Strains of aloha for
rare musical night
Guests at the Aloha Festivals' Royal Ball at the Hilton last Saturday night were treated to a sensational program of Hawaiian and hapa-haole songs and hula that is rarely seen in the islands anymore. Sure, it's true that music by Hawaii's greatest composers is played in various shows, but to have their music performed in one glorious package is extremely rare.It was a royal treat. Koa Entertainment's Chriss Heyd and Aloha Festivals President Carol Pregill came up with the concept and they are to be commended. Also deserving much praise are musical director Nina Kealiiwahamana and Brickwood Galuteria. They put the music together. Galuteria also coproduced with Hyde.
Stars Kealiiwahamana, Iwalani Kahalewai, Bev Noa, Bill Kaiwa, Tony Conjucacion, Jimmy Borges, The Brickwood Quartet and Halau Hula Olana performed music by: Charles E. King, John K. Almeida, R. Alex Anderson, Sonny Cunha, Andy Iona, Lena Machado, Jack Pitman, Bob Magoon, Lani McIntyre, Maddy Lam, Mary Kawena Pukui, Harry Owens, Don McDiarmid, Irmgard Aluli, Sol Bright, Helen Desha Beamer, Andy Cummings, Johnny Noble, Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs, Vicky Ii Rodrigues, Kui Lee and Tony Todaro.
There were too many musical treasures and standout performances to mention here but believe me, it was a grand night, a royal treat.
Ben Wood
bwood@starbulletin.com