Waipuna
Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 8pm
presented by Irvine Barclay Theatre
Series Sponsor:
The Hiland Foundation
Richard and Elizabeth Steele Fund
This performance will include one 15-minute intermission.
Kale Hannahs: Bass & Vocals
Matthew Kawaiola Sproat: Guitar & Vocals
David Kamakahi: ‘Ukulele, Guitar & Vocals
Songs will be announced from the stage.
Please, no video or audio recording of any kind. CDs are available for purchase in the lobby.
"After years of performing, and four stellar CDs, these musicians have established their roles in the cycle of mele (songs) that nurture, revitalize, and replenishe our spirit, just as wai (water) gives us life, and enriches life with treasures, connections, relationships, memories–waiwai." —Amy K Stillman, Hawaiian Music for Listening Pleasure, 2018
Now celebrating over 12 years at the forefront of Hawaiian contemporary music, Waipuna consistently wins Na Hōkū Hanohano (Hawai‘i’s “Grammys”) awards every time they have released a new album. From 2012 to the present, their total of 8 awards honors their sound that combines powerful musicianship, beautiful harmonies, and deep affection for traditional songs with an upbeat delivery that makes them so popular.
Waipuna is an exciting collaboration of three talented individuals: David Kamakahi, Kale Hannahs, and Matthew Sproat, all hailing from celebrated Hawaiian musical families. Their eclectic musical backgrounds, yet similar tastes in music, have led to their unique sound that draws comparisons to their name: waipuna, “a deep well spring where fresh water bursts forth — [their] songs connect to the cultural and spiritual foundations of the group.” —Honolulu Star-Advertiser
After the release of their critically acclaimed first album, Mana'o Pili, in 2009, Kale and Matt, then a duo, began touring throughout Hawaiʻi, and select venues in the continental U.S. and Japan. David joined them on their sophomore release, E Ho'i Mai, a collection of songs that pay tribute to their roots and recognizing the people who helped guide them. The band officially became a trio by the time they reached the Nā Hōkū Hanohano (Hawai’i’s Grammys) award ceremony in 2012, where they won 3 awards for best Group, Island Contemporary, and Single. They went on to win the Single of the Year award again in 2013 and 2019, 3 more awards in 2014 and 2015.
Kale, Matt, and David bring a fresh and contemporary energy to Hawaiian classics and to the island sound, preserving tradition while moving it into the 21st century. Hawaiian heritage is thriving, and Waipuna, whose name means spring waters (i.e., resource, life force), reflects both the traditions passed forward from the previous generations and the transformations that keep culture alive for the generations to come.
Pasifika Artists Network
Karen A. Fischer
1-808-283-7007
karen@pasifika-artists.com
www.pasifika-artists.com
Season Sponsor
Venue Sponsor
