Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 9, 1 September 1985 — Ka Himeni Ana Comes Out a Winner Again [ARTICLE]

Ka Himeni Ana Comes Out a Winner Again

Ka Himeni Ana 1985 on Aug. 9 in the University of Hawaii's Orvis Auditorium turned out to be just as promised in the program — an evening of enjoyment for the senses of sight, sound and scent. The cozy confines of Orvis for this third annual concert of old fashioned Hawaiian music the natural way without amplification was the perfect setting for such an event. It had excellent acoustics, an intimate setting, a forecast of yellow ginger and colorful helieonia and mellow music creating a gracious ambience. lt was a concert warmly remembered. Dedicated to Mary Kawena Puku'i, "Unele" C. Keola Beamer served as a congenial master of ceremonies for the evening's performance, forging a charming informality for the attentive and appreciative audience. Ten groups participated and the winners were: • Kahanakealoha Serenaders (Hualii Lum, bass; Douglas Tolentino, guitar; Shirley Ryan, ukulele; Albert Winchester, guitar; Joe Winchester, ukulele). Prize: $1,000. • Leo Nani O Na Hoaloha (John Gooch, Ron Loo, Mary Ann Nahale, Vera Rose, guitars; Rose Mossman, ukulele). Prize: $600. • Mele Nanea (Victor H. Kala, ukulele; Brent Kalua and William Paik, guitars; Wendell Punahele, bass). Prize: $400. • Soundettes (JoAnn I. Maio, lead vocal; Cynthia L. Maio, guitar; Mara B. Sagapolu, guitar/bass; Sheila M. L. Maio, ukulele; Jonette A. Maio, percussionist). Prize: $200. Participants were required to follow this simple criteria. 1. Groups may contain neither less than two nor more than five singers and members may be of any age. 2. On!y songs in the Hawaiian language whieh were composed prior to World War II will quaiify. (Oli or chant introductions to songs were acceptable). 3. Only Hawaiian musical instruments (all types of ukulele, guitars, string basses, autoharps and all ancient instruments) were acceptable. No electrical amplification of voices or instruments were permitted. No more than half of the group may sing without also playing an instrument. No contestant was permitted to sing in more than one group. Judges Irmgard Aluli, Charles K. L. Davis and Bill Kaiwa selected winners based on pitch, projection, harmony, pronounciation and enunciation, expression, apperance, manner and charm. A majority of the contestants were very talented amateurs who play in family and church groups, and indeed, the rarely heard hymns were delightful. Driving force and angel behind Ka Himeni Ana is Richard Towill of the R. M. Towill Corporation. Co-Sponsor is the UH Manoa Music Department to whom the community is extremely grateful for this splendid event.