EKK Presents Hui O Kalama`ola Monday, February 18

Monday, February 18. “Hui O Kalama’ola” – The Fabulous Four Kaua`i Kumu, clockwise from front — Nathan Kalama, Doric Yaris, Puna Dawson and Maka Herrod. Archival photo by Anne E. O’Malley

On Monday, February 18,  Hui O Kalama’ola — The Fabulous Four Kaua`i Kumu consisting of Nathan Kalama, Doric Yaris, Puna Dawson and Maka Herrod — will continue to heap testimony to the fact that “Hawaiian Music Has the Power.” It’s week five in the 10-session E Kanikapila Kakou program, where the Kaua`i Beach Resort’s Jasmine Ballroom manages amidst carpeting and capiz shell chandelier lighting to perpetuate the feeling for guests that they are participating in a backyard Hawaiian music jam.

E Kanikapila Kakou — it means, literally, “Let’s strike up the music” — is in its 30^th season this year, bringing listeners to their feet, causing spontaneous hula and shouts of “Hana Hou!” and in general, celebrating practitioners of slack key music, composers, teachers and students of hula and more.

Come at 6 p.m. with an instrument to take part in the first hour, where presenters teach one of their compositions. Later in the evening, they’ll invite the learners to come forward and play the song they’ve learned.

Likely, someone will also teach a hula and again, learners will be asked to rise, come forward and show their stuff.

Full audience participation starts at 7 p.m., when the kumu move to the stage and begin to draw from their repertoire and pepper it with talk-story, humor and music. It’s a full night that many first-timers can’t stop talking about and spreading the word, often booking themselves to return to Kaua`i same time next year.

Local residents turn out in huge numbers, too, adding their voices and instruments to the evening. It’s a full-on party with snacks and beverages for sale.

Next up at EKK: On February 25, Hi’ikua, comprised of Kamuela Kimokeo, Kalehua Krug and Blake Leoki-Haili come to EKK. They’re billed as a hot, hot, hot trio. Click here to check ‘em out.

Funding for the 2013 E Kanikapila Kakou program is once again made possible by a grant from the Hawai’i Tourism Authority and managed by the Kaua’i County Office of Economic Development. The Kaua`i Beach Resort lends partial support to the program. The Garden Island Arts Council receives partial support from the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts through a grant-in-aid from the Hawai’i State Legislature and the NEA.

For more information about the 2013 E Kanikapila Kakou season, click here. Or email giac@hawaiilink.net.

For information about other GIAC programs such as a Hawaiian language initiative, airport windows and Van Go! keep a watch in February for updates online at http://www.gardenislandarts.org/news.

DETAILS

What: E Kanikapila Kakou 30th season, Kaua`i Pardee Central

Where: Kaua`i Beach Resort located off the highway between Lihu`e airport and the Wailua River.

When: Monday evenings through March 25, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Highlights: From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., practice on ukulele and/or (sometimes) learn a hula. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Musicians break loose on stage, lots of talk story and amazing music.

How Much: Make a donation in the calabash, or become a patron — check it out upon your arrival.