The MACC Presents Mele ‘TalkStory’ and Concert

kaumakaiwa

By Maui Now Staff

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center is presenting two events featuring members of the Kanaka‘ole family from Hawai‘i Island on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 19 and 20, both at 7:30 p.m.

The Thursday event will feature a “TalkStory” with Kekuhi Keli‘ikanaka‘oleohaililani at the McCoy Studio Theater covering the nature of mele (chant, song poetry). The talk will discuss and explore mele as ritual, and the thought process behind it. The event is free to attend and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Honolulu Star Bulletin commented, “[Kekuhi] sings and chants in a style often described in terms such as primeval, suggesting a life spent isolated in some remote and unspoiled jungle valley.”

On Friday, Kekuhi together with Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole, both descendants of Edith Kanaka‘ole, will present contemporary songs in a multigenerational performance. Kekuhi is the granddaughter of Edith, who is remembered as one of the greatest Hawaiian chanters. Kaumakaiwa is Edith’s eldest child, and has continued the family’s tradition of hula and Hawaiian music. She has one five Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, including Vocalist of the Year. The duo will be joined by musician and award-winning producer Shawn Pimental, who has produced some of Hawai‘i’s most successful artists.

Tickets for the Friday concert are $30 in advance and $40 the day of the show, available through The MACC Box Office. Call 242-SHOW (7469) Monday through Saturday, or book online.