharp, you would have thought that he practices two hours a day on it.
"Ho'ola Lahui Hawai'i/Ku'u Pua I Paoakalani" sung by Natalie Ai. I've seen her do this song live twice and both times I don't think I took a breath for the entire song. And she did it while she was sitting on the floor of the concert stage.
"Kimo Henderson Hula" done by Raiatea Helm. I was just amazed how she took this simple song and made it into a work of art on stage. A voice so pure and true.
"Napo'o Ka La" by Makana he just gave an incredible performance that day and this was at the top of the list.
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"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2009 : 2:58:55 PM
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I think to hear Uncle Eddie Kamae sing "Morning Dew" in his liddo bit scratchy tutu-man voice, and then tell me proudly that he wrote that song for his wife. With still a twinkle in his eye for his wife. WOW. Not only did I get to hear a beautiful song being sung, but I got to witness something even more rare, a husband who is still happy to tell everyone how much he loves his wife, after so many years. This was just in August at the Friday night Mike Ka`awa gig at the Elk's Club.
Another time was at College Park, MD, September 2007. Louis Kauakahi sang his most beautiful, powerful, poignant mele, "Kaleohano". I cannot describe the shivering chicken skin I got when he began to sing that song, so quietly. Oh my. Oh my oh my. I cried. It was amazing.
Cyril Pahinui singing "Kaulana Kawaihae" this past August at the Kani Ka Pila Grill". It was pure and simple. Just Cyril and Peter Moon, Jr. Beautiful guitar playing by Cyril and his amazing vocals. Wow. I think I said wow for about 20 minutes after he finished., I was literally speechless.
But one thing that is as true as anything I have ever said. I have never found a time when I have heard Hawaiian music sung that I have not thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. Every single time. Whether professional musicians or not. The reason is because of the aloha prsent - aloha for the music, for the traditions and for each other. Every single occasion. Because we know people who play Hawaiian music do it because of their love.
That is what gets to me.
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
Edited by - wcerto on 09/11/2009 8:31:03 PM |
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Hookani
Lokahi
232 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2009 : 3:26:48 PM
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Didn't see it in person but I'll bet a lot of people will agree one big chicken skin moment was at the Hokus with Braddah Iz being joined by the Makaha Sons. Such a touching moment.
Ho'okani |
Ke Kani Nahe
YouTube
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2009 : 4:54:36 PM
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At a concert several years ago, Dennis Kamakahi told the story of King Kalakaua's death in California and how the king's body was returned to the islands and carried off the ship to the wails of mourners, and then he sang "Ka Ipo Lei Manu" partly in falsetto range, and there wasn't a dry eye in the place.
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markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2009 : 5:09:41 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by wcerto
But one thing that is as true as anything I have ever said. I have never found a time when I have heard Hawaiian music sung that I have not thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. Every single time. Whether professional musicians or not. The reason is because of the aloha prsent - aloha for the music, for the traditions and for each other. Every single occasion. Because we know people who play Hawaiian music do it because of their love.
That is what gets to me.
Absolutely the same feeling from me and all of my friends that love Hawaiian Music. Well said, Wanda. |
"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
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markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2009 : 5:44:25 PM
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I wanna add a few more.
"Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u", Jerry Santos, Hoku Z. and Barry Kimokeo at Chai's. Denise and I had a table right up front. Our food got very cold that night. Neither of us could lift a fork. We just sat there transfixed the whole night.
"Ka Nalu Kua Loa", Na Kama at Pakele. It was the first night of our first real trip to O'ahu. I must admit that I wasn't familiar with Na Kama before that night. Discovering them was such a pleasant surprise it set the tone for our whole 10 days and we saw them twice more while we were there. Couldn't get enough. We have since driven 400 miles one way just to see them here in California. I guess you could say we are fans of Na Kama.
"Sand" Gary Aiko with Alan Akaka on Steel Guitar. We were at the Waikiki Marriott seeing the Keawe 'Ohana. During the first break I ask Alan and Gary if they would do the vocal version of the Steel Guitar classic. Not everyone knows the words to it, but I knew that Gary did. They both smiled and said they would be happy to. Alan played about a three minute steel solo lead in and then Gary just took over with the vocals. It was beyond any expectation I had when I made the request. |
"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
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hikabe
Lokahi
USA
358 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2009 : 10:04:35 PM
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Gerry Lindsey sing Pua Lilia at the Templebar in Berkeley at a memorial for her dad Keoki Lindsey.
Tennyson Lum sing a song at Tiki Tom's in Oakland that he co-wrote.
Patrick Lendeza sing Wahine Ilikea in Hercules, CA as my daughter Heather danced.
I guess the music is much more memorable to me when my own friends are playing it. |
Stay Tuned... |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2009 : 02:22:31 AM
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Hiram - speaking of Patrick -- another chicken skiin moment for me was when Patrick came to teach at Guitar Days at Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, WV. On the first day, there was a concert by the instructors so everyone could hear the various styles of the folks you were going to be learning from. Only two people had signed up for Patrick's week-long workshop. I am sure it is because people probably thought it meant steel guitar when they saw the catalog listing "Hawaiian slack key guitar". But after the audience heard the first vamp that Patrick played, they were hooked! There was an afternoon session at the workshop that was free time to go visit whichever class you wanted -- Cajun, Fingerstyle; Blues, Swing, whatever. Each day, more and more other students came to Patrick's class. But the first looks on their faces as they heard him play...priceless. I felt like a proud mama.
And I saw this Patrick thing on video on You Tube, but seeing him play and his son help him sing the song about the girl with pretty feet, across the street. That was definite chicken skin. Made me cry. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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kuulei88
Akahai
USA
75 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2009 : 02:35:29 AM
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| okay, this is going to date me, but . . . at Kanikapila at Andrews Theater, in 1982, when Martin Pahinui had just started singing with the Peter Moon Band. I had already begun graduate studies on the east coast, and had to return to Honolulu for some family stuffs. Martin was given a lengthy intro, then the band stuck up. As Martin sang the first line of "Maunaloa," there was a collective gasp, a true chicken skin moment, as we all sat there realizing--Gabby lives! |
amy k |
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Auntie Maria
Ha`aha`a
USA
1918 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2009 : 05:03:28 AM
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Being in the audience at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards when the Makaha Sons joined Israel on stage. Unforgettable moment.
Standing just off-stage (at his request) at what would turn out to be Israel's final mainland concert, as he sang "Hawai`i '78"...as I struggled not to cry out loud.
Being in the audience at Hollywood Bowl when Keali`i Reichel debuted his newest mele "Maunaleo" -- and dedicated it to his mom, Lei, who was also there.
Having John Keawe noodling on his guitar in our family room while I cooked breakfast for the whole gang -- and having DH come down the stairs asking what radio station we were listening to!!! 
Having Jerry Santos sit on the lanai of our home here on Kaua`i, singing "Ku`u Home O Kahalu`u".
I am blown away by the talents of my many friends...!
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Auntie Maria
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Fran Guidry
Ha`aha`a
USA
1583 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2009 : 08:19:42 AM
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The first time I saw Led perform live, at the Point Reyes Station Dance Palace - hearing "I Kona" on a CD does not prepare one for the impact of that song live.
The first time I caught Uncle Eddie at Honey's - heck, just seeing that double puka `ukulele hanging on stage was a chicken skin moment, but no way I was ready for the impact Eddie Kamae had on that room.
Fran |
E ho`okani pila kakou ma Kaleponi
Slack Key on YouTube
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2182 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2009 : 09:54:54 AM
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| The first time I heard ki ho'alu was from the guy that delivered laundry to the place where I worked as a cook / dishwasher. Every time since it just keeps getting better. Led, Cyril, Dennis, Martin, George Kuo, George Jr, Ozzie, seeing SirDuke and Braddah Jay jam, hearing Noeau sing lead and harmonies. Plus, da grinds ono. |
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wdf
Ha`aha`a
USA
1154 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2009 : 10:15:03 AM
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There have been so many wonderful experiences, It's difficult to single any out.
However if I must, it was just Led and me sitting under the tent at the Mauian playing My Yellow Ginger Lei.
Another memory, some years ago, was Doug McMaster accompanying ME at one of HIS performances.
I know it doesn't fit the original question but these meant a lot to me. |
Dusty |
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2009 : 12:15:34 PM
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Leabert Lindsey singing "Sanoe" acappella in the Kailu-Kona Star Market parking lot, many years ago. Bradda Matt Manewa had called him over to meet this mainland guy who played a little slack key.
It was the most heartfelt and spontaneous expression of aloha I have ever experienced. Might say it changed my life. |
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slipry1
Ha`aha`a
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2009 : 6:03:08 PM
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| Thumbs and me were at a picnic at Led's cousin, Mac's, house in Auburn, WA. We were jamming, and Led did a fast descending run down the middle strings of his guitar. I was so awed and dumbfounded that I stopped playing. Led said, "Whassamatta?" I said, "How did you DO that". He giggled and said " I dunno". WOW! |
keaka |
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chunky monkey
Ha`aha`a
USA
1025 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2009 : 09:38:57 AM
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| In San Diego, the Makaha Sons singing Frank Hewitt's "Hopoe" with a 30-strong halau dancing in black full-length gowns with red hibiscus flowers in their hair. Big-time chicken skin. The best live performance I've ever seen. |
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Topic |
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Most memorable live song performances
