Just in time for the sunshine’s reappearance, Hawai’i Club is hosting two events this month to celebrate Hawaiian culture.
The first is a performance by Hawaiian singer/songwriter Henry Kapono on April 13. The event, which features a mix of rock and pop music, begins at 8 p.m. in Hudson Hall.
Kapono has won Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year from the Na Hoku Hano Hano Awards, Hawaii’s equivalent of the Grammys. His music has been compared to the likes of Bob Marley, Lenny Kravitz and Jimi Hendrix.
“For several generations of listeners, Kapono’s songs embody the sound of Hawaii.” Hawai’i Club president Matt Murakami ’14, MBA ’15 says. “His performance is part of the Hawai’i Club’s commitment to bringing to Willamette artists who’ve been at the forefront of island life and culture.”
The club’s second event, Willamette’s 26th lu’au, is scheduled for April 18. Titled “E Holomua Kakou” or “Let Us Move Forward Together,” it features fresh, Hawaiian food made by students, as well as traditional and contemporary dance performances.
Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. in Cone Field House at Sparks Athletic Center, followed by the show at 7 p.m.
Murakami says the lu’au is an authentic celebration of Hawaiian traditions.
“We offer a unique experience to not only learn about the culture, but to actually see, taste and hear the beauty of Hawaii,” he says.
Tickets
Willamette students, faculty and staff with ID may attend Kapono’s performance for free by registering online. For the general public, tickets cost $8 in advance and $15 at the door. Pre-sale tickets are available online only.
Admission to the lu’au is free for children 7 and younger, $5-$20 for Willamette students and staff and $12-$20 for general admission.
Lu’au tickets may be purchased online through April 17 and at Goudy Commons from 5 to 7 p.m. April 9-10 and 13-17. They are also available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13-17 in Goudy and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 9-10 in Putnam University Center.
For a full price listing — and to purchase tickets — visit the information page.
• Article by Emma Jonas ’15, creative writing major
