Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Culture Enrichment
Workshops 2010
April 6 to 9, 2010
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i is partnering with the Merrie Monarch Festival to offer four days of hula-related workshops and demonstrations during the popular upcoming annual festival and competition in Hilo. ‘Imiloa programming will take place from April 6 to April 9, 2010, and provides visitors to Hawai‘i and its residents with an opportunity to learn more about the history and cultural significance of hula and its practitioners.
‘Imiloa will provide hula-related programming each morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again, in the afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 6 through April 9. A wide range of topics will be covered and these workshops and programs are free to the public. Seating is limited a to first, come served basis. Admission to the Center’s exhibits and planetarium shows require a fee.
Free Merrie Monarch Shuttle April 6, 7, 8, & 9.
Akita Enterprises will provide a free shuttle service 9:00 am to 3:30 pm April 6, 7, 8, & 9 between the Merrie Monarch Craft Fair, Banyan Drive Hotels, and the Merrie Monarch Enrichment Programs at `Imiloa.
Tuesday April 6, 2010
10:00-11:30 a.m. Pearls of Knowledge: An Academic Overview of Keaomelemele
Hawaiian scholar Hiapo Perreira has been working all semester with the students of
Ke Kula O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u on the study of the traditional stories of Keaomelemele.
He will share with the public the pearls of knowledge culled from this research. This presentation will be offered in Hawaiian, with English simultaneous translation via headphones (translator: Kaliko Trapp).
1:00-2:30 p.m. Keaomelemele by Na Haumana o Ke Kula O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u
Under the guidance of Kumu Ha‘amauliola Aion , students of Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u Hawaiian Language Immersion School have studied the traditional stories of Keaomelemele throughout this school year. Their research has been compiled and shaped into a dramatic presentation telling this epic story of gods, humans and hula.
This performance will be presented in Hawaiian, with English and Japanese printed and translations available.
Wednesday April 7, 2010
10:00-11:30 a.m. Keaomelemele: Honoring the Elements
Kumu hula Leina‘ala Heine will showcase the life lessons within the story of Keaomelemele. The presentation will highlight the elemental connections, the genealogical ties, and the hula traditions of the wahine ‘eu‘eu who was raised as the punahele of Mo‘oinānea in Ke‘alohilani.
A panel of former holders of the coveted title “Miss Aloha Hula” from Hālau o Ka Ua Kani Lehua will discuss their experiences in working with the innovative Kumu hula Johnny Lum Ho. Moderated by Kawelo Kong Kee.
12-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning composer, performer, and producer Kenneth Makuakāne and Assistant Professor Keola Donaghy of Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke‘elikōlani will discuss their experiences with collaboration in contemporary Hawaiian language and musical composition.
Three time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kainani Kahaunaele is a Hawaiian language instructor known for her beautiful voice, her traditional compositions with contemporary flair, and her knowledge of Hawaiian culture. Her debut CD Na‘u ‘Oe won the Hawai‘i Music Award for Best Traditional Hawaiian Album. Join her as she shares her latest compositions from her newest CD release, ‘Ōhai ‘Ula.
Friday April 9, 2010
10:00-11:30 a.m. Hula Workshop with Nami Lim Yap
Participants will learn basic movements and a simple hula. Kumu hula Nani Lim Yap will lead a workshop on the basic movements of a simple hula. Nani Lim Yap is a gifted singer, hula dancer, ‘ukulele player, and one of the kumu hula for the award winning hālau, Nā Lei O Kaholokū. She hails from Kohala. Seating is limited & first come, first served.
1:00-2:30 p.m. A special performance by Nā Palapalai
Multi Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning duo Nā Palapalai, Kuana Torres Kahele and Kēhau Tamure, will feature their trendsetting leo ha‘iha‘i (falsetto) harmonies as they debut the mele from their newest CD, Nanea. Seating is limited & first come, first served.
Highlights of the 2010 Merrie Monarch Cultural Enrichment Program.