“this is maoli music” - massive all-star band to represent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 4, 2011
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“THIS IS MAOLI MUSIC” - MASSIVE ALL-STAR BAND TO REPRESENT THE MANA
MAOLI COLLECTIVE AND HAWAII AT FESTIVALS AND SCHOOLS IN AOTEAROA
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Honolulu, HI – Mana Maoli announced today that from March 3 through 19, an all-star band will be
representing the Mana Maoli Collective (MMC) and Hawaii in Aotearoa (New Zealand) at various festivals,
performances, and workshops in the schools and communities of Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton, Raglan
and Taranaki. In addition to sharing their music and culture at the Nga Puhi, Pasifika, and WOMAD
festivals, they will be lining up with local favourites like Katchafire and 1814. In schools and communities,
they will be offering workshops on hula, ukulele, slack-key guitar, sovereign Hawaiian education (charter
schools) and Makahiki games, providing further means for this collective to fulfill the mission of Mana
Maoli, the youth serving nonprofit that they support, and represent.
~ Please listen to our artists representing the Mana Maoli Collective in Aotearoa this March ~
This dynamic all-star band features Grammy winner John Cruz, Anuhea, currently Hawaii’s hottest
female vocalist, Kiliona Young, a reggae/hip hop favourite of the Big Island Underground, and the
majority of Natural Vibrations, Hawaii’s most popular reggae band. They are backed by a mind blowing
rhythm section that includes world-class percussionist Lopaka Colon and Kapena!s own Kapena Delima,
a highly coveted drummer. When sharing their original music you will witness a fusion of reggae, Maoli hip
hop, RnB, and Hawaiian acoustic soul. Joining them during traditional Hawaiian music performances will be
kumu hula Mehanaokala Hind, six established hula dancers, and standup bass player Nakana Wong.
Each artist representing MMC abroad this year were invited in part because of their significant contributions
to Mana Maoli and other such movements over the years, and many are active leaders within their
communities. Their lyrics are a product of their ‘aina hanau (birthplace) and their experiences. They serve
to ignite passion within the people of Hawai`i, while expressing provocative ideas that promote and
encourage positive action and change, giving rise to fresh and creative methods of empowering our
peoples, educating our youth, and striving for sustainability in all aspects of our lives. They are
committed to the perpetuation and protection of Hawaii’s unique culture and environment -- and this is what
qualifies them as ambassadors of Hawaii.
Mana Maoli is a non-profit organization that provides facilities and fundraising support for Halau Ku Mana,
a Hawaiian public charter school that is culture, community and environment-based. They also run two
other youth serving programs – Kanehunamoku, a Polynesian voyaging canoe program, and Maoli Music.
Mana Maoli Collective refers to hundreds of artists, ranging from seasoned veterans and living legends, to
underground and adolescent prodigies, who come together under Mana Maoli’s nonprofit, donating their
time and talent to collaborative CD!s, concerts, and workshops under the Maoli Music program. These
artists advocate for the keiki (youth), ‘aina (land), and pono (harmony, balance) of Hawaii through uplifting
and conscious music. Future plans for the Maoli Music program, currently entirely volunteer driven,
include increased school visits, afterschool and elective classes taught by the artists, and a community co-op
studio.
For ways to support the efforts of MMC and Mana Maoli, please visit www.manamaoli.org or our Mana
Maoli Facebook Page.!
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MEDIA CONTACT: Veeshayne Patuwai / "##$%&'(#)*+&,-./0+!1!234!325!4678
Representing the
Mana Maoli Collective
in Aotearoa March 2011
(L to R): Kapena Delima, Anuhea Jenkins, Wayne Enos, Kiliona Young, Jehua Evan, John Cruz
(missing: Lopaka Colon, Shane Abraham, Nakana Wong)
From L to R: Kealanei Margeson, Summer Becker, Pualei Lindsay, Kaleilehua Maioho
Missing from Picture: Kumu Hula Mehanaokala Hind, Kekoa Kane, Chase Silva
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MANA MAOLI COLLECTIVE IN THE NEWS
2010 Tour - Aotearoa Press
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“They’re from Hawaii and they’re called the Mana Maoli Collective, a team of cultural
ambassadors… “
“ Staying on marae (vs hotels) is a part of the journey of discovery for this group, who are
here just as much to learn as to showcase their culture… “
2010 Tour - Hawaii Press
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2010 MMC Artist Quotes
"It's an opportunity to share our music and dance with our native cousins," says Boom Gaspar,
who’s played keyboards with Pearl Jam since 2002. "Being a part of this big festival is a great
honor for the Maolis that will be representing Hawaii."
“There’s hip-hop, Hawaiian, dancehall, funk, reggae—such a unique sound,” she said. “I have
found our strength is our diversity, as within it, there is a common thread that ties us all together —
our love of our culture and our land.” - Leimaile Quitevis (vocalist MMC 2010)
“ This is the 1st time we’re bringing this to you (Aotearoa) and we feel that we belong here… in
Aotearoa, so that we can share a small slice of our culture….” - Wayne Enos, Natural Vibrations
(vocalist MMC 2010 and 2011)
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE
VISION & MISSION
Our vision is to facilitate individual and community healing and empowerment by fostering
lifelong learners who think, feel, and act in ways that are pono (harmonious, righteous); for
recognizing strengths and addressing challenges as they seek positive, systemic change in their
local, regional, and global communities.
Our mission statement is just 3 words - Ho`okumu, Ho`okele, Ho`omana.
Ho`okumu (Build grounding and foundation)
•
To foster a sense of esteem, stewardship, and kuleana to the ‘aina, our communities and ourselves,
through grounding in the ancestral knowledges and practices of Hawai‘i and the academic skills
necessary to excel in the 21st century
Ho’okele (Forge direction and connections)
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To explore and inquire in ways that build upon our ancestral wisdom and bridge to other
communities and cultures in a harmonious manner
Ho’omana (Provide sustenance and empowerment)
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To provide sustenance and empowerment for ourselves and our communities by striving for high
academic, cultural, social, environmental, and economic standards, thus nourishing all piko – mental,
emotional, spiritual and physical.
HISTORY
Founded in 1999, Mana Maoli is a collective of educators, artists, musicians, cultural practitioners,
community organizers, and families, who share a common vision of, and action toward, community
empowerment through our three primary purposes:
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Community-based education and awareness,
Pooling and sharing of resources, and
Sustainability (environmental and economic, at the self and community level)
In the year 2000, Mana Maoli began the process of becoming a formal 501(c)3 non-profit
organization. In the years 2000 and 2001, a number of notable achievements occurred: a significant,
3 year federal grant was secured for developing and implementing a culture-based curriculum, and
our status as both a non-profit and public charter school was approved. The Mana Maoli ‘ohana’s
priority and focus from that point on was to plan, start up, and grow this public charter school.
Conceptually, Mana Maoli is the people, and Halau Ku Mana the place, of our learning ‘ohana.
Mana Maoli also became the official name of the supporting non-profit, and Halau Ku Mana
became the name of the public charter school, which opened its doors in August of 2001.
MANA – nvs. Supernatural or divine power, miraculous power; a powerful nation, authorization,
privilege; miraculous, divinely powerful, spiritual.
MAOLI – vs. Native, indigenous, genuine, true, real, actual; very, really, truly. Hawaiian native
MANA MAOLI’S PROGRAMS
We provide human, land and financial assets to the following three programs as our way of
continually striving toward our vision:
1) H!lau K" M!na Public Charter School - community, culture, and kaina (land/ocean)-based
education for middle and high school students. With expectations of both academic and cultural
rigor, students are more responsive to hands-on, inter-disciplinary learning that has relevance to the
host culture, environment, history, and contemporary issues and opportunities.
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This is evident through the massive turnaround in students attendance, academics, and behaviour,
while demonstrating a strong sense of cultural grounding and leadership abilities. For example,
rather than separate classes for each ‘subject’, held primarily indoors, students spend over 20 hours
each week in a year-long project. Whether they are in the Wa’a (sailing canoe), Loko I’a (traditional
fishpond), or Lo’i (traditional agriculture) projects, they do the related reading, writing, discussion
and research to meet language arts standards. They do the types of science and social studies related
to the theme of their project (botany and earth science for Lo’i project, chemistry for Loko I’a
project, physics and astronomy for Wa’a project), and so on. By blending traditional methods of
land management with the relevant western sciences we are able to nurture students who are
grounded in their culture, yet able to navigate in this ever-changing global society.
2) K!nehunamoku – Guided by the heavens our ancestors populated every corner of the Pacific.
Through keen observations of the environment they were able to glide over the vast ocean with
confidence and intent. Today the canoe remains an integral part of our existence, spurring cultural
revitalization and reawakening ancient knowledge. The Kanehunamoku program perpetuates the
tradition of the canoe to help guide our people towards their destinations, in and out of the canoe,
with the same confidence and intent of our ancestors. In ‘wa‘a immersion camps’, students and
their ’ohana go beyond meeting academic standards, as they learn the art and science of kilolani
(observing signs of the heavens and atmosphere), holomoana (navigation and wayfinding),
teamwork, leadership, and much more.
3) Maoli Music – innovative and positive music in support of initiatives aligned with Mana Maoli’s
vision and purpose. Hundreds of artists have supported past Maoli Music initiatives, from student
and underground talent to Hawaii’s favorite and most respected artists of various genres, such as
Jack Johnson, John Cruz, Paula Fuga, Ooklah the Moc, Natural Vibes, Amy Gilliom, Aunty Genoa
Keawe, Makaha Sons, Kaumaka’iwa Kanaka’ole, and much more. Proceeds from Mana Maoli’s
past CD’s and concerts over the last 10 years - featuring student, underground and pro artists on
stage and in the studio together - have supported Na Lei Na‘auao, an alliance of 12 Hawaiian
charter schools (including Halau Ku Mana).
ARTISTS’ BIOGRAPHIES
Mehanaokala Hind - Kumu Hula
Mehanaokala Hind is a Kumu Hula graduated formerly through traditional uniki
rites by her Kumu Hula Leinaala Kalama Heine. She is entrenched in Hawaiian
culture and education, and lives it fully in her personal and professional life.
Mehana is an academic advisor at the Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian
Studies where she is active in supporting the needs of native Hawaiian students
achieving their educational dreams. She also serves as a conference coordinator for
Ka Aha Hula o Halauaola and a research consultant for Papaku Makawalu, among
other roles. Mehana is also a member of various non-profits organizations.
John Cruz – Vocalist, Rhythm and Lead Guitar, Harmonica
Grammy winning singer songwriter John Cruz is known around the world as one of
Hawaii's most popular and respected artists, for his recording, touring, writing and
producing abilities. His first album sold over 100,000 copies and spawned radio hits so
strong that they are still played daily in Hawaii, 14 years after the album's release including the song "Island Style," which has become an unofficial anthem of Hawaiian
culture. His second album debuted at #6 on the Billboard World Chart, #2 on the
Billboard Heatseekers Chart and #1 in Hawaii. He is currently working on his third
album, which will be released in 2011. Visit his website at www.johncruz.com
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Anuhea – Vocalist, Rhythm Guitar
A self-taught guitarist and song writer, Rylee Anuheake'alaokalokelani
(translates to "a cool breeze of the heavenly rose") Jenkins released her
eponymous debut on April 21st, 2009. It’s success has exposed Anuhea to
many opportunities including tours to Japan and Guam, consecutive
appearances at the annual South by Southwest Music Festival, headlining
the month-long cross-country "Right Love Tour" from Seattle to New
York City, and opening for her number one musical inspiration Jack
Johnson at the 2010 Kokua Festival in April. A month later she won 2
prestigious Hoku awards, for Most Promising Artist and Contemporary
Album of the Year. In July she went on to headline the two month, 2010 Resin Music Surf Roots tour across the
US. Visit her website at www.anuheajams.com!
Natural Vibrations - Bass, Drums, Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals
Natural Vibrations have recorded six albums in the last 11 years. They have won multiple awards for Best Reggae
Album and hit the Billboard Reggae Chart in 2002 and again in 2007. Their latest release, “Ultimate Vibes,” is
their first release since 2007. Vibe fanatics have been anxiously awaiting this new CD, and they were not
disappointed. The new seventeen song release, Ultimate Vibes: The Best Of, is an impressive collection of fifteen
classic songs made popular by the band PLUS two brand new songs.
The group has performed in Hawaii, Saipan, Guam, Alaska, California, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Washington,
Colorado, Utah, and has shared the stage with impressive list of artists: Steel Pulse, 311, Maxi Priest, UB40, Israel
Vibration, Jimmy Cliff, Santana, The Wailers, Ziggy Marley, Bunny Wailer, Neil McCoy, Faith Hill, Blu Cantell,
Chaka Demus, Tanya Stephens, O-Maya, Aswad, Yellowman, Pepper, Slightly Stoopid, Eek-A Mouse, Don
Carlos, Lucky Dube, Big Mountain, Japan super-band “Tube” and many more. And then there was the night on
Maui when Prince couldn’t contain himself and jumped on stage to jam with the boys. 18 years into their musical
career, and the people of Hawaii are still singing and dancing to Natural Vibes hits, new and old. This group is
sure to hit you with their upbeat, feel good music. Learn more about them at www.naturalvibrations.com!
Kiliona Young – Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar
Kiliona is a talented and versatile vocalist, MC, and musician. He is the lead singer for
both the hip-hop/reggae/latin/funk/Polynesian band "Moemoea" and the traditional
Hawaiian band "the Kuahiwis" . He is also the lead in their newest project, “4Fathers”,
further displaying his talent, versatility, and positive conscious messages. A father,
farmer, teacher, and active member in his church and community, Kiliona’s talent,
humility, perseverance and leadership, in and out of this collective, has him serving as a
role model to all.
Lopaka Colon – Percussions
Lopaka is Hawaii’s most talented percussionist, hands down. Born to the
“Sophisticated Savage” Augie Colon (original member of the Exotic sounds of
Martin Denny), Augie Borero “Lopaka” Colon jr. has followed in his fathers’
footsteps and is taking those steps forward to the next generation. Lopaka Colon He
has collaborated with majority of Hawaii’s top-notch musicians either doing studio
work, live performances or just having fun jamming. Currently he is a key
component in the success of several local bands like the grammy-nominated “Wild
Hawaiian” project with the Henry Kapono band, the Barefoot Natives (uncle Willie
K. & Eric Gilliom), living legends-C&K, the Makana trio (slack-key/world-fusion),
the Waitiki 7 (classic exotica for modern listeners) which had a #2 spot debut on the Billboard for World Jazz,
and Don Tiki to name a few. Lopaka has recently collaborated with rock-n-roll hall of famer Mick Fleetwood
(Fleetwood Mac). For the first time in his musical career, Lopaka is also working on and spearheading his own
group/band/project called “Intoxika” which blends esoteric and conscious themes with vintage interpretations
of exotica fusing it with funk, rock, dub, Latin jazz and hip-hop grooves honoring the forefathers of exotica
while getting the next generations’ “groove on”.
Boom Gaspar – Keyboards TO BE CONFIRMED
Boom Gaspar is a Hawaii born musician most widely known for playing the
piano, keyboard and organ for Pearl Jam, the Seattle based rock band since
2002. He was raised in Waimanalo, Oahu & spent a lifetime perfecting his
musical craft. Soon after meeting Eddie Vedder, Boom joined Pearl Jam
during the recording of the Riot Act album. He has toured the U.S., North
and Latin America, and Europe. Locally, he has collaborated with Henry
Kapono, Simplicity, Bruddah Waltah, Harmony & Mackey Feary, as well as
the Albert Collins Band in Seattle. His musical weapon of choice is the Hammond B3 organ. Boom humbly
credits Akua (God) for his musical success.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND INSIGHTS
“This is Maoli Music” - It is quite a moving and unforgettable experience to hear the vocalists in
this all-star band, from the prolific to the underground, taking turns in lead and backup roles.
Generations of struggles, triumphs, and perseverance give birth to unique sounds pulled from
multiple genres of soulful music – from traditional Hawaiian and acoustic soul, to reggae and hip
hop, to styles that are simply indefinable. The diverse styles of the vocalists, enhanced by a worldclass rhythm section, are woven together with a poetry that is distinctively Hawaiian.
Hawaiian culture is dynamic, constantly evolving and adopting outside influences, while
maintaining the integrity and vitality of traditional knowledge, forms, and practices. Mana Maoli
has been at the forefront of cultivating and supporting new cultural expressions created by younger
generations in the Hawaiian community and integrating these expressions with traditional forms.
The “Maoli Music” program under Mana Maoli’s nonprofit is entirely volunteer driven. The Mana
Maoli Collective artists are the core of these volunteers, doing school visits and contributing to
Mana Maoli CDs and concerts, which over the last 10 years have primarily served as fundraisers for
Hawaiian public charter schools.
These self-governing schools are culture, community and environment-based. Public charter
schools in Hawaii are severely underfunded. Despite the law calling for equity with mainstream
public schools, they receive less than half the operating funds per pupil, and no facilities support.
Charter schools clearly demonstrate considerable success with their students, outperforming their
mainstream counterparts in both academic and cultural rigor. Hawaiian charters strive to perpetuate
ancestral knowledge and the best of 21st century educational paradigms. Mana Maoli seeks to raise
awareness and support for both the success and injustices faced by Hawaiian public charter schools.
Please support the efforts of the hundreds of Mana Maoli Collective artists who contribute to this
movement of music and dance in support of keiki, ‘aina, and pono. Support their upcoming shows
in Aotearoa. Buy a Mana Maoli shirt or CD. Make a donation. Join ‘Mana Maoli Collective’
or ‘Mana Maoli’ on facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veeshayne Patuwai
234!325!4678
"##$%&'(#)*+&,-./0+!
Broken hyperlinks please use these:
Listen to MMC: http://www.facebook.com/ManaMaoliCollective?v=app_2405167945
TVNZ YouTube Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLSFYTfPyE0
TangataWhenua.com write up: http://news.tangatawhenua.com/archives/3770
Honolulu Weekly write up: http://honoluluweekly.com/hotpicks/2009/12/mana-maoli/
Live 2010 MMC YouTube clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvXD7E1WAYo
Ahai Olelo Ola clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipsMys0YyPU
Maui Magazine write up: http://rhythmandviews.mauimagazine.net/?p=350
Maui News write up:
http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/528338.html?nav=5014&showlayout=0