In this episode of Talking Art, Kevin Maynard sits down with Pono Fernandez and Shawn Pimentel, two dynamic members of the acclaimed Hawaiian music group Kulaiwi. As they prepare for their upcoming performance in the Quad Cities as part of the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series on October 3rd, Pono and Shawn share their insights on the profound impact of Hawaiian culture, music, and hula.
Listeners will learn what students and educators can expect during Kulaiwi's school performances, where the group will immerse audiences in Hawaiian culture through interactive experiences, including hula demonstrations and lessons on traditional Hawaiian songs. Pono and Shawn discuss the significance of these educational performances, emphasizing their role in fostering a deeper understanding of Hawaiian language and history amidst a contemporary context.
Moreover, the episode delves into the evening performance's highlights, where the trio—comprising Shawn, Lehua Kalima Alvarez, and Kawika Kahiapu—will narrate stories of their people through music. From pre-contact history to modern issues like colonization and language rights, the evening promises to be an enriching exploration of the Hawaiian experience, beautifully complemented by Pono’s hula performances that bring the stories to life.
Pono and Shawn also reflect on their personal journeys in music and hula, highlighting how their family legacies have shaped their artistic paths. Hula, they explain, transcends mere performance; it embodies a lifestyle and serves as a spiritual connection to the natural world. The duo articulates the importance of sharing their culture authentically, aiming to inspire curiosity and dialogue about Hawaiian traditions while finding common ground with other indigenous cultures through the power of music and storytelling.
Finally, the name “Kulaiwi,” meaning "native lands," holds special significance for the group, symbolizing their commitment to honoring ancestral connections and the land itself. Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of Hawaiian cultural expression and the mission behind Kulaiwi's music, creating a bridge of understanding and appreciation for listeners everywhere.
