Barry Flanagan, one of the world’s premier Hawaiian guitarists, demonstrates during Thursday’s workshop in the EMU.
Students can escape from the chill of Oregon to experience the thrill of Hawaiian music and culture at the Mele Hula performance tonight at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. The show starts at 8 p.m. in Silva Hall, and tickets are on sale from $18 to $26.
Mele Hula features traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music and dance by Jerry Santos of Olomana, Hapa guitarist Barry Flanagan, Ernie Cruz Jr. of Ka’au Crater Boys, chanter and storyteller Charles Ka’upu, Nathan Aweau of the Don Ho Band, and hula performer Moea Sylva DeFries.
Flanagan, best-known for his songwriting and Hawaiian slack key guitar style, said that Mele Hula is excited to be performing in Eugene. Flanagan has been to the city several times over the last few years, and his first show here was at WOW Hall in 1995.
“The overall vibe of Eugene is really special,” Flanagan said. “The people here are so supportive of contemporary Hawaiian music.”
Flanagan, along with Santos, hosted a contemporary Hawaiian songwriting workshop Thursday evening at the University. The workshop was interactive with students engaging Flanagan and Santos in a discussion about songwriting and slack key guitar.
“To me, it’s a lot of fun to be able to share the stuff I know and see someone wanting to weave it into their musical style,” Flanagan said. “When you have people who are hungry to learn, it’s really a lot of fun.”
Ka’upu also conducted a workshop Thursday at the University on Hawaiian chant and hula. Ka’upu, who has a 25-year background in teaching the history and culture of Hawaii, said he loved having the opportunity to interact with students at the University.
“It’s great because when I’m teaching a student, they’re kind of hungry and eager to learn,” Ka’upu said. “They want the knowledge.”
For students who missed yesterday’s workshops but still want to experience a little piece of Hawaii, Ka’upu said he encourages them to see Mele Hula. He said people from all kinds of backgrounds, not just those of Hawaiian descent, can appreciate the Hawaiian chant, hula and instrumental guitar pieces of tonight’s show.
“It perhaps might not be for everybody, but if you’re open and willing to give it a chance, you end up loving our music,” Ka’upu said. “It’s a direct reflection of our life back home.”
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