Kailua Throws Home-grown Legends Party
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Del.icio.usWindward Oahu has its own “legends” concert every year, and it’s a homegrown affair put together by a dedicated couple right in the heart of Kailua.
Ledward Kaapana and Noelani Mahoe are two of many acts entertaining at Legends of Hawaiian Music III: Concert Under the Stars, set for 5-9 p.m. May 6 at Enchanted Lake Elementary School.
The event, which includes a $7 Hawaiian plate dinner, also will honor Aunty Momi Kahawaiola’a, Tony Bee, Gary Aiko, Keith and Carmen Haugen, Esther Nakoa, Marcella Kalua, Ocean Kaowili, Paul Kim, Mike Kaawa, Analu Aina, Alan Akaka, Danny Lopes, recent Jefferson award winner Aunty Nickie Hines, and Eddie Kamae and the Sons of Hawaii. (Kamae will also perform and show three of his Hawaiian Legacy Series documentaries at the upcoming Pacifika: New York Hawaiian Film Festival May 19-21 in New York City.)
Past honorees Nancy Gustafsson and Kawika Chung passed away earlier this year.
“It’s to honor them and their contribution to the community and the musical industry at large,” explained Lynn Murata, the school’s cafeteria manager who is coordinating the food for the concert. Her husband Mel manages the Kailua Elementary cafeteria and also directs the Keiki Palaka Band, the student group that will open the show with Henry Leoiki, Ron Johnson and Herb Lau.
“The whole thing started three years ago when the new principal, Pua McElhaney, who is Hawaiian, said it would be nice to adopt these legends as they are getting old,” said Lynn Murata. “From there we took it and made it into a concert. The legends have their own tent, and they’re invited, not necessarily to perform. But once you have a group of entertainers all together, they want to perform. That’s the original intent of the concert.”
Nobody gets paid and it’s not a fundraiser, she said. The all-volunteer event will continue until folks don’t want to help anymore. “We aren’t trying to get rich on this, but we will be rich in memories.”
There is limited parking on campus and additional parking on the street. Bring lawn chairs and umbrellas. T-shirts are also available for $10, and checks can be made to ELES PTA.
For more information, call 266-7884 or 266-7802.
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