Hawaii Tribune-Herald Island Beat Thursday, April 13, 2017 3 Merrie Monarch and beyond! Astronomy center events explore Hawaiian culture In celebration of the 54th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center will host three days of cultural enrichment programming, Wednesday through Friday, April 19-21. The series is organized to complement and honor one of Merrie Monarch’s major purposes: the perpetuation, preservation and promotion of the art of hula and Hawaiian culture through education. “Each year during the week of the Merrie Monarch Festival, Hilo feels like the center of the universe and the place where everyone wants to be,” says Ka‘iu Kimura, ‘Imiloa executive director. “It is always a privilege for ‘Imiloa to add to the excitement by offering programming that complements the festival’s goal, while also supporting our own mission to inspire culture-based exploration and discovery.” The cultural enrichment programming starts with an oli workshop at 10 a.m. Wednesday with kumu hula Mehanaokala Hind. During the workshop, Hind, a kumu hula and cultural practitioner, will share mele aloha ‘aina that showcases Hawaiian perspectives of origin and connection to the land. The afternoon session at 1 p.m. features a film screening of “Na Hulu Lehua: The Royal Cloak and Helmet of Kalani‘opu‘u.” The documentary shares the historic story of Kalani‘ opu‘u, ali‘i nui of Hawaii Island, who greeted Capt. James Cook in 1779 at Kealakekua Bay and draped his ‘ahu ‘ula (feathered cape) over the newcomer’s shoulders as a gesture of goodwill. The cape was sent back to Europe with Cook’s crew, and, over time, ended up at the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. More than 230 years later, thanks to a partnership between several organizations, the cape was returned to Hawaii. Hind, who participated in its return, will lead the screening with a question and answer session to follow. On April 20, musician Lito Arkangel will perform at 10 a.m., sharing mele from his albums, “Me ke aloha” and “Ku‘upau,” as well as sharing the special stories that connect him to these songs. Then, enjoy afternoon hula and costume presentations at 1 p.m. by Halau o Kekuhi and participate in conversations that explore the dancers’ kuleana to imbue the environment through detailed chant, motions and costuming. Friday’s morning session will open at 10 a.m. with clothing design company Kealopiko and “He leo aloha,” a presentation about the language and story in the Kealopiko design process. The programs culminate in a performance by Grammy Award-winner Kalani Pe‘a at 1 p.m. Pe‘a, a singer/songwriter whose debut album “E Walea” earned a Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album, will present songs from his album and share his passion for perpetuating Hawaiian language through music and visual arts. ONE GALLERY an artists’ collective Art & Wine Classes 961-2787 $35 onegalleryhawaii.com Paradise Restaurant Supply Downtown Hilo. 808-933-3675 Largest Kitchenware Dealer on Island We Specialize in: Large Woks - Stock Pots - Sinks Stainless Tables - Bar Mixers - Steamers Dishes - Silverware - Thermometers We Do knife SHarPening Thousand of Products Bring this coupon in for 10% off open 7 Days a Week 250 kamehameha x Haili Lito Arkangel Kalani Pe‘a See EVENTS Page 5
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