Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 3, 1 March 1986 — Carnegie Hall Performances Sold Out [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Carnegie Hall Performances Sold Out

Kanahele, Halau Thrill New York Audiences

The first-ever full performance of Hawaiian music and dances of ancient Hawaii, led by Kumu Hula Kamaki A. Kanahele III, turned out to be one of the most successful and excitingevents Feb. 15 at world famous Carnegie RecitalHall in New York City. Kamaki Kanahele and Company, as the halau is known, and two paniolo from the Big Island thrilled a sold out first show whieh necessitated a second performance at midnight, also a sellout.

While New York City was having a typical mid-winter day outside where it was cold and dreary, the show was a bit of sunny Hawaii litera!ly transported for the benefit of the winter-weary population. The scent of fresh flowers and fragrant maile filled the hall. The sound of eight eoneh shells blown in unison hushed the expectant audience, many of whom heard the pa'i of pahu and ipu for the first time as the dances of ancient Hawaii were performed by these experts in hula kahiko. The presentation began with the traditional dressing ceremony "ka pa'u e" followed by "Kaulilua Ike Anu Waialeale," a chant from the island of Kauai. The p>erformance was part of a series featuring the culture and music of ethnic groups throughout the nation. Kanahele's hula kahiko portion of the program eame from the repertoire of the late Lokalia Montgomery and from his own family.

The halau, whieh trained for many years under Kumu Hula Mahina Bailey, consists of Hawaiians who work or are stationed in the Washington, D.C. area. Kanahele is the new Administrator for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. He was Deputy Director/Administrator of the Artists in Education Program in Washington before taking over the OHA post. Members of the halau are engaged in a wide range of activities when not performing. Those who took part in the Carnegie Hall presentation were: • Kau'a Kaho'onei, executive secretary, International Monetary Fund. • Lani Hidalgo and Mohala Vadset, members of Sen. Daniel K. Inouye's staff. • Makamae Erlich and Pohai Wong, computer analysts. • Leolani Kim, personal secretary to Rep. Daniel K. Akaka.

• Mark Tactay, federal employee. • Ivan Ho'opi'i, Kalani Silva and Tracy Takaki, members of the Armed Forces. The ancient portion of this memorable performance was followed by slack key and paniolo music performed by Clyde Sproat and Karin Haleamau of the Big Island. Sproat is a descendant of one of the first Mexican cowboys who eame to Hawaii in the 1830's. Haleamau is a full-time working cowboy from Hu'ehu'e Ranch. The show concluded with a series of songs from the Kalakaua era sung by Jimmy Kaina , head of the New Y ork office of the Hawaii Visitors Bureau. Congressman Akaka was master of ceremonies and he surprised many people by singing "Makalapua" in what was described as "a beautiful, strong voice." New York audiences will have an additional opportunity to see Kanahele and his performers during the Statue of Liberty centennial dedication ceremonies. Additionally, Kanahele said, the halau has been invited to perform in concert in the Soviet Union.

Kamaki A. Kanahele III as he appeared while performing in concert Feb. 15 at Carnegie Hall. The program entitled, "The Hawaiian Tradition," and Kanahele's halau performed to two sellout audiences. Photo by Steve J. Sherman, New York.

This is Kamaki Kanahele and Company whieh performed at two sellout performances Feb. 15 at Carnegie Hall in New York City. From left to right, standing, are: Kamaki A. Kanahele III, Congressman Daniel K. Akaka who served as master of ceremonies and also sang, Ivan Ho'opi'i, Karin Haleamau, Tracy Takaki, Kalani Silva, Clyde Sproat, Mark Tactay, Kaua Kaho'onei and Kumu Hula Mahina Bailey. Sitting, left to right: Leolani Kim, Lani Hidalgo, Makamae Ehrlich, Mohala Vadset and Pohai Wong. Photo by Steve J. Sherman, New York.