quick turns of fate

One of the most interesting events here at the Merrie Monarch was yesterday afternoon. we went up to the astronomical observatory at the University of hawaii in hilo for one of the free events there, about Haku Mele - the art of crafting hawaiian song. this was preceded by some free music, Darlene Ahuna who not only has a lovely voice, she is very sophisticated in her use of range and many hawaiian and 'standard' voice techniques, and she had excellent bass and guitar player also so that was really a treat.

But, then, as we all lined up to go hear the presentation, which was four hawaiian musician/composers being interviewed about the intricacies of writing songs, there was a surprise announcement. You guys, who only speak English or japanese, you wait here to get your headphones; everyone fluent in hawaiian go on in! Well, the interviewees gave their thoughts on composing in hawaiian language, in hawaiian! then just as quickly, over our headphones, a famous man named Kaliko Beamer (who is the grandson of the Sound of Music von Trapps) translated for us. it was really fun, and interesting. once again we see how strongly the hawaiian language immersion programs can work. the front rows of the hall and the floor were filled with teen and preteen kids, and at least half of the other folks present did not need the headphones.

The four composers, Larry Kimura, Kainani Kahaunaele, Manaiakalani Kalua and Manu Boyd, shared many concepts new to us; how, if you have written a song, it's customary to have an older hawiian person be asked to look it over, to make sure it's appropriate, in language, in balance of thoughts, and they can give the most cryptic comments just to keep you, the composer, aware and knowing something is missing. we learned about how such a person might tell you that because you have an emotional downstroke, or a comment about night, or falling down, you need to then bring in an opposite; something about life, or light, or ascending. can be subtle but the balance, the 'connection' is a key part of songwriting that the younger generation might not know.

I titled this section quick turns of fate, but by this I guess I mean good ones. We have been so lucky that the houseband, who is two of the 3 members of Na palapalai and another member, has been 'where we are', often. Since this band is unusual in that at least 2 of the 3 performers were born male but sure enough look and sound female intentionally, they are striking both visually and in their sense of presence. We also had a really lucky break last night, we came home early from the free night at the merrie monarch to our hotel and slipped in to the restaurant where we heard familiar music. Well it was the house band, PLUS this other really fabulous and striking singer named Heli Silva, who, same thing! From Molokai, born male, sings female! She's a total torch singer, does jazz and romantic standards like she was born in the 20s and singing in the 40s. We love Heli's artistry. It was a great evening, there were lots of impromptu dancing by great dancers like kumu Iwalani Kalima and some kumus from japan. Why? because it actually was a private party! we did not realize we were interlopers but we were not bothered and it sure was fun. we saw some really awesome old songs being interpreted by the creme de la creme of musicians and songstresses and dancers. one special appearance was by a retired queen of music Melveen leed who sang 3 songs. this was the equivalent of having Frank Sinatra sing at your birthday party. Al bernes will probably know exactly what we are talking about. The party was funded by some wealthy japanese who are here so there were lots of stylish japanese dancers and esteemed guests were present and it was very festive.

Hilo has been wonderful, rainy then sunny then rainy, with soft winds and perfect air. The skill level at the crafts fair, fantastic; many esteemed artists with lifetimes of skill perfection in what they do, some in their 80s and 90s and so fun to talk to. Many people are decked out, the hats and hatbands, and leis, are great. we hope to have some pictures. the quality of the arts at the civic center is very high. there are several other venues which tend to have more of the inexpensive things that can give pleasure but might seem 'cheesy' to some. but at the crafts center, nearly everything, from flower and feather and faux leis to clothing to musical instruments to hula implements to paintings is really tops.

A great performance was a free one today of the halau of one of the Kanaka`ole family; beautifully strong and athletic and the use of hawaiian language and the smooth powerful transitions were great. The halau was Unukupukupu, the kumu was Taupori Tangaro, husband of Kekuhi Kanahele. One of the chanters and dancers was Manaiakalani Kalua, who had been one of the speakers at the Haku Mele talk. They did one really powerful dance which started with all the dancers and drummers bringing in boulders of lava and dancing among and between them. i hope to learn later more about the dance. And I think I got a good photo, to go up later. (but it was blurry... so sad... here it is) Can you believe these are the stones they carried in, and carried out, during the dance... here also is a blurry shot of them being moved... and a shot of Manaiakalani Kalua.