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The Third
Annual Hula Association of the MidWest’s
“Hawaiian
Hula Days” was
a big success in Chicago.
The event was held on August 7, 8 and 9.
President Kathy Griep greeted participants, who
came from various Midwestern states, on Friday
evening at the Hilton Hotel in Lisle/Naperville.
The event began with two ukulele classes.
Beginners and well-seasoned ukulele players had
a great time not only learning new Hawaiian
songs, but singing and dancing hula to them too.
Local resident Calvin Lee warmed everyone with
his humorous stories of playing the uke while
Maui kumu hula Uluwehi Guerrero continued the
class with advanced chords and more Hawaiian
strumming.
On Saturday and Sunday kumu hula Uluwehi,
along with his two ala’kai’s Leilani and Noelani,
taught the participants three hula dances
including a pu’ ili number and one chant.
Uluwehi’s patient and award winning style made
the class enjoyable and impressionable.
Over fifty women and girls attended the
workshop, which was open to Hawaiians and
Hawaiian-at-heart. There were also vendors
who sold Hawaiian merchandise like kukui nuts
leis and costumes. There was even a lomi
lomi masseuse offering his services.
On Saturday night, the Makaha Sons performed at
the Wentz Concert Hall. The Sons are
a big favorite, and the concert was “mai ka’i.”
Moon, John and Jerome really know how to make
their audience feel the music. Hula dancers from
various halaus also danced. The evening
ended when all the hula dancers joined the Sons
on the stage. People are already asking
about the next concert. Kathy will have
her hands full preparing for the next workshop
and concert.
If you missed it this year, plan on being in
Chicago next year for the fourth annual event.
See you there. Aloha!!!!
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