Flathead goes Hawaiian June 22

      On June 22 the O`Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center will be filled with the sights and sounds of Hawai`i.    Kalispell’s Hula School Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie will host their 20th annual hula show featuring thirty dancers performing to the melodic Hawaiian  music of the  band Kekaniwai.

     The show will open with authentic ancient hula, danced to drums and rhythm instruments  and accompanied by chants honoring  myths, legends and the Royalty of old Hawai`i.    The second half of the show will feature modern hula, accompanied by Kekaniwai and the beautiful singing of Kumu Juni Kalahikiola Romuar.

     The four member band,  Kekaniwai,  is well known in Northern California, where the band accompanies their large hula schools at shows and competitions.   Winners of the 2006 Ka La Hula I Reno musicians’ competition,  Kekaniwai is comprised of Eddie Kamana Ane, Freddie Aynaga, Thomas Chin and Oscar Aban.

    Hula School Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie has been teaching Hawaiian dance and culture to students of all ages in the Flathead Valley for 20 years.  The local school is one in an organization of seventeen hula schools located in Hawaii, Japan, California, New Zealand, Canada and Montana, under the direction of Kumu Hula Blaine Kamalani Kia of Oahu.   Kumu Kamalani is a well known Hawaiian entertainer, composer, musician, dancer, teacher and cultural expert.   He  is also the recipient of this year’s Ellison Onizuka Award sponsored by the National Education Association.     His schools  maintain the traditional teachings and dance styles of the hula and and strive to pass this knowledge on to future generations, as well as sharing this distinctive culture in  their communities.

       This year the theme is “Ho`okukulu”,   which  honors  the work of hula practitioners as they grow and learn,  form relationships,  establish productive lifestyles, and build their  families.

      For more information visit the school’s website: www.hulamontana.com,  e-mail the Halau at hulamontana@gmail.com, or call director Sharon Kawaokele Pillsbury  at 406-755-4434.   Tickets are available at The Paper Chase in Kalispell,  at Crystal Winters in Kalispell and at the box office ( if available).    Tickets purchased in advance will be $15.00  for general admission,  $12.00 for students.    At the door tickets will be $20.00 for general admission and $15.00 for students..