Music

Stories regarding Molokai’s music scene

Celebrating Coffees

Sunday, March 24th, 2013

Celebrating Coffees

Coffee, keiki and good causes brought the crowds up to Kualapu`u this weekend as Coffees of Hawaii celebrated 20 years of harvests in the area and 200 years of coffee in Hawai`i.

“She was pretty much abandoned when I came here ten years ago,” Coffees of Hawaii owner Mike Atherton said about the plantation, adding he was proud that he was able to keep the company harvesting coffee through the years.

March 16 was declared Coffees of Hawaii Day at the opening ceremonies Friday. The event led into an afternoon parade and evening festivities, including Project Runway: Plantation Style, where teams competed at the Kualapu`u Center to create the best fashion piece out of burlap and plastic paper without sewing.…

Soup R’ Bowl Fundraiser

Sunday, March 10th, 2013

Soup R’ Bowl Fundraiser

MAC News Release

Molokai Arts Center (MAC) invites everyone to the third annual Soup R’ Bowl fundraiser March 16 at Coffees of Hawaii in Kualapu`u. MAC is helping Coffees of Hawaii celebrate the 200th anniversary of coffee in the Hawaiian islands. With hundreds of beautiful bowls, this Soup R’ Bowl promises to be the best yet.

Soup will be served from 5 until 7 p.m. The public can sip on soup and enjoy the tunes of jazz pianist David Henderson, followed by the U.S. Air Force Band.

The soup choices include: vegetarian pumpkin, tortilla, chicken with wild rice, Portuguese bean and chili.…

An Evening with the Galliard String Quartet

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

An Evening with the Galliard String Quartet

MAC News Release

The Galliard String Quartet, considered Hawaii’s premier string quartet, will perform a free concert March 5 in the Kaunakakai Elementary School Cafeteria. The students from the Molokai String and Brass program, under the direction of Bob Underwood, will open for the Honolulu-based quartet. The Molokai students will also work with the quartet individually in master classes while the musicians are on Molokai.

The Galliard String Quartet performs programs that include the works of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Ravel, Schubert and Brahms. Music of the masters is the Galliard’s forte, but the group’s repertoire also includes Strauss waltzes, romantic interludes, light classics, Hawaiian music, popular music and more.…

Raiatea’s Sea of Love Tour Makes Waves on Molokai

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Raiatea’s Sea of Love Tour Makes Waves on Molokai

 

Paddlers’ Inn was full of excited fans, eager to see Molokai’s own Raiatea Helm, perform last Friday night after four years away from the island. The two-time Grammy nominee and international star performed her 2013 Sea of Love Tour in a sold-out show with more than 250 people in attendance.

Lori Lei Rawlins-Crivello of Rawlins Chevron handles ticket sales for most major events on the island and was impressed with the show’s success.

“It was the fastest by far of any concert we have sold,” said Rawlins. “There has been nothing like this. We completely sold out, no tickets at the door.”…

Reggae Concert Rocks New Paddlers Lanai

Thursday, January 24th, 2013

Reggae Concert Rocks New Paddlers Lanai

 

British-born reggae sensation Pato Banton and The Now Generation brought a Molokai crowd to its feet at Paddlers Inn last Friday. The concert marked the first event in Paddlers new lanai space, completed just two days earlier.

Paddlers part owner Jerry Johnson said the new lanai will allow the bar to host events in all kinds of weather. The space was formerly covered with tarp and screening material, providing poor protection from the elements. After an aggressive construction period of only 12 working days, a permanent roof, along with other upgrades such as a new stage, lighting and décor are now complete.…

Rising Vocalist Kuana Torres Kahele on Molokai

Friday, January 11th, 2013

Rising Vocalist Kuana Torres Kahele on Molokai

MACC News Release

Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s (MACC) Artist-in-the-Community Program is pleased to present a special show with vocalist Kuana Torres Kahele on Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 7 pm in Kulana `Oiwi Halau on Molokai. Admission is free.

Kuana Torres Kahele was born on the slopes of Mauna Kea and began composing, arranging and playing traditional Hawaiian music at an early age. In 1995 with Kehau Tamure, Kuana formed the multi-award winning duo, Na Palapalai, who earned critical acclaim for reviving Hawaiian classics as well as for original compositions. Last year, Kuana’s highly anticipated solo release, “Kaunaloa,” excited the hula world and re-ignited passion for Hawaiian music from everyday fans, garnering him multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.…

Photo Slideshow –Festivals of Aloha 2012

Sunday, October 14th, 2012

Photo Slideshow –Festivals of Aloha 2012

Another eventful year of culture, fun and festivities as Molokai celebrated the 2012 Festivals of Aloha this weekend.  For the full story, visit here. Photos by Catherine Cluett and Laura Pilz.…

Festivals Flourish with Aloha

Sunday, October 14th, 2012

Festivals Flourish with Aloha

Whether it’s the coronation of the royal court, the procession of pa`u units riding atop lei-draped horses through town or the chaotic teamwork of the bed race, the annual Festivals of Aloha is all about pride, color and tradition. Every year, the three-day event draws large crowds to participate in fun activities that also perpetuate traditional Hawaiian culture. The theme of this year’s Festival was “E kupuohi I ke Aloha –- Flourish with Aloha,” as symbolized by the Kamehameha butterfly, one of two butterfly species native to Hawaii.

“The point of the festivals is to carry on the heritage of Hawaiians,” said Moana Dudoit, who has been organizing the festivals on Molokai with her sister Raquel Dudoit for the past three years.…

A Night at the Grove

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

A Night at the Grove

Island reggae artist J Boog had concert-goers at Coconut Grove on their feet Friday night with popular favorites like “Sunshine Girl” and “Let’s Do It Again.”  The California native has worked with known artists like Fiji, Peetah Morgan and Monsta.  J Boog released his second and latest album, “Backyard Boogie,” in September of last year, which topped the charts on iTunes reggae.

The all-ages event, presented by HI Finest, also featured Hot Rain, Kiwini and Laga Savea.…

Dancing for the Departed: Bon Festival 2012

Wednesday, August 1st, 2012

Dancing for the Departed: Bon Festival 2012

As dusk fell on the Guzeiji Soto Mission of Molokai last Saturday evening, glowing paper lantern orbs illuminated the faces of dozens of dancers honoring their departed loved ones. Molokai residents joined members of the Somei Taiko drumming group and the Japanese Cultural Center on Oahu in the graceful motions of the Bon dance.

“It’s a time to celebrate with our loved ones that have passed on,” said Marge Yokomizo-Bento, president of the Molokai Guzeiji Soto Mission, a Buddhist temple located on Hotel Lane in Kaunakakai.

The temple grounds were crowded with community members of all ages enjoying a selection of food and cultural education.…