Their music has been heralded as groundbreaking, spiritual, and powerful. For an evening on the Iolani campus, Hapa demonstrated why they have earned those accolades.
The duo helped the Iolani Alumni Association kick-off its annual Summer Series with a concert on the art building lawn on Wednesday, June 7. More than 450 alumni and friends attended, and they were treated to the stunning vocal artistry of Nathan Aweau and the amazing guitar virtuosity of Barry Flanagan.
It was a rare Oahu performance for the group, who are fresh off a big night at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, where they took home four trophies, including Album of the Year.
During their performance of He'eia and Ku'u Lei Awapuhi, Hapa was joined by Iolani alumnae Devynne '03 and Denysse '06 Sue, who gracefully complemented the music with hula.
The concert was the first of three free events sponsored by the Iolani Alumni Association as part of its series. The second--a movie night at Seto Hall--will be held on Friday, June 23 at 5:30 pm. The featured movie will be Cheaper by the Dozen 2, starring Steve Martin.
Attendees are allowed--and even encouraged--to bring blankets or mats so that they can relax on the floor of Seto Hall during the movie. All ages are welcome. Seating will be available for those who prefer to sit rather than slumber during the show. Free hot dogs and popcorn will be given to the first 200 who arrive (sorry, no food allowed in Seto Hall).
A jazz concert with Iolani alumnus Bruce Hamada will conclude the series on Tuesday, July 18. More details to come.
For more information, please contact Mike Moses '93, Director of Alumni Relations at mmoses@iolani.org or 808-943-2309. Special thanks goes to the planning committee: Galen Haneda '81, Tennyson Lum, Jr. '82, and Kathe Warner '82.
