2010 George Na`ope Hula Festival Weekend
The 6th Annual
George Na`ope Kāne Hula Festival
& The 3rd Annual
George Na`ope Keiki Hula Festival
Presented the Makanaaloha Group
Sponsored by www.hawaiianfeathers.com
Our Non-profit Sponsor
Na`alehu Theatre
The Makanaaloha Group is proud to honor Hula Master and Lo`ea, George Lanakilakeikiahiali`i Na`ope, in this hula competition, the 6th Annual George Na`ope Kāne Hula Festival (the first event of its kind that featuring men (kāne) only in a hula competition), and the 3rd Annual George Na`ope Keiki Hula Competition, to be held at the Modesto Centre Plaza in Modesto, California August 14 - 15, 2010 (Saturday & Sunday). This is the only annual keiki hula competition held here on the Mainland US. Come and join us to be a part of showcasing the future of the hula tradition, our keiki. A special mahalo to Hawaiianfeathers.com for sponsoring this event. The aloha shared by the Makanaaloha Group & Hawaiianfeathers.com makes this event possible to bring to you.
Rick Makanaaloha Kia`imeaokekanaka San Nicolas and the Makanaaloha Group are proud to be the co-founder of this very special event along with George Na`ope. With his passing this October 26, 2009, it is even more important to me to continue this competition in his honor. In 2004 when I asked Uncle George about holding a hula competition here in California in his honor, we spoke about a keiki competition first. Uncle George told me, "Why not do a competition for only men?". I thought about that for a moment and replied to him "You know, you are right. There is not enough emphasis put on the kāne in hula and if I do this event, it can only help". So with that, I have his blessings, his permission to use him name in our event, and the privilege holding the first and only annual kāne hula competition bearing his name in the world. As a kāne `ōlapa, I know the feeling and importance of the kahiko we are performing, and also some of the mele that can be performed only by the men. This is part of the traditional passing on of Hawaiian history which is in the hula. If we don't attempt to do our part of continuing this hula tradition, there is more of a chance that these pieces of history will be lost forever. Come and be a part of this event to honor our last Lo`ea and to keep the tradition of the kāne hula alive for the future to live on.
"Living Golden Treasure" and "Treasure of Hawai`i"
Uncle George's lifelong commitment in sharing aloha, perpetuating the Hawaiian culture through the sharing of his vast knowledge of Hawaiian chants, language, music and hula, sadly ended with his passing on October 26, 2009 at his Waiakea Uka home at the age of 81. George Na`ope will be remembered by many hundreds of thousands of people which he has shared his aloha with all around the world. His hula traditions and teaching methods must live on through many of us now to pay tribute to this hula master, and our last Lo`ea.
George Na`ope has been recognized by both the Governor and State Legislature of Hawaii, and the President of the United States. He was honored with the "Living Golden Treasure" designation by the Governor and State Legislation of Hawai`i in 1960, and named in the Smithsonian Institute as a "Treasure of Hawai`i" by President George Bush, Sr.
Keeping Hula "Alive"
Uncle George has been instrumental in keeping the hula alive throughout the world by establishing hula hālau (school), hula festivals, and hula associations including:
1946 - The first hula hālau, Hilo, HI
1963 - The Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, HI
1968 - The Hui O Nā Kumu Hula Association in Seattle, WA
1978 - The Tokyo Hula Association in Tokyo, Japan
1979 - The King David Kalākaua Hula Festival in Kailua-Kona, HI
1998 - The George Na`ope NW Hula Invitational in Seattle, WA
2005 - The George Na`ope Kāne Hula Festival (the first ever "kāne only" hula competition), Modesto, CA
2008 - The George Na`ope Keiki Hula Festival (the only keiki hula competition on the "Mainland"), Modesto, CA
Festival Schedule
August 13, Friday Morning - Soloist interviews - hālau check in - stage rehearsal throughout the day
August 14, Sat. Morning - Doors Open at 9:00:00am - Festival Starts as 10:00am - 6:00pm (approx.)
August 14, Sat. Evening - Kanikapila in honor of Uncle George in Double Tree Hotel about 7:00pm (location TBA) until pau
August 15, Sun. Morning - Doors Open at 9:00am Festival Starts at 10:00am - 5:00pm (approx.)
August 15, Sun. Afternoon - Awards presentation, closing ceremonies
Help support our event by purchasing your travel with Hawaiian Airlines!
We gain travel points and miles when you purchase with Hawaiian Air through the above link, which can be used to purchase air fare for our judges travel to Modesto, CA each year. You don't give up any of your miles, we just gain from your support! These fares are discounted by way of the Preferred Partners Program, the lowest internet fares available. Mahalo for your support!
