Entertainment

After months of working on individual pieces and group projects, dancers of every variety will showcase their efforts on stage on May 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo Pacific Arts Center.

Each year, the beginning of May signals a Hawai’i tradition that looks and smells good. May 1st, is “He Mo’olelo ko ka Lei,” or A Story of the Lei, at the East Hawai’i Cultural Center.

For one night only, the Bayhouse overlooking the beautiful Keauhou Bay will host angelic soprano Chelsea Basler and velvet voiced Brian Major, in this yearly fundraising soiree for the Kona Hospital.

On April 20 and 21, the artistic vision of Kumu Hula Lani Isaac will be realized with the premiere of her new show, “Huakaʻi.” This event will benefit the students of the ‘Alohi Polynesian Dance Academy.

Entrance fees will be waived to Hawaii Volcanoes April 21-29 as National Park Week is celebrated with a variety of events.

Denis Azabagic, and Eugenia Moliner are internationally acclaimed musicians who will make a brief stop at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo’s Performing Arts Center on April 24, at 7:30 p.m.

Rooting for the underdog is so much fun in this plus-sized musical feature full of song and dance at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo’s Performing Arts Center. The first few shows have already concluded and cast members have taken their bows.

At the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on April 21, Halau Hula Ka Noʻeau, with kumu hula Michael Pili Pang, will perform traditional hula and chant at a free event from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

A week of Merrie Monarch Festivities concluded Saturday, April 14, with an exciting ʻauana hula competition and awards ceremony.

Hilo town shone brightly with vibrant hues, festive floats, gorgeous costumes and more at the 2012 Merrie Monarch Royal Parade.

The title of Miss Aloha Hula 2012 for the 49th Merrie Monarch Festival went to Rebecca Lilinoekekapahauomaunakea Sterling of Ka`ōhao (Lanikai), O`ahu.

On Friday the 13th, the Merrie Monarch Festival continues with the group Kahiko Competition with groups of Wahine (women), and Kane (men) halau. Kahiko means “ancient style,” making the hula Kahiko performances a very traditional artform and exhibition.

They use their whole body and breath to tell a story. In chant and song, young women aged 18 to 25, will compete in the night’s solo competition to be crowned this year’s Miss Aloha Hula.

This year from April 11 through April 14, citizens will get to peruse booth after booth of these man-made goods and products, to be featured during this year’s Merrie Monarch Festival.

Every year this sold out event draws thousands of people to the Edith Kanakaʻole Tennis Stadium for a week of hula competition and connection to native culture.

On April 8, sleepy Hilo will be roused from its usual slumberous pace with the vibrant exuberance and energy of local hula halau performing throughout the day.

On April 1, the Kamuela Philharmonic will present a special comically entertaining event that will take the “stuffiness” out of classical music.

The weekend isn’t over yet; Sunday March 25 at 7 p.m., singer and guitarist Raul Midon will perform his rather contemporary brand of jazz and percussive guitar. His smooth tenor entrances audiences worldwide.

The black glassy asphalt of Waikola will feel the pounding of paced bi-pedal motion on Friday March 30, at 5 p.m. The Lavaman Sunset 5k is a yearly run geared toward family fun and fitness.

From 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on March 24, community members will be given information and a forum to voice their concerns, offer opinions, talk-story, and give suggestions.