KALAHEO — A wedding gave birth to Kupaoa, a musical group consisting of Kellen Paik and Kalikolihau “Lihau” Hannahs of Honolulu. In 2005, Paik was asked to play for a co-worker’s wedding. He agreed, but realized he had no band.
KALAHEO — A wedding gave birth to Kupaoa, a musical group consisting of Kellen Paik and Kalikolihau “Lihau” Hannahs of Honolulu.
In 2005, Paik was asked to play for a co-worker’s wedding.
He agreed, but realized he had no band. In collecting talent for the wedding, Kupaoa was born, Lihau learning to play the upright bass as the seeds of Kupaoa sprouted.
The wedding gig gave birth to the unique duet of voices offering a local, party-style sound to familiar Hawaiian mele, both traditional and contemporary, true to its definition of “suffused with fragrance, or heady with scent,” infusing musical ability and charm in a blend similar to perfume.
Na Hoku award winner Kellen and Lihau of Kupaoa will lend their talent to Ka Lei Mokihana of Leina‘ala on Saturday when doors to the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall open starting at 3 p.m. for a fund-raising concert by the Honolulu couple.
Kumu hula Michael Lanakila Casupang and Pupukahi I Ke Alo O Na Pua from the Mid-Pacific Institute will supplement the Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners, Lihau and Kellen of Kupaoa.
Advance tickets for the fundraising concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, with keiki 2 years old and younger admitted free.
Tickets are available at Kujo’s Mini Mart in Kalaheo, the Wine Shop in Koloa, Uncle’s Shave Ice in The Shops at Kukui‘ula, Mokihana Travel in Lihu‘e, Vicky’s Fabrics in Kapa‘a and at the North Shore General Store in Princeville.
When the doors open at 3 p.m., guests can indulge in food and crafts coordinated by the hula halau directed by Kumu hula Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin. Proceeds will help the halau who will be participating in the 2012 Merrie Monarch Hula Festival on the Big Island April 8 through 14.
Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala will be the only Kaua‘i halau participating at the 2012 Merrie Monarch Festival, described as “the Olympics of Hula” by the Hilo Living website.
“There’s only 58 more days,” said Tammy Pu‘u, a halau dancer. “I started keeping track at 80 days and now there are only 58 more days. As it gets closer, it’s going to be ‘O-M-G-G-G!’”
Call 639-9033 for more information on the Kupaoa concert. Visit www.merriemonarch.com for more information on the hula festival on the Big Island. For a preview of the music of Kupaoa, visit www.kupaoa.com.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
