LIHU‘E — Halau Hula o Leilani is all set to perform “A Kaua‘i Christmas Hula Concert” tonight in Lihu‘e. Donna Stewart of the halau said the annual event is holiday fun for the entire family. “It just gets everybody in
LIHU‘E — Halau Hula o Leilani is all set to perform “A Kaua‘i Christmas Hula Concert” tonight in Lihu‘e.
Donna Stewart of the halau said the annual event is holiday fun for the entire family.
“It just gets everybody in the Christmas spirit.”
The event begins at 7 p.m. tonight at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall, 4191 Hardy St. in Lihu‘e.
Join Leilani Rivera Low and her halau from Kapa‘a and Koloa for a festive Hawaiian Christmas concert, featuring more than 50 hula dancers in bright costumes, singing and dancing to favorite songs in Hawaiian and English.
“Some of (the dancers) are 4 years old,” Stewart said. “They’re really funny and just happy to be on stage. It is a chance for the families to see their kids perform and the audience to see what the children have learned.”
Teens and adults will present inspiring songs as well as original compositions by Leilani and other composers. Most of the melodies to be performed were recorded by Leilani on her album, “A Kaua‘i Christmas.”
Special guests will include Leilani’s 82-year-old father Larry Rivera and singer/songwriter Michael Ruff on keyboard and vocals. Members of Kapala from O‘ahu will also add their voices.
Stewart said songs will include “Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Christmas in Kaua‘i” and many others.
Although there won’t be any snow, Stewart said there will be “some real favorite songs for Hawaiian Christmas.”
In addition to music and dancing, local vendors of Hawaiian crafts and gift items will be in the lobby selling items — including clothing, accessories, jewelry and food products — beginning at 5 p.m.
The auditorium opens at 6:30 and the show begins at 7 p.m.
Those who are interested are invited to enter a drawing for a Hawaiian ‘ukulele, which will be given away during the performance.
“We hope all the ohana and neighbors of our dancers will come to see the dancers,” Stewart said. “Visitors and regular ‘snowbirds’ will really enjoy this Kaua‘i Christmas celebration. “Through hula, Tahitian and beautiful music, we wish all Mele Kalikimaka ma ka Hauoli Makahiki Hou!”
Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 4 to 14 and are available in advance from halau members, the Cultural Center at Coconut MarketPlace (Kapa‘a), Hilo Hattie (Lihu‘e), The ‘Ukulele Store (Koloa), Larry’s Music (Kapa‘a), the Hawaiian Music kiosks at Coconut MarketPlace (Kapa‘a) and outside Foodland (Princeville).
Tickets can also be purchased at the door and cost $20 for adults, $15 for children. Limited reserve tickets are available for $30.
For more information contact Leilani Low at 651-0682 or Darryl Low at 651-0864.
