‘Under the Kona Moon’ welcomes Pang, Ka Noeau
KAILUA-KONA — Join kupuna, Hawaiian entertainers and kumu hula who will bring the past to the present with mele, dance, and storytelling every month on the Friday of the mahealani moon (full moon) at Hulihee Palace, 75-5718 Alii Dr.
This month’s free event opens at 5:30 p.m. with performances beginning an hour later Aug. 16.
Attendees should bring their own halii and chairs. Kumu Hula Michael Pili Pang and Halau Hula Ka Noeau will perform The Legend of Halemano.
Pang studied hula under Hula Masters’ Maiki Aiu Lake and Mae Kamamalu Klein, and received the title of Olapa in 1979, and Kumu Hula in 1986 through the traditional uniki ceremony.
Since 1994, Halau Hula Ka Noeau has performed in over 40 cities across the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Korea and Japan.
The mission of Under the Kona Moon is to be a gathering place for Hawaii Island ohana and kupuna to bring the past to life.
‘Stoked’ film hits Amazon
Following a limited theatrical tour across the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii road film “Stoke” is now available for purchase on Amazon.
The film follows Jane, an entitled mainland tourist who hires two wannabe guides to take her to the Kilauea volcano. Shot on Hawaii island, the road-trip style drama was partially filmed in front of Kilauea volcano’s famous 2017 “lava hose,” and features many iconic Hawaii island landscapes that were covered in lava during the summer of 2018.
VASH charity bowling Aug. 25
VASH Hawaii Island presents their fourth annual Charity Bowling Tournament 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at KBXtreme. Entry fee is $210 per teams of up to six players and three hours of bowling. The price includes shoe rental and three games.
All proceeds benefit VASH Hawaii Island, whose mission is to provide assistance to visitors affected by adversities such as crime victimization, medical emergencies, or the death of a loved one. VASH’s vision is that every visitor touched by adversity will also be touched by the aloha spirit.
To register your team, email Karen at admin@vashbigisland.org
Waimea artist’s work in Virginia
D’Art Center is hosting the national exhibition, Strive, a National Exhibition Highlighting American Immigration and the American Dream, July 25 through Aug. 31.
And among its featured pieces is one produced by Waimea artist, Thu Nguyen.
Thu’s painting, “Lost in flowers,” is an oil and 24 kt gold leaf piece 12 x 12 inches.
“Inspired by ancient Chinese paintings, I created this new series of paintings with gold leaf background, Chinese calligraphy, Nguyen said. “Immigrating to the U.S. in 1975 after the fall of Saigon, I came here as an orphan and I am now living the American dream.”
The call for artists for Strive reached 30 states for a total of 236 submissions. The exhibition was curated by d’Art staff and juried by Solomon Isekeije, the head of Norfolk State University’s Art Department.
It features 38 works from 36 artists representing 17 states, including five from Virginia and one from Hawaii, Nguyen.
“The vision was to curate a national show that highlighted the topic of immigration and the pursuit of the American dream that gave both artists and immigrants a chance to exhibit the topic in an expressive way,” said Amanda Bradley, d’Art Center’s Graphics, communications, and Gallery Manager. “The span of submissions of different artistic mediums and high-quality work from all over the country was stunning.”
“Thank you to America for giving me a home and I get to do what I love!” Nguyen added.
Big Island Blues Festival Aug. 24
The third annual Big Island Blues Festival strums away from 4-10 p.m. Aug. 24 at the Courtyard Marriott at King Kamehameha’s Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Alii Dr.
The festival will have something for everyone to enjoy — from great original blues music and unique vendors, to delicious BBQ and more. It takes place on the picturesque hotel luau grounds and will feature three local bands, Tomi Isobi’s Blues Band, The Scott &Larry Show, and Ronnie V. &The Family Band.
Tickets are $20 and available online at BigIslandBluesFest2019.eventbrite.com.
August book clubs meet
Kona Stories Book Store book clubs are meeting in August.
Participants should read the book ahead of time and come prepared to join in a discussion. Bring a pupu or beverage to share. The gatherings start at 6 p.m. This book club is free if you purchase the book at Kona Stories or a $5 donation is appreciated.
The fiction book club meets Aug. 13 to discuss “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens.
The memoir book club meets Aug. 20 to discuss “The Girl Who Smiled Beads” by Clemantine Wamariya.
The non-fiction book club meets Aug. 27 Aug. 27 to discuss “Wizard and the Prophet” by Charles C. Mann.
Contact: 324-0350 or KS@konastories.com