Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 27, Number 6, 1 June 2010 — nā hanana events Nā Palapalai plans benefit concert [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

nā hanana events Nā Palapalai plans benefit concert

By Jennifer Armstrong KaWai Ola

The students of Hilo's Ka 'Umeke Ka'eo Hawaiian Immersion Charter School in May launched their summer with a special private concert by the Hawaiian band Nā Palapalai. The special performance eame as the musical duo selected the school to receive a portion of the proceeds from its upcoming July 3 concert featuring these top Hawaiian entertainers: 'Ohana Serenaders, Darren Benitez, Johnny Lum Ho and Hālau Ka Ua Kani Lehua, the late Rae Fonseca's Hālau Kahikilaulani, Nalani Kanaka'ole's Hālau O Kekuhi and special guest emcees, Da Braddahs. Nā Palapalai, whieh celebrates 15 years of being together this year, is donating all vendor fees and a percentage of ticket sales fromthe concert to the charter school. "We wanted to give back to regular kids like we were," said Kuana Torres Kahele.

"I want to see Hawaiian kids walking around with 'ukuleles, singing their hearts out -

that was me." As part of the band's charitable undertaking, the students have received free copies of Nā Palapalai's newest CD,

Nanea, and, free tickets to attend t the upeomina concert, alona

with all the school's faculty and staff. Loeal food vendors, crafters and loeal retailers will round out the night. Tickets are $15.

Keiki 12 and under get in free with an adult. For tickets, visit napala palaimusic.com or the following Hawai'i Island locations: Koehnen's Interiors, Kim's Karaoke Lounge, CD Wizard, Pacific Music Connection in Hilo, Pictures Plus Kona and ^Pakini Grill in Waimea. ■

Ho'ina Ke Kumu - Return to the Roots July 3, 7 p.m. Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium Hilo

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