2009 George Na`ope Hula Festival Weekend
The 5th Annual
George Na`ope Kāne Hula Festival
& The 2nd 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 present Hula Master, George Lanakilakeikiahiali`i Na`ope, in a hula festival held in his honor, the 5th Annual George Na`ope Kāne Hula Festival (the first event of its kind that featuring men (kāne) only in a hula competition), and the 2nd Annual George Na`ope Keiki Hula Competition, to be held at the Modesto Centre Plaza in Modesto, California August 8 - 9, 2009 (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.
The Makanaaloha Group is honored to have Uncle George Na`ope's blessings as well as his permission, each year, to hold the Kāne Hula Festival, and the Keiki Hula Competition in his name. It is our distinct privilege to have Uncle George attend as our guest of honor to oversee the Festival as Hawaiian traditions are perpetuated through the sharing of hula and aloha in his honor.
"Living Golden Treasure" and "Treasure of Hawai`i"
Uncle George's lifelong commitment to perpetuating the Hawaiian culture through the sharing of his vast knowledge of Hawaiian chants, language, and hula 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 8, Sat. Morning - Doors Open at 9:00:00am - Festival Starts as 10:30am - 5:00pm (approx.)
August 8, Sat. Evening - Kanikapila in honor of Uncle George in Club Max, in Double Tree Hotel about 7:00pm until pau
August 9, Sun. Morning - Doors Open at 9:00am Festival Starts at 10:30am - 4:00pm (approx.)
August 9, Sun. Afternoon - Tahitian exhibition, 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!
