The duo HAPA, comprised of Barry Flanagan and Kapono Nailiili, will bring its signature sound, often described as the “Soundtrack of Hawaii,” to Kahilu Theatre on Nov. 1.
The duo HAPA, comprised of Barry Flanagan and Kapono Nailiili, will bring its signature sound, often described as the “Soundtrack of Hawaii,” to Kahilu Theatre on Nov. 1.
Just how does one describe the “Soundtrack of Hawaii?” Expect to hear hypnotic, liquid guitar runs woven around clear, tenor Hawaiian vocals and immaculate harmonies, driven by poetic lyrics exulting the rapture of the Hawaiian landscape, History, and Mythology. Add a dose of American folk-rock and you have what the Maui Times has described, as “the most exciting and beautiful contemporary Hawaiian music the world knows.”
The overriding quality of HAPA’s music is one of passion, beauty and serenity, found in the majestic tones of the oli (chant), mele (song), and the exhilarating innovative sounds of virtuoso guitar performances.
Flanagan is an American singer-songwriter and musician, and the founder of HAPA. He is known for his guitar and song writing skills, vocal performances, and ocean awareness projects. In 1980, Flanagan moved to Hawaii to research and study the art of kihoalu, or slack key guitar and haku mele, Hawaiian language song composition. In 1983, Flanagan founded the duo on the island of Maui, naming it “HAPA,” the Hawaiian word meaning “half” and also used to describe people of mixed Pacific Island ancestry.
Nailiili is known for his beautiful vocals, as well as his mastery of a multitude of instruments. A graduate of the University of Hawaii with a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian language, he uses those language skills during performances and on recordings, as well as his extensive experience in both the Hawaiian and contemporary music scenes. In 2007, he won Maui’s Falsetto Contest.
HAPA’s music has appeared in countless national TV shows and feature films, and the group was showcased in a PBS Documentary hosted by Peter Fonda, who describes HAPA as “The music of my Bali Hai.” They are also the first Hawaii musical act to be given the honor of being introduced and performing as themselves on the TV series, “Hawaii 5-0.”
In 1993, HAPA’s self-titled debut CD became the biggest selling CD by a group, or duo, in the history of recorded Hawaiian music. This release changed the tide, and thus terminology of music from Hawaii, since it was the first CD to establish itself outside of the musical category “Hawaiian music” and be referred to as “world music” by Billboard Magazine in 1993. In addition to the success of their debut release, all of HAPA’s releases have debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Magazine World Music Chart.
HAPA recently completed a tour on the West Coast, performing in California and Washington.
Tickets are $68/$58/$47/$20 and can be purchased online at www.kahilutheatre.org, by calling 885-6868, or at the Kahilu Theatre box office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.