Looking Ahead
♦ February through March 2015 ♦
Nānā I Mua, Nānā I Hope
24th Annual Lūʻau
Saturday, March 14th, 2015
“Nānā I Mua, Nānā I Hope: Looking Forward, Looking Back” is the theme for the 24th Annual Lūʻau of Keawalaʻi Congregational Church. An exhibit on the past and future will be featured in the sanctuary throughout the day.
The annual gathering will feature the first time appearance of Mark Yamanaka of Hilo. People around the world were first introduced to Mark when he released his debut album, “Lei Pua Kenikeni,” in 2010. More recently, his latest recording is “Lei Maile,” an album that features an eclectic variety of songs which showcase his versatility as a vocalist and musician. It has been said that Mark “is a remarkable example of raw, undeniable talent embodied in a humble musician, composer, and vocalist. We are pleased to welcome Mark to Mākena.
The lūʻau will also feature the return of Hālau Kauluokalā under the direction of Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero. In 1996, Uluwehi released his first self-titled compact disk, “Ka Manawa Pono.” The recording received three prestigious Nā Hōkū Hanohano award nominations. In 2001, he received four nominations and was named Best Male Vocalist of the Year.
Over the course of the decade that followed, large-scale productions of music and hula were held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. In 2002 he released his second solo recording, “In My Heart” and in 2009 his third recoding Uluwehi Sings Nā Mele Hula Aloha” was released. In 2010, he won the People’s Choice Award for Best Traditional Hawaiian Album in the Hawaiʻi Music Awards.
Also returning to Mākena will be Uncle George Kahumoku Jr. with his slack-key music. Like Uluwehi, Uncle George is a long-time friend of the church. Known as the “Hawaiian Renaissance Man,” Uncle George is a multiple Grammy and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning slack key guitarist, songwriter, and storyteller.
The lūʻau will also include a Gift Center Tent, a Children’s Area and a Lei Table. For more information, please contact us at: (808) 879-5557 (Office) or at: keawalai@hawaii.rr.com.
2015 Hoʻokūkū Kolepa (Golf Tournament)
Sunday, March 29th, 2015
The 17th Annual Hoʻokūkū Kolepa or Golf Tournament will be held on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015. Please save the date!
The tournament is an 18-hole, four-person team scramble open to all who are interested, both men and women. It is a fun golfing event to encourage fellowship as well as to generate funds for the Local Mission Fund of the church.
Information on the location, entry forms and fees will be available in early January 2015. Please check the church website for updated information or contact Richard Albright, Tournament Coordinator, at (808) 879-2031 for more information.
Volunteers are needed to help with the tournament. Let us know if you will be able to help.
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