| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
 Posted - 07/13/2011 : 10:47:50 AM
|
On my fist trip to Hawai'i back in the early 80s the friend that I was staying with encouraged me to go to The Old Lahaina Luau.
The most lasting image of that night was seeing Charles Ka'upu walking up from the dark beach into the flaming torches while at the same time doing this Hawaiian Chant. It struck me at the time how similar it was to the way a Jewish Cantor would sing prayers at a synagogue.
When I had the occasion to meet Charles again many years later, and during chats we would have on facebook I told him this story, and how much it stuck in my mind, and how I thought it reminded me of the similarities of many cultures throughout the world. The commonality of all humans on this planet. I told him he was my Hawaiian Rabbi.
I would see Charles infrequently at concerts and when he was a hula judge at some events here in Northern California. I would always go up to him to say Aloha to my Hawaiian Rabbi.
Charles passed away last night, and I will really miss him.
|
"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
Edited by - markwitz on 07/13/2011 1:30:44 PM |
|
|
markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 10:55:37 AM
|
| I guess I was composing this just at the same time that Andy was posting his notice. Charles was loved by many people. |
"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
 |
|
|
markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
|
|
Lawrence
Ha`aha`a
USA
1597 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 11:28:31 AM
|
Yes - I thought he was a more-than-fine chanter, and am glad he was around to make such a contribution.
|
Mahope Kākou...
...El Lorenzo de Ondas Sonoras |
|
|
|
Julie H
Ha`aha`a
USA
1206 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 8:36:31 PM
|
Oh, I was shocked to read this. I had seen Kumu Charles over the years and found him to be an imposing and interesting human being. Especially up close. He towered over me!
He did smoke too much, though.
I will miss seeing him and hearing his powerful chants.
Julie |
|
|
|
Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2011 : 06:21:00 AM
|
I could not believe the news. I had seen Charles perform many times with HAPA over the years, even got to hang out with him a bit.
At the 2010 Nā Hōkū awards, I saw him walk by wearing his massive lei poʻo. When I looked at my cellphone, I noticed that he was posting comments on facebook (like a play by play). I posted on his wall, something to the effect, "You look great, but I'm glad that I'm not sitting directly behind you." To which he replied, "Frickin Andrew! Bwahahahahahahaha."
I will miss his chanting, story telling, and sense of humor. Aloha ʻoe, Charles. |
Andy |
|
|
|
Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 05:16:21 AM
|
Contact: Lanakila Willard
July 21, 2011
P.O. Box 11032
Lahaina Hi 96761
808 280 3576
kumucharles[at]gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATELY RELEASE
On Tuesday July 12, 2011 a luminous light of aloha was extinguished unexpectedly. The family and friends of Loea Hula Charles Kauhi Kaupu, Jr. were left in disbelief as the reality and magnitude of their loss became apparent.
Ohana Kaupu would like to thank the hundreds of people who have expressed their aloha and respect for Kumu Charles. Their patience, outpouring of kind words and willingness to assist the family are a true reflection of their love for him.
The task of formulating the appropriate memorial for this incredible man has been a monumental task for the ohana and they realize that many have been patiently waiting. They are grateful for your understanding and deep respect as they worked to finalize the appropriate memorial.
Kumu Charles, like many Hawaiians was raised a Christian but still lived and honored his Hawaiian belief system. His family has chosen to honor both his practices by holding a Christian service at Kaumakapili Church on Oahu and than a traditional customary ceremony on Maui.
His sister, Julie Kaupu, with the support of his family is organizing the Oahu ceremonies; while Lanakila Willard with the support of Stella Burgess and Clifford Naeole is coordinating arrangements on Maui.
Thursday, August 4th at Kaumakapili Church the family invites the public to join them from 3:00 to 5:00 pm for visitation, services will commence at 5:00 and be conducted by Charles’ Uncle Kahu Kaupu and his friend Kahu Kamaunu.
Services on Maui will be on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at the Old Lahaina Luau grounds. Services will be traditional with ancient protocols in place. Kumu Kaha’i Topolinski, leading this ceremony has instructed that no pahu, nose flute or conch shell be used in the procession. The use of any type of recording devices is also prohibited. Children under 12, unless they are accompanying immediate family, will not be allowed to enter. Seating will begin at 11:00 am and commence conclude at 11:45. Entrance will be closed once the procession is completed. A scattering of ashes will follow at Kaopala Bay in Kahana and a Celebration of Charles at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua will close this day of honoring.
All musicians and hula halau who wish to pay tribute to Charles at Kaumakapili are welcomed and will be received in the community hall.
On Maui all musicians and hula halau who wish to pay tribute are also welcomed at the Ritz Carlton. Please contact Clifford Naeole at Clifford.Naeole[at]ritzcarlton.com
The ohana wishes to express their gratitude and thankfulness to all those who have and those who continue to come forward to assist them in coping with their great loss.
Please send inquires, comments or photo to kumucharles[at]gmail.com |
|
|
|
Kapila Kane
Ha`aha`a
USA
1051 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2011 : 07:02:33 AM
|
| My wife and I are deeply saddened to hear this today. His performances with Hapa in concert and his work with the Boulder Halau (as grueling as those road tours must be, still he always took time to work with the Halau, as he shared, taught and brought his great knowledge and inspiration to the classes, and then to all of us who came to hear and see him with Hapa each year in Boulder. His powerful voice and presence will be one of the "sound and soul" memories we carry, remember and cherish. |
|
|
|
cmdrpiffle
`Olu`olu
USA
553 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2011 : 06:03:03 AM
|
Just read this. I hadn't heard.
My fave Charles story: We were at a HAPA concert at a church in Monterey. Band took a break and Charles and I walked over to the Starbys to get coffees for folks. You just felt safe walking dark streets at night with the guy!
aloha Charles - your energy will magnify a thousand fold now |
my Poodle is smarter than your honor student |
|
|
|
alika207
Ha`aha`a
USA
1260 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2011 : 06:04:19 AM
|
quote:
Originally posted by markwitz
On my fist trip to Hawai'i back in the early 80s the friend that I was staying with encouraged me to go to The Old Lahaina Luau.
The most lasting image of that night was seeing Charles Ka'upu walking up from the dark beach into the flaming torches while at the same time doing this Hawaiian Chant. It struck me at the time how similar it was to the way a Jewish Cantor would sing prayers at a synagogue.
When I had the occasion to meet Charles again many years later, and during chats we would have on facebook I told him this story, and how much it stuck in my mind, and how I thought it reminded me of the similarities of many cultures throughout the world. The commonality of all humans on this planet. I told him he was my Hawaiian Rabbi.
I would see Charles infrequently at concerts and when he was a hula judge at some events here in Northern California. I would always go up to him to say Aloha to my Hawaiian Rabbi.
Charles passed away last night, and I will really miss him.
As I say to my Jewish and Hawaiian-at-heart friend sometimes, "Shalom aloha!" Are you Jewish yourself?
Yes, I will miss him too. What a fabulous chanter he was! |
He kehau ho'oma'ema'e ke aloha.
'Alika / Polinahe |
|
|
|
markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2011 : 06:40:10 AM
|
| Shalom aloha!! I love it. Yes 'Alika I'm Jewish. |
"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
|
|
|
alika207
Ha`aha`a
USA
1260 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2011 : 02:06:28 AM
|
quote:
Originally posted by markwitz
Shalom aloha!! I love it. Yes 'Alika I'm Jewish.
Sweet! :) ma shlom cha? |
He kehau ho'oma'ema'e ke aloha.
'Alika / Polinahe |
|
|
|
Auntie Maria
Ha`aha`a
USA
1918 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2011 : 04:01:30 AM
|
From today's Garden Island News (here on Kaua`i):
Loea Hula Charles Kauhi Ka‘upu, Jr., son of the late Charles K. Ka‘upu Sr. and Esther Nagai Ka‘upu of Palolo, O‘ahu, died at his home in Napili, Maui, on July 12, 2011, at age 53. Born in Honolulu on Oct. 21, 1957, he was a Hawaiian cultural expert, master chanter, lecturer, recording artist, and a licensed kahu.
He is survived by sisters, Julie Ka‘upu, Tomi (Paul) Mamuad, Kamalanai (Michael) Clarke, A. Ke‘ala Ka‘upu, Keahi Ka‘upu; nephews, Christopher (Ka‘ala) Mamuad, Justin (Joreen) Mamuad, Tom (Billie) Mamuad; “mo’opuna” Kalaokahaku, Kau‘ika‘alohika‘anapaokalani, Ka‘imi‘ike, Kaleiimilia, Kamaha‘o, Keli‘iho‘omalu; and numerous Ka‘upu, Nagai, Mokiao, Boyd, Mau, Higa, Kama, Castor, Ka‘upu-Dudoit ‘ohana.
Visitation will be held at 3 p.m. for family and 4 to 5:30 p.m. with service to follow on Thursday, Aug. 4, at Kaumakapili Church in Honolulu. Aloha attire is suggested. Leis are welcome. Hawaiian protocol gathering on Maui on Aug. 20 at The Old Lahaina Lu‘au grounds will commence at noon. Scattering of ashes will follow.
|
Auntie Maria
===================
My "Aloha Kaua`i" radio show streams FREE online every Thu & Fri 7-9am (HST)
www.kkcr.org - Kaua`i Community Radio
"Like" Aloha Kauai on Facebook, for playlists and news/info about island music and musicians!
|
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Remembering Charles Ka'upu
