38th Annual Na Mele o Maui celebrates Emma Veary
The 38th Annual Nā Mele O Maui Song & Art Competition will be held this Friday, December 3, 2010 from 9 am – 2 pm at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. The event is dedicated to the cultural preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian mele, language and the arts. This year’s theme, Ka Ho’oilina
Emma Veary (center). File Photo by Wendy Osher.
[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbbpDCpfY3I /] Leo a Emma Veary, will showcase the vocal legacy of Maui vocalist Emma Veary. Twenty-two classes will participate in this year’s competition in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. The event is free, but donations will be accepted at the door.
Na Mele o Maui is sponsored by Kāanapali Beach Resort Association, and was established in 1972 for the youth of Maui County. Eight years ago, the event was honored with the Kahili Award by the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau.
The mele portion of the competition will include two songs performed by each class. One song is selected by the contest committee, and the other is selected by the participating class. In addition to prizes of cash and musical instruments, this year’s competition includes a Legacy Award to be presented by honoree Emma Veary.
Na Mele O Maui also sponsors the High School Art Competition, a juried exhibit open to all Maui County high school students. Entries are original creations, can be two- or three-dimensional, must be completed in school, and reflect the designated theme from the year’s corresponding song competition. Winning artwork will be on display at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
Profits from the event go to the Na Mele O Maui, Inc. Scholarship Fund. Scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded to Maui County high school graduates pursuing higher education in fields relating to Hawaiian cultural arts and skills.
*** If you enjoyed this post, you may also like our story on the recent return of whale remnants to the waters off Maui.
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