Award-winning Robert Cazimero and his hula Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua will go Windward in March, making their debut at the Windward Community College’s Paliku Theatre in two shows at 2 and 6 p.m. March 22.
The concerts, themed “A Ko‘olau Au” (“I Am the Windward Side”), will pay tribute to the region. Cazimero said the show’s title is derived “from an old chant many schools perform.”
He added, “What is most important is the fact that we are going to be doing songs for the Windward side of O‘ahu, from Waimanalo to Paumalū. It’s a celebration for its people, ‘aina and mele.”
The Windward side, with its verdant and dominating Ko‘olau rmountain range, is notably impressive and inspiring especially during the winter raining season, like now. Over the decades, it has motivated and stimulated the imagination of many. Windward resources are plentiful; the Pahinui family in Waimanalo has been prolific singers-musicians, Singers-composers have made their marks with hit songs (think Jerry Santos of Olomana, with “Kuu Home O Kahaluu” and Jay Larrin, with “The Ko‘olaus Are Sleeping Now.”
Historic towns and communities like Lanikai, Kailua, Kaneohe, Waiahole, Ka‘a,’awa, Kahana, Punalu’u and La’ie have also inspired songs and mele; even Hollywood has been lured to a popular site, Kualoa Ranch, and welcomed filmdom’s Steven Spielberg and his “Jurassic Park” dinosaur box office hits.
So there is no shortage of titles and theses from Cazimero and Halau Na Kamalei, reigning Merrie Monarch Festival winners.
“I am a towny,” said Cazimero, “and there is no doubt and I do love it. But it’s easy to let what you see at face value overshadow what you need for my heart’s value. When that happens, I drive through the Pali, to the Windward side of the Ko`olau. It fills and replenish me and is the inspiration for our show.”
A few other performers will be secured, but not yet named. Negotiatons also are underway for “the conglomerate of three hula halau,” he noted.
He added, “As should be expected, HNKOL will be there as well as Bob’s Boys. That would be my band consisting of Kaipo Hale, Keala Chock and Richard Heirakuji. (The gents made their debut as a backup band) at Cazimerio’s two concerts last Oct. 11 and 12 at Leeward Communty Theatre). I’m hoping that Miss Kanoe Kaumeheiwa Miller will be there, but I haven’t heard back from her yet.”
“It is my birthday month, but we’re not gonna be celebrating that too much. Cazimero will perform at his birthday bash at 6:30 p.m. March 19 at Chef Chai and it’s already virtually sold out. For reservation inquiries, call the retaurant at (808) 585-0011.
Cazimero, a legendary vocalist, showman, and recording artist, is featured at his first-time art show in the Gallery Iolani adjoining Paliki Theatre. The display, focusing on Robert and his brother Roland Cazimero and the Cazimero ‘ohana, will be open before the 2 p.m. Paliku concert and after the show, and also before the 6 p.m. finale.
“We’re taking advantage of the gallery next door and incorporating what’s there for the show,” said Cazimero. “It’s an opportunity to talk about those that I love in the gallery that are no longer here. I’m hoping that after the concert people will go to the gallery and appreciate it even more. It gives me chicken skin.”
Proceeds from the concerts will go to the sponsoring Wahea Foundation, and beneficiaries include Cazimero and his singing-and-dancing halau gentlemen.
Tickets go on sale this week, with all seats priced at $50, though University of Hawaii students with student ID cards can purchase limited student tickets for $25, with a link at www.waheafoundationb@gmail.com
And that’s Show Biz…
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