The sounds of the Hawaiian Islands are coming to Camden County College’s Dennis Flyer Theatre, in the production, “An Evening with HAPA.” The event will take place on Saturday, March 8, at 8 p.m. HAPA is traditional Hawaiian band, comprised of New Jersey native Barry Flanagan, Ron Kuala`au, bassist, singer Tarvin Makia, and award-winning hula performer and hula dancer, Heali`i Stanley. In 1993, HAPA burst onto the Hawaiian music scene, sweeping the local Hawaiian Music Awards, and distinguishing themselves by combining soft pop and folk rock with Hawaiian “Slack Key” guitar, and soaring melodies sung in the native island language.
HAPA’s self-entitled debut CD released in 1993, was the first Hawaiian music CD to be referred to as “World Music” by Billboard Magazine.
All follow up CD releases have debuted in the top ten of Billboard Magazine World Music Chart. Their music has appeared in countless national television shows and feature films, and the group was showcased in a PBS documentary hosted by Peter Fonda.
“I’m thrilled with the opportunity to perform and share HAPA’s music in my native state of New Jersey. Even though I fell in love with the music and culture of Hawaii and make Hawaii my home, New Jersey is always close to my heart,” said Flanagan.
Opening for HAPA is another musician with local roots, Bill Wynne. Wynne grew up in Blackwood, and immersed himself in Hawaiian music and culture, though not of Hawaiian descent. Best known and awarded for his exceptional skill in the traditional Hawaiian art of falsetto singing, Wynne also plays the ukulele, slack key guitar, and steel guitar. He will release a new CD this summer.
“I am so honored to open for a group that has repeatedly revolutionized Hawaiian music over the last 20 years. And I am proud to return to my hometown to perform Hawaiian music for friends and family there for the first time since I moved away in 1982,” said Wynne, who resides in Ewing.
The concert will also feature participation from audience members from hula schools throughout the region, who will take the stage in a special number with HAPA.
The Mainstage Center for the Arts is responsible for presenting this performance to any Camden County residents. The event is set to take place in the newly-renovated, fully-accessible Dennis Flyer Theatre, at the Blackwood campus of Camden County College. For tickets, visit www.mainstage.org, or call (855) 936–2467, extension 3.Tickets range from $25 to $35.This event is sponsored by Comegno Law Group, P.C.
