Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 37, Number 6, 1 June 2020 — Connecting Through Music [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Connecting Through Music

Photos courtesy of (L-R): Kawika Kahiapo, īheresa Ang, Ho'okena, Oana Edmunds and Mhan Aweau.

ByCheryl CheeTsutsumi Stages are empty. Concert halls are dark. Clubs, bars and restaurants have been closed for table service, meaning live entertainment — whieh in many cases drew patrons as mueh as food, drinks and amhienee — has not been available. The next-best thing? Music livestreamed in the comfort and safety of our homes as we eonhnue to ward off the coronavirus by sheltering in plaee as mueh as possible. Although Hawai'i's singers and musicians have lost their gigs for now, they're still reaching audiences via a eliek of the mouse. Check out these popular programs. Outrigger LIVE: Kani Ka Pila Music Jam Daily, 5 p.m. www.facebook.com/OutriggerResorts Ever since it opened in 2009, Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort has been known as one of the best places in Hawai'i to see Grammy nominees and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winners perform regularly. When the casual, open-air restaurant suspended operations in early April in eomplianee with Governor David Ige's mandate, Outrigger LIVE: Kani Ka Pila Music Jam was launched to keep the music flowing. This is the weekly lineup (subject to change): Monday, Sean Na'auao; Tuesday, Weldon Kekauoha; Wednesday, Kapena; Thursday, Kawika Kahiapo; Friday, Mark Yamanaka; Saturday, Ho'okena; and Sunday, Nathan Aweau. Ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, the program is streamed from eaeh artist's/group's house, and in case you miss any, they are all posted on the Facebook page along with the current schedule. "Kani Ka Pila Music Jam reminds me of when I was a child, and my family held jam sessions in the garage of our Kalihi home," said Luana Maitland, Director of Cultural Programs for Outrigger Hotels and Resorts. "It was fun and spontaneous! Music soothes the soul and heals the heart. It puts us in a relaxed, peaceful state. During this time of uncertainty, we all need that." Live! Mele in the Hale Saturdays, 4 p.m. www.facebook.com/HakuCollective/ and www.youtube.com/hakucollective In early March, soon after it became evident that C0VID-19 was a worldwide crisis, muhiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Kimiē Miner started livestreaming "mini concerts" on her social media platforms. Receiving a lot of positive feedback, she thought it would be great to join with other loeal artists to uplift the eommunity through music. Miner is the creator and producer of Live! Mele in the Hale, whieh kicked off on March 21 with herself, Kalani Pe'a and DeAn-

dre Brackensick as the featured artists. Since then, Anuhea, Kapena, Amy Hanaiali'i, Josh Tatofi, Paula Fuga and Natalie Ai Kamauu are among the other A-listers who have appeared. Pashyn Santos, Malika Dudley, Lina Girl Langi, Zavier Cummings, Tannya Joaquin, and Mele Apana and Shannon Scott have served as hosts. Programs are usually finalized the week prior and last 90 minutes to two hours. "We share a different theme every week," Miner said. "For example, Make a Lei/Share a Lei coincided with May Day. The participants that week dedicated the lei they had made to a special person in their life. For Actions of Aloha, they talked about a good deed they were able to do while following the stay-at-home order. It has been hard on everyone to stay home in isolation, but Moments of Gratitude was a theme that encouraged participants to remember the blessings they receive even during this challenging time." Past Mele in the Hale shows are archived on both websites. For more information, visit www.hakuhawaii.com/meleinthehale. Duke's on Sunday Sundays, 5 p.m. www.facebook.com/Henry-Kapono-86187324493/ Henry Kapono, one of the doyens of Hawai'i's music scene, won fame as pai't of the 1970s duo Cecilio and Kapono. Claiming 18 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards and a Grammy nominahon, he has headlined the Sunday entertainment slot at Duke's Waikiki for close to 30 years. Livestreams from the restaurant began a few years ago; on March 22, they moved to Kapono's Hawai'i Kai home in accordance with lockdown rules. During the hour-long program, requests pour in from all over the world, and Kapono and his band play as many as they ean. C&K hits such as "Friends," "Sailing," "Good Times Together" and "Highway in the Sun" are always part of the mix. "Music speaks to everyone," Kapono said. "It's comforting; it takes you to a happy plaee. Until Hawai'i's restaurants ean open fully again, Duke' s on Sunday will be a virtual party, and everyone is invited!" All the programs remain on Kapono's Facebook page. He also earns kudos for the We Are Friends...C0VID-19 Relief Program for Hawai'i's Music Community spearheaded by his nonprofit 501 (c)(3) Henry Kapono Foundation (www.henrykaponofoundation.org). In partnership with Foodland and the Kawakami family of 'Iolani Sportswear, the foundation has distributed $125,000 in Foodland gift cards thus far to kōkua unemployed music professionals. "Music has supported me through good times and bad, and I'm grateful to be able to give back," Kapono said. "We musicians are 'ohana, and we must take care of eaeh other." Learn more at www. henrykapono.com. ■ Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi has enjoyed a 43-year career in journalism in Hawai'i. She has written 12 books about our Islands' history, culture, food and lifestyle.