"Nona Beamer: A Legacy of Aloha"

Aloha....I'm posting this flyer today of the movie my dear friend at Chameleon Productions created of Hawaii's dear Aunty Nona Beamer.  The premiere of the movie to be shown Saturday after the Merrie Monarch Parade.  For those that knew her or those that admired her from afar, if you can make it I highly recommend you see this film.  You can view some trailers here:
http://chameleon-chameleonproductions.blogspot.com/

    I haven't seen the movie yet, but you will see me among many who loved her.
Let me know what you think. This is a great time for the film to make its public debut during the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival week.

  Unfortunately on a sad note, another precious treasure has left us, Kumu Hula O'Brian Eselu of  Halau Ke Kai O Kahiki.
His halau from Waianae, Ke Kai O Kahiki, was among the leading halau in the past several years, taking first place overall at the Merrie Monarch in 2009 and 2010.  

Ke Kai O Kahiki swept the male categories in 2010, taking first place overall and first for male halau, for male hula kahiko (ancient hula) and male hula 'auana (modern hula).

  It was in 2010 that Kahula O Na Mamo O Mo'ikeha performed before Kumu O'Brian and his men at the Kalakaua Park during MM week. He was such a kind and gentle man and I wished I could have spoken to him, but we were all very busy with the events of the day.  He did mention to the audience that day about a young boy that was dancing with us to keep up the good work because he could see the boy had a lot of potential.  Well, that made the young dancer very happy.

A very gifted musician, but even a better Kumu so I have heard said. You can find O'Brian Eselu and his music on itunes.  He will be greatly missed.
         Have a great Merrie Monarch Week!

Merrie Monarch Hula Festival 2012

Aloha kakou!
Yes, its that time again when hula permeates Hilo! April 8 - 14.
Starting with the Ho'olaulea, Sunday April 8 at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium 9am.  This has Free admission so be sure to catch it.  They will feature local halau that you won't want to miss.

One of my personal favorites is on April 11; the Arts and Crafts Fair will have started, but be sure to bring lots on kala ($), your gonna need it!
 This is a wonderful event that lets you see the local talent out here in the Islands and you can always find some new fabric from Polynesia and of course hula implements too.

Also be sure to check out The Music Exchange http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Music-Exchange/121186501226560  across from the Edith Kanaka'ole stadium will have some of my Ipuheke for sale. (ka'u kane makes!)  These ipu are the best handmade in all the islands of course! And yes, they come with the pale and kaula.
Next is the free exhibition night of hula, international performers, and music.
 6:00 pm, Wednesday, April 11th at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium.   This is truly a pleasure to experience, even if the crowd is huge!  I think doors open at 4pm, which means you need to get in line at 2p?!
Ha! You figure it out, only be prepared for the wait.

 Follow this link; http://www.merriemonarch.com/the-festival   for more information on the week's activities.  Also, a not to be missed program at  www.imiloahawaii.org  that will offer some very enriching cultural workshops for locals and malihini alike! You will love it!
Okay, after some sadness comes the gladness and happy-to-be-Hawaiian-ness!
So get out there and enjoy some Hula!!!