HANAMA‘ULU — E Kanikapila Kakou, now in week three of its 37th season that features the theme of “Hula, Mele &Mo‘olelo,” continues its 10 consecutive Monday nights of heritage Hawaiian music.
On Feb. 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the audience may expect an evening of Hawaiian mele from two Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners, Jerry Santos and Kamuela Kimokeo.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a breakout group of instrument lessons in which the guest artsts teach a song they will play during the evening. EKK welcomes audience members to bring their own instruments or just sit in to learn how to play and sing a song from the guest artists.
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the musicians take to the stage, and it’s show time, with lots of talk story. Audience members come from around the globe, and many have attended for over three decades.
Santos, co-founder of the group Olomana, has thrilled audiences for over 40 years, blending Hawaiian music with contemporary rhythms. His work has been recognized by the Hawai‘i musical community with numerous Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.
Included among them are: male vocalist of the year for both traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music; a composer’s award for his composition “Come to Me Gently”; in 2008, along with his Olomana partners, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award; and in 2012, again with his Olomana partners, he was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
Kimokeo began performing professionally with his father in Waikiki when he was 14 years old. As well as touring with Santos, he has toured with Amy Hanaiali‘i, was part of the Grammy-nominated album “‘Piloha,” and has earned a doctorate degree in education.
All EKK gigs are held in the Jasmine Ballroom of the Kaua‘i Beach Resort from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A suggested donation in the calabash of $10 to $15 treats attendees to an unforgettable evening of aloha from the heart.
A no-host bar and food concession in the ballroom operates throughout the event. All EKK events are open to the public.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance should email Carol Yotsuda in advance at giac05@icloud.com.
E Kanikapila Kakou 2020 is funded in part by Hawai‘i Tourism through the Community Enrichment program, and is supported by the County of Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development, the Kaua‘i Beach Resort, the Garden Island Arts Council and EKK supporters.
Next Monday, Feb. 10, EKK presents Michael Pili Pang, offering “The Story of Hula in Songs.”
