‘In Dis Life,’ a Tribute to Bruddah Iz at Kahilu Theatre

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Kahilu Theatre courtesy image.

Two concert tributes to the great Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, featuring Hōkū Zuttermeister and band, Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, and Halau Hula ‘O Kahikilaulani, will happen over the weekend at Kahilu Theatre.

The May Day weekend “In Dis Life” performances will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 1.

During the performance, Zuttermeister, a serial Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards winner, will sing some of Kamakawiwo’ole’s favorites, such as “La Elima,” “Kaleohano,” “Pupu O Ni’ihau,” “Henehene Kou Aka,” “E Ku’u Morning Dew,” and the nahenahe “Kainoa.”

Hōkū Zuttermeister. Kahilu Theatre courtesy photo.

Zuttermeister will also showcase new songs from his album by storied Hawaiian music writers such as Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Al Makahinu “Pops” Barcarse, and Chad Takatsugi.

Hewett, a beloved kumu hula, composer, singer and chanter, has spent over 50 years living and teaching the legacy of hula and ho`ola

Hula dancers from Halau Hula ‘O Kahikilaulani and their kumu hula Nahoku Gaspang, 2016 Merrie Monarch winners of hula kahiko wahine, will join Hōkū and Kawaikapu during the show.

Making, bringing, and give lei is being encouraged by Kahilu.

Together with the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau, Kamakawiwo’ole recorded 21 albums, winning multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards before branching out to conduct solo work. It was then that Kamakawiwo’ole went on to release “Facing Future,” his first solo album, which remains the top selling Hawaiian music album in the world.

“Facing Future” was the launching pad for Kamakawiwo’ole’s incredible solo recording career that led to an additional five albums.

Tickets to the show are $20, $47, $58 and $68. They can be purchased online at the Kahilu Theatre website or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office, open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.