This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we present a preview of the 2010 Ka Himeni Ana competition, with prior winner Blaine Kamalani Kia and Kekaniwai (plus members of his halaus The Ladies of Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie and The Men of Halau Kahulaliwai) in the 6pm hour, and 2009 Ka Himeni Ana winners Kaiholu in the 7pm hour.
Ka Himeni Ana is a competition that perpetuates traditional Hawaiian ensemble music in an un-amplified form and has served as the launching pad for many of today’s top Hawaiian music acts, including Grammy® Award nominee Ho’okena, as well as groups such as ‘Ale’a, Holunape, Ekolu, and Pilioha – all of whom went on to win one or more Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
Kia, a past Ka Himeni Ana winner who has since become recognized throughout Hawai’i for his cultural expertise, has passionately dedicated his life to perpetuating Hawaiian traditions. In addition to being a talented musician and actor, he is an accomplished Kumu Hula (hula teacher) who has hula halau (schools) all over the world (including O’ahu, Kauai, Sacramento, Antioch, Stockton, Montana, Japan, Canada, and Tahiti!), and he is a cultural director and consultant.
Kia owns and operates KIA Enterprises, a Hawaiian entertainment company, and is also the founder and president of the Ka Laua’e Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to promote the preservation, conservation, and perpetuation of the hula. He has won awards for his accomplishments in several areas, including the Merrie Monarch (and other) hula festivals, the honorable Kahili award for perpetuating the native songs and dances of Hawaii, a Pele award in partnership with Lynda Ching photography, and the Keep It Hawaii award.
He has released at least six CDs since 1997, exercising his musical talents in collaborative cultural projects in traditional Hawaiian as well as island contemporary music.
As winners of Ka Himeni Ana 2009, Kaiholu (Nathaniel Mahealani Stillman, Trax Enos, Al Rowland Jr. and Hanale Ka’anapu) joins the ranks of past luminaries who have gotten their start at Ka Himeni ‘Ana. This delightful new quartet of talented artists, all of whom were experienced musicians before they joined ranks, has a vibrant sound, full and rich with harmonies that are reminiscent of the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau.
They offer creative vocal arrangements and a charming stage presence filled with antics that have been engaging the hearts of kama‘aina fans - and soon, international audiences. Growing numbers of fans anxiously await the release of Kaiholu's debut album, expected in late 2010 or early 2011. The album will consist of traditional Hawaiian music, as well as some of their competition-winning songs.
Join Tony Solis for this special Ka Himeni Ana preview at Pakele Live! on Thursday, August 5 from 6-8 p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). There is no cover or minimum, although your purchase of two drinks or soft drinks helps ensure the continuation of the Pakele Live! concert series. (Note: Pakele Lounge has once again stopped serving food.) All ages are welcome, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana Shopping Center.
You may also watch the show live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/
(Please 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.!)
PLEASE NOTE! The 2010 Ka Himeni Ana competition will take place at the Hawai’i Theater on September 10. Tickets are $20-$30 and are available at the box office, online at the Hawai’i Theater’s website http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase or by calling Eric Keawe at (808) 429-3745.
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Kaiholu & Blaine Kia (Pakele Live) 8/5, 6-8pm HST
Posted - 08/04/2010 : 9:24:06 PM
