ALOHAFEST! SONGS & DANCES FROM PARADISE
Sunday, August 15, 2010
ENCHANTING MUSIC AND DANCE FROM THE PACIFIC
COMES TO HOLLYWOOD AT THE JOHN ANSON FORD
ESCAPE TO POLYNESIA with “AlohaFest! Songs & Dances from Paradise” and experience the exciting, pulse-pounding rhythms of Tahitian drums, the majesty of ancient Hawaiian chant and the unique sounds of contemporary Hawaiian music in one spellbinding concert that celebrates Polynesian history and tradition. Over 100 dancers and musicians take the stage at the historic John Anson Ford on Sunday, August 15 at 7:00pm to reveal the cultures of the Pacific.
The evening begins with a performance of kahiko, the ancient hula and chant of Hawaii as presented by award-winning halau (hula school) Hula Halau O Lilinoe. The power and beauty of the kahiko is combined with the oli (chant) of ancient stories that have been handed down through generations of Hawaiians. The dances are performed using the syncopated rhythms of Hawaiian indigenous instruments such as the pahu (drum) and ipu (hollowed out gourd).
From the regality of ancient Hawaii, the Polynesian journey continues to the present day with songs performed by contemporary Hawaiian singer/songwriter Natalie Ai Kamauu. “I was raised with hula all around me,” explains the Hoku Hano Hano (Hawaiian “Grammys”) winner. “I want to instill a pride of who I am, what I believe and share the stories of my people through my music. I am so excited to be making by Ford debut!”
(more) The audience can look forward to hearing the lush voice of this Hoku Hano Hano (the Hawaiian Grammy equivalent) winner who bridges ancient and modern Hawaii.
Tahiti is the final stop on this musical journey. Award-winning Nonosina Polynesia also makes its Ford debut with the excitement and splendor of Tahitian music and dance. Set to the hard-driving, pulsating sounds of indigenous to’ere (drums) are the rapid oteas (fast moving, hip-shaking dances) and aparimas (syncopated dances and songs) performed by the dancers and musicians of Nonosina.
Tickets for “AlohaFest!” are $27.00 and $12.00 for full-time students with ID and children 12 and under and can be purchased from the Ford box office at www.FordTheatres.org or 323-461-3673 (for non-visual media 323-GO 1-FORD). Through the Ford’s early buyer incentive, adults who buy tickets on or before August 8 pay only $22.00.
The Ford Amphitheatre is located at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd., East, Hollywood, CA 90068, just off the 101 Hollywood Freeway across from the Hollywood Bowl and south of Universal Studios. The grounds open two hours before showtime for picnicking. The Ford offers a number of dining options but patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink.
The Ford is disable accessible. Portable wireless devices are available upon request. On-site stacked parking costs $5 per vehicle for evening shows. FREE, non-stacked parking serviced by a FREE shuttle to the Ford is available at the Universal City Metro Station lot at Lankershim Blvd. and Campo de Cahuenga. The shuttle cycles every 15 - 20 minutes.
“AlohaFest! Songs & Dances from Paradise”, produced by PAE Live!, is a part of the Ford 2010 Season, a multi-disciplinary arts series produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission in cooperation with Los Angeles County-based arts organizations. For a complete season schedule, directions to the theater and parking information, log on to www.FordTheatres.org.
