HAPA’s crystal clear tones evoke images, encapsulate feelings, and trigger memories of old Hawai’i. On May 12, at 7 p.m., the Kilauea Theater in Volcanoes National Park will fill with the sweet strains of two musicians that garner respect and world renown.
HAPA founder, Barry Flanagan and Ron Kuala’au tour worldwide. They gig year-round, have won a bevy of Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, have performed for the guys from Hawai’i 5-O, and in Flanagan’s case, got some screen time with Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman, in that rom-com “Just Go With It.” With accolades from the New York Times, Billboard Magazine and LA Times, to name a few, HAPA is still gratified awe-inspired and humbled by the cultures and people they perform for.
Kuala’au and New Jersey born Flanagan are a visual polarity. One is local, and the other is a local ha’ole. The skin-deep differences aside, these guys are of one mind with lyrical melodies, harmonic blends, and adherence to native musical styles. HAPA is a combo that elevates local music to a world music stage with its addictive folk blend flair and distinctive Hawaiian slack key guitar.
HAPA, image courtesy.
HAPA, named from the Hawaiian word hapa, or half, describes a person of mixed ethnicity, and is apropos for the local and Caucasian combination of the band. HAPA experiments, blends and articulates a new wave sound that ripples from Hawai’i, while maintaining its cultural integrity.
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Tickets are $37 for adults and $34 for Volcano Arts Center members, seniors, military and students. For more information visit www.volcanoartscenter.com, or call 808-967-8222. The Kilauea Theater is located within Volcanoes National Park.
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