Kupaoa Featured in Second EKK Event of 2015 Season Jan., 26

E Kanikapila Kakou 2015 presents the best of Hawaiian music, musicians, composers, dancers and storytellers for 10 Monday evenings through March 23, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Aqua Kaua`i Beach Resort in the Jasmine Ballroom.

On Monday, January 26, EKK continues its 2015 theme Music Into the Community, dedicated to Uncle Dennis Kamakahi with presenters Kupaoa — Kellen Paik and Lihau Hannahs Paik. One of Hawai`i’s most popular singing couple, Kellen — he’s a native son of Kaua`i — and Lihau return to the EKK stage with more of their award-winning original compositions spiced with their signature stage banter.

In addition, the illustrious composer and Hawaiian language specialist Puakea Nogelmeier will add his mana’o to the mix. Plus, Kumu Hula Frank Akima and Eleena Helenihi will instruct and perform hula. The artists will open with `ukulele and hula instruction from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. At 6:45 p.m., they’ll move their presentation to the stage and continue until 9 p.m.

An open bar and food concession hosted by the Aqua Kaua`i Beach Resort will be available in the ballroom. A donation to EKK in the calabash contributes to unforgettable evenings of aloha from the heart.

EKK is brought to you by the Garden Island Arts Council with a grant-in-aid from the Hawai`i Tourism Authority and is supported by the County of Kaua`i Office of Economic Opportunity.