Aloha mai!Wow! What a deal for concerts this month! I can't remember the last time I wrote "free" so often! Un/fortunately (depending on where you live), Hawaiian musicians tend to stay close to home during the Christmas holidays, so there aren't many concert outside Hawai'i. But never fear -- Hawaiian music will be spreading out to the Mainland again in the spring!
Recordings
Brothers Cazimero, "Destination Paradise" (Mountain Apple MACD 2052). The Brothers are back with their latest, and if you're a fan, you'll want this one. Their singing is still among the finest in town. Lots of trademark sliding harmonies, with a slightly dated sound. However, that's how they sound best -- the one venture on this CD toward a more modern sound -- Noho Paipai -- sounds scarily reminiscent to the Brothers' foray into a truly contemporary sound on the ill-conceived Hoku CD. This one is much better, with its more traditional arrangement and well-done accompaniment. Songs include "Waikiki," "Kuahiwi Nani," "Ko'u Ma'i Ho'eu'eu," "Pretty Red Hibiscus," and "The Beauty Hula (Ho'oheno Keia No Beauty)."
Halau O Kekuhi, Uwolani (Liko Hawaiian Folk Collection Vol. IV - Liko Records LRCD 2003). A stunning 'oli (chant) CD by the reknown Halau O Kekuhi (the same ones who brought us the hula tour-de-force "Holo Mai Pele"). A vareity of chants are performed (my favorite is the a capella type), both a capella and traditional instruments, some solos, some group numbers. A dynamic , moving CD for you chant fans.
Elodia Kane, Cherish the Mele of our Kupuna (Respect Records RES-24). Elodia Kane steps out of husband Ray's shadow with a gentle CD featuring traditional Hawaiian songs. Her fragile, delicate soprano adds a poignant touch to such classics as "'Ekolu Mea Nui," "Pua O Kamakahala," "Across the Sea," "Makalapua," and "Ho'onanea."
Sean Na'auao, Homegrown Hawaiian (Poi Pounder Records 7001). Sean is back with a CD showcasing his versatile talents. He shows that he's more than the bouncy "Fish and Poi" man with a spare, tender "E Ku'u Sweet Lie Poina'ole," a sassy steel version of "Hilo Hula," a modern version of "Beauty Hula," and five originals, including "Li Hing Hula," "'Aumakua," "I Love My Baby Love," and the title track. Del Beasley's "Punani Patrol" is added for a darker, more modern sheen. Of course, with talent like this, we definitely could have done without the remakes of "Drop, Baby, Drop," "In the Still of the Night," and "I Want to Make it With You." Please, guys, less filler like this and more good Hawaiian stuff.
Concerts
(concerts in Honolulu unless otherwise mentioned)
December December 18-20
(Nevada)Don Ho in concert at The Orleans Hotel and Casino.
December 19 Sean Na'auao at the Kahala Mall center stage from 11-11:30. Free!
December 19 Bobby Ingano at the Kahala Mall center stage from 4 - 5. Free!
December 19 Ku'uipo Kumukahi at the International Marketplace from 6 - 8 p.m. Free!
December 19 and 20 John Keawe at Hawaii Public Radio's Atherton Theatre, 7pm. Contact HPR for ticket info.
December 20 Teresa Bright at Borders Waikele at noon. Free!
December 20
(Big Island)Ledward Ka'apana and Ikona at Borders (Hilo) at 4 p.m. Free!
December 20 The Makaha Sons in concert at Pagoda Hotel.
December 22 Akoni at the Hawaiian Regent Lobby Bar from 6-9 p.m. Free!
December 25
(Big Island)John Keawe at Kings Shops, 3pm to 5pm.
December 26 Bobby Ingano at Windward Mall Stage from 2-3. Free!
December 26 Na Kama in concert at the International Marketplace from 6 - 8 p.m. Free!
December 27
(Maui)Hapa at Whaler's Village at 4 p.m. Free!
December 27 Dennis Kamakahi, Kawika Kamakahi, George Kuo, and Martin Pahinui at the Hawaiian Regent Hotel Lobby Bar for 6-9 p.m. Free!
December 29 Akoni at the Hawaiian Regent Lobby Bar from 6-9 p.m. Free!
December 30 Kapena at Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch, and Crab from 9 - noon.
December 31 Sheraton hosts their annual New Year's Eve Hawaiian music bash, with Robi Kahakalau, Hapa, the Makaha Sons, Kanilau, Moe keale, and others. Tickets range from $95 (platinum), $85 (gold), $75 (silver), to $55 (bronze). Call the Sheraton Waikiki for details and reservations.
January 1998
January 8 Hapa at Hawaii Theatre starting at 8 p.m. Tickets $25 from the box office.
January 14 Thirsty Thursdays at the Crown Room of the Hawai'i Naniloa Hotel, featuring Kekuhi Kanahele, Kuhio Blend and Kahikina.
January 14-17
(California)Keali'i Reichel at the Keali`i Ceballos Halau Fundraiser, El Camino Mercy Auditorium, CA. For info call the halau at 310-479-0036.
January 24
(Maui)Keali'i Reichel opens for LeAnn Rhimes following the Hula Bowl, Kahului.
February
February 12-14 Kukahi '99 - Annual Keali`i Reichel Halau Fundraiser, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Wailuku. Info from the box office: 808-242-9207. I understand that plans for a Honolulu performance are TBA.
See you in early January - a hui hou!
--Susan
susanj@lava.net
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