|
On The Scene
John Berger
|
‘Ka Himeni Ana 2006’
The
R.M. Towill Corp. presented one of the most important annual events in Hawaiian music -- Ka Himeni Ana -- at the Hawaii Theatre on Aug. 12. The contest is unique in that it requires contestants to perform without electronic amplification of voices or instruments (steel guitar is the only exception).
Judges scored the 14 competing groups on their performances, Hawaiian pronunciation, stage presence and the information they provided in introducing their songs.
It was a beautiful celebration of traditional music. The parade of talent included duos, trios, quartets and quintets. The combinations of instruments and vocal arrangements were equally diverse.
The group Pilioha placed first and received $1,200 and a recording contract with Hula Records. Waiaulu -- Ilima De La Cruz (ukulele), M. Keaulana Holt (acoustic bass) and Millie Kawaa (guitar) -- placed second and won $800. Ho'omalie took third and $600.
Marlene Sai congratulates "Ka Himeni Ana 2006" winner Pilioha, consisting of guitarists Kamuela Kimkeo, left, and Gary Kalehua Krug Jr. and bassist Glenn Mayeda Jr.
|
|
Hula Records President Donald "Flip" McDiarmid III, left, joins Ka Himeni Ana founder Richard Towill.
|
|
Nina Keali'iwahamana, left, Bill Ka'iwa and Haunani Apoliona judge the competition.
|
|