So this past weekend was the group's first "production" ho`ike (show or display). A big mahalos to all the stage managers, parent leaders and dozens of volunteers who came together to help produce an amazing show. A few months of hard work, choke practices and countless hours came together in one memorable night for a few hundred proud parents, sisters, brothers, aunties, uncles, grandmas and grandpas.
I can honestly say that I was very proud of the drumming core who came together for the show. We've all worked very hard to clean up the drumming to a point where it could pass for an actual Tahitian drumming piece, combining arata'i (lead, basic, traditional) beats with new style orooro (3-4 part sound) beats.
We had...
4 to'ere drummers: Janelle [mua], Clyde & Anthony [ropu], me [muri]
2 pahu (tari parau) drummer: Leilani & James
2 fa'atete drummers: Mike & Sonny
1 pahu tupa'i rima drummer: Desiree
Finally, a pretty legit group!
Here's a picture from Bryson Kim's website:
I'll probably catch some major cracks for saying this, but $25 for a 1hr-1.5hr show, no dinner (minor), no raffles (minor) and of all things, no photography and videos (huh????).
Ok, ok, ok, I get if there were several photographers there getting pictures of every dancer in every dance (which didn't happen). I mean, some of these families came from far away to watch their younger (and even older!) family members perform in what could have been their very first "big" show. I even heard through the coconut wireless that the emcee's were singling people out for having their cameras out. C'mon, really!?!? I HOPE that's not true...
How do you tell these aunties and tutu's:
"Eh, no can take pictures and videos of them! I know it's their first time and they're only 7 years old, but if you like, you can buy pictures from us later (if we took one of him/her). Oh, you want a video of their dance? $35 for the DVD of the entire show."
Asking these families to drop 2 benji's on tickets, then have them spend more kala on a DVD that may not even capture their family member's moments... I thought we were there to share the joy of the moment, celebrate everyone's accomplishments and malama the families that have supported the group?
I$ this the Aloha $pirit we're $preading? I hope not.
Anyway, aside from that issue, all the parents and volunteers need to be recognized for their hard work and dedication. Without them, there wouldn't be a show, period. Overall, it was a good time and a fun show, but now it's time to focus on the future and learn from our mistakes.
From their Facebook page:
Anuhea was also there and she got up and cracked out a couple songs, including "How Does It Feel". The Green. Anuhea. $15. HELL YEAH!!!! Next time they're in your town, you better jump on it! 
The Green: 
