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Friday, April 2
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Hapa
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Ticket Price: $26.50 adv / $28.00 dos
Doors at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM
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Hapa
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Like the Hawaiian islands themselves, HAPA's music is an amalgam of influences ranging from ancient Polynesian rhythms and genealogical chants to the strummed ballads of Portuguese fisherman, Spanish cowboys, and the inspired melodies and harmonies of the traditional church choirs of the early missionaries. Add to this a dose of American acoustic folk/rock, and you have what has been described as the "most exciting and beautiful contemporary Hawaiian music the world knows!"... (Maui Times).
These disparate ingredients blended together musically in the Pacific emotes the unique flavor of what Hawaii and HAPA music is: "beautiful, fragile, spiritual, powerful"... (L.A. Times).
Often encapsulated as the "Sound of Maui", HAPA's music evokes a place that many people at different times have referred to as heavenly. The overriding quality of their music is one of beauty and serenity, found in the majestic tones of the oli (chant), mele (song), the elegant movements of the sacred dance known as hula, and the exhilarating innovative sounds of virtuoso slack key guitar. HAPA's self entitled debut cd released in 1993, swept the 1994 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaii's equivalent of the Grammy's), becoming the biggest selling CD by a group or duo in the history of recorded Hawaiian music. The group's ground breaking music has established them as the most recognized name in Hawaiian music internationally since their debut release, with sold-out shows from Tokyo to New York.
With a pulse and energy that make it entirely of today, Hapa's groundbreaking music connects firmly to the Polynesian past, featuring poetic ballads about the sea, the lushness of the land, and favorite chiefs - all told through melodies rich in harmony and backed by virtuoso guitar. Add a dose of American acoustic folk/rock, celtic and world influences and you have the essence of what Hawaii and Hapa music is: "beautiful, fragile, spiritual, powerful..." (LA Times).
Hapa's vibrant concerts have created an international and loyal fan base. The majestic tones of oli (chant), mele (song), the elegant movements of the sacred dance hula, and the exhilarating and innovative sounds of virtuoso slack key guitar are a feast for the eyes and ears and soul. Chanter Charles Ka‘upu has been called "Hapa's secret weapon, who is not only impressive with his skills at Hawaiian chanting, but also tells amusing stories between songs that add depth, texture, history and cultural sinew to Hapa's strong musical bones" (Orange County Register). Hula dancer Moea Defries is one of Hawaii's most exquisite and expressive dancers, as beautiful and delicate as a ginger flower.
Hapa's self-titled debut CD swept the 1994 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaii's equivalent of the Grammy's), becoming the biggest selling CD by a group or duo in the history of recorded Hawaiian music. The group's pioneering sound has established them as the most recognized name in Hawaiian music, with sold-out shows from Tokyo to New York and San Francisco.
"Hawaii's hottest group" - Billboard
"Hapa's music represents the past, present and future of Hawaiian music."
- San Francisco Chronicle
"Hypnotic, liquid guitar runs woven around clear, tenor Hawaiian vocals and immaculate harmonies driven by poetic lyrics exulting the rapture of the Hawaiian landscape and history– that's Hapa." - Mark D. Moss, Sing Out!
"If Maui were music, it would sound like these guys"
- Wallace Baine, Santa Cruz Sentinel
"Hapa combined a bracing blend of American folk and Polynesian lilt that proved absolutely breathtaking." - The Orange County Register
"Hawaii's super group" - Elle
"Hapa is a troupe of individuals who transcend nationality through the power of Hawaiian music and dance, creating self-worth, dignity and respect for all people." -Tokyo World Music Review
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