Natalie Ai Kamau'u to perform on March 23
By Staff Reports
(KAILUA) – For the best in authentic Hawaiian entertainment in March, Kailua is the place to be, as the acclaimed “Kanikapila in Kailua” music series and “I Love Hula” dance performances continue.
On Sunday, March 10, the Kawehionapua Hula Studio, with kumu hula Adah Enos, will take to the grass mats between Pier 1 and Macy’s in downtown Kailua to entertain residents and visitors in this free monthly cultural performance. Kailua is home to Kawehionapua Hula Studio, and Adah studied under her late mother, the storied kumu hula Bella Richards.
“We’re proud that Kailua is developing a reputation as THE place on the island to find live, free, authentic Hawaiian performances with some of the biggest names in Hawaiian music and hula entertaining our friends, neighbors and visitors,” said Terry George, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, which this year is marking 50 years of grant giving in Hawaii. “These programs are a delightful way to enjoy the cultural richness that Kailua has to offer.”
On Saturday, March 23, Na Hoku Award winner Natalie Ai Kamau‘u and Io will perform at the Kailua parking garage, entertaining the audience with some of Kamau‘u’s award-winning songs. In 2005, Kamau‘u released her first album, “‘E”; in 2006 she was named “Female Vocalist of the Year” for the first time – she has won this distinction again two more times.
“Kanikapila in Kailua” – founded in partnership with noted Hawaiian composer, producer and slack key artist Kawika Kahiapo – and the “I Love Hula” series are a continuing effort by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation to present the best of Hawaiian song and dance on the Windward side. “Kanikapila in Kailua” takes place most third Saturdays of the month from 4 to 5:30 p.m. “I Love Hula” runs most second Sundays from 3 to 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to grab a plate lunch or pupus from one of their favorite Kailua eateries and bring a chair to enjoy these free programs.
For more information about the shows, call the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation at 263-7073 or check for updates to the 2013 performance schedule online atwww.castlefoundation.org.