Raising Your Voice

UH program brings music-making to Molokai youth

Moloka'i High students Kandis and Shaye Santiago in recording studio

Press Release

Self-expression and cultural preservation are both important to members of the Molokai community, and three artist educators have brought those values to life for students on Lana‘i and Moloka‘i.  For the past several years, Musician Bailey Matsuda, storyteller Nyla Fujii-Babb, and dancer/choreographer Yukie Shiroma, as part of UH Manoa Outreach College’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program (SCEP),  have worked with Molokai students to develop songs and stories from oral histories and the youth’s own contemporary experiences. The narratives span local history to romantic heartbreaks, and make a powerful case for preserving the rural lifestyle of these islands. A concert in Honolulu on April 25 of these young singer/songwriters and storytellers is a showcase of their dedicated efforts, new confidence, and a gift to all.  Joining them on stage will be their teachers and some special guests, artistic role models from O‘ahu, Lana‘i and Moloka‘i:  Nalani Olds with an opening and closing oli, musician Po‘okela Napoleon, and Lehua Matsuoka, Kumu Hula with ties to the late Kumu from Lana‘i,  Aunty Elaine Kaopuiki.

The Moloka‘i performers are Joshua Adachi, Abigail Adachi, Kandis Santiago, and Shaye Santiago.

I like going fishing
Casting out the line
I like diving down
Morris Point get fish
I like going hunting
In the gulches on the west side
I like going swimming
At the wharf when hot

(Chorus) 
We get the best beaches
 Kaluakoi, Sandys, Dixies
 We get the best people
 Loving and nice

– from “I Like Moloka‘i” by Young Voices participants from the Moloka‘i Youth Center

Concert, open to the public: Saturday Saturday, April 25, 7:30 pm, Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College
Limited number of free tickets available to high school students and teacher.  Please call 956-8246.
Tickets also available at www.etickethawaii.com/orc.html, by calling 944-BOWS, or at any UH ticket outlet. For more information, call 956-8246 or visit www.outreach.hawaii.edu/community