Robert Cazimero, the esteemed kumu hula and Hawaiian music industry icon, has been tapped to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of Hawaii.
Cazimero, who earned his hula stripes as a student of Maiki Aiu Lake, earned the seal of approval from the UH Board of Regents, at its April 16 meeting at Leeward Community College.
Thus, his fame and presence will shine anew in the realm of academia.
“I’m so honored,” he said this morning. “It was such so unexpected.”
“I never really thought about this before, and to have it happen in such a truly beautiful, humbling—and even overwhelming—way, I’m grateful,” said Cazimero in an earlier statement. “I’m really happy to be here.”
The honorary doctorate recognizes individuals of national or international distinction whose contributions have had a significant impact in areas such as business, public service or scholarship.
The degree will be formally conferred during Leeward Community College’s fall convocation.
It was Leeward Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza, who requested the laurel for Cazimero, who has staged his famed Hawaiian concerts with his halau, Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua, in showcase performances at Leeward Theatre, bringing his signature shows to a new zip code. Over the decades, legions of adoring fans flocked to “town” venues in Waikiki hotels and in special showcases at Bishop Museum, Blaisdell Arena and the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell. Cazimero established Leeward as a Hawaiian music anchor via an enduring partnership in cultural learning and mentorship, helping to deepen students’ experiences with ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge).
Throughout his career, Cazimero has been a steadfast partner to UH, supporting its mission to nurture knowledge, improve cultural identity and inspire future generations. Across UH’s 10 campuses, he has shared his time and expertise through guest lectures, workshops, performances and mentorship rooted in a deep sense of kuleana (responsibility).
“His engagement with our campus community has provided students, faculty and staff with meaningful opportunities to learn directly from a master practitioner whose work bridges ancestral knowledge and contemporary expression,” said Keala Chock, a former student and Leeward CC vice chancellor for academic affairs, in a statement.
During the meeting, Regent Neil Abercrombie — Hawaii’s seventh governor — shared an emotional memory of seeing Cazimero perform for the first time at UH Mānoa’s Andrews Amphitheatre in the 1970s; at that time, Robert was staging Hawaiian music with brother Roland Cazimero. “We go back many years,” Cazimero said of his longstanding ties with Abercombie…
Waimanalo Kanikapila set on Saturday
The Annual Waimanalo Kanikapila and Limu Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (April 25) at Waimanalo Beach Park.
The musical celebration owes its roots to the backyard kanikapila of Gabby Pahinui, and his residency in ‘Nalo Country.
The daylong event will feature a host of emcees and a small army of performers, including Henry Kapono, Jerry Santos, Alan Akaka, George Kuo, Greg Sardihja, Kawiki Kahiapo, Kamuela Kimokeo, Eric Keawe, Mike Kaawa, and Kata Maduli, among many others..
Limu Hui Waimānalo — a community organization working to restore Hawaiʻi’s native limu and coastal ecosystems – is partnering in the mele celebration.
Admission is free.
Earth, Wind & Fire and documentary
Prior to their June 13 concert at Blaisdell Arena, Earth, Wind & Fire will open the 25th anniversary Tribeca Festival with a new documentary, premiering June 3 at the Beacon Theatre in New York.
The film was directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson; the HBO Original Film has a hefty title, “Earth, Wind & Fire: To be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World,” and will debut on HBO and HBO Max.
The event also will feature a concert by Earth, Wind & Fire and The Roots…
New York still wild about ‘Harry’
The Harry Potter “Curse” is hard to beat; the family drama’s wizardry has landed the show atop the Broadway charts again, and to reflect its power of the box office, it’s the lone member of the “2 Million Club.” Again.
The Top 10:
“Hamilton” ranks No. 2, followed by “The Lion King.”
1—”Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” $2.376 million
2—“Hamilton,” $1.944 mi41llion
3—“The Lion King,” $1.869 million
4—“Moulin Rouge, $1.663 milion
5—“Every Brilliant Thing” $1.566 million
6—“Wicked,” $1.348 million
7—“Death of a Salesman,” $1.277 million
8—“Ragtime,” $1.152 million
10—“Dog Day Afternoon,” $1.114 million
The full list for the week ending April 19 follows, courtesy the Broadway League:
And that’s Show Biz…
