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| Spotlight Archive August 2008 Cecilio & Kapono, Back in the Day Tour While not exactly overnight sensations, Cecilio and Kapono did meet under fortuitous circumstances and went from relative unknowns to sellout crowds in less than one year. Thirty-five years of touring and hit songs later, the two musicians still pack theaters across the globe and their CDs and DVDs are snapped up as fast as their feel-good songs are hotly downloaded. “Our fans know every word, every beat of our songs,” explains Cecilio, “They take home the CDs or download their favorite songs and become familiar. They come to the concerts all around the world and sing along, sometimes so loud they drown us out.” Those loyal fans keep the duo going on their hectic performance schedule. “It’s the people we meet, everywhere we go. Hawaiians who relocated to the mainland and made a community, just as there is in Denver.” Back in 1973, Cecilio was music director and guitarist for the Little Anthony Imperials show in Las Vegas, and Kapono was playing in Pakaolo, near his home in Oahu. When an agent sent Cecilio a one-way ticket to Hawaii, he was less than thrilled, “I thought Hawaii was not exactly a musical Mecca. But a free trip to Hawaii sounded great,” recalls Cecilio. A chance meeting at a party on Sunset Beach in Oahu found the two singing and playing together. “We just looked at each other,” said Kapono, “It was an instant connection”. Three months later, playing to a few pool players and crickets at the Rainbow Villa, Cecilio and Kapono received an incredible opportunity ― opening for Frank Zappa. The crowd loved them and Zappa himself encouraged them to return for an encore. That night, a crowd filled and overflowed into the street at the Rainbow Villa. “The rest,” observed Kapono, “is history”. History will repeat August 23 when Cecilio and Kapono return to the Waikiki Shell, 35 years after setting their yet- unbroken attendance record at the venue. Luckily for Denver fans, they will perform on September 18 at the Gothic Theatre. All proceeds from ticket sales in Denver will benefit the Pi’ilani Hawaiian Civic Club of Colorado scholarship, education and community programs and some proceeds from the Hawaii concert, tour and album sales will benefit another excellent and worthy cause, the Keiki O Ka’Aina Family Learning Center. A free download of Cecilio and Kapono’s sure-to-be next hit song, “Back in the Day” is available at their website, www.cnk35.com. Pi’ilani Hawaiian Civic Club of Colorado chartered in 1998 and a member of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, is an impassioned group made up of native Hawai’ians and Polynesians, current and former residents of Hawai’i, and people who care deeply about our 50th state, its culture, as well as the broad mainland community. Pi’ilani’s vision is to share their love of Hawai’i and to come together to benefit their adopted state of Colorado through music, dance, language and education. Entering their 10th anniversary year, Pi’ilani is taking this opportunity to look forward and emerge as a strong force for positive growth in Denver and beyond. Pi’ilani develops programs that create a deeper understanding of ancient and contemporary Hawaiian traditions, and strives to strengthen a community of people who share a common ancestry, background or interest in Hawai’i. In addition to expanding the reach and scope of their educational and benevolent programs, Pi’ilani is now in a very unique and exhilarating position to bring world-renowned and beloved Hawaiian talent to Colorado. May 2008 In celebration of Lei Day (May 1) our first Spotlight is on Maile Inagaki. Enjoy! Leis – Not Just for Luau Maile Inagaki, owner Little Grass Shack When she isn’t dancing with her hula halau, Maile Inagaki can usually be found making leis according to Hawaiian tradition. Her business, Little Grass Shack, is popular not only for local luaus, people also order beautiful leis and other Hawaiian floral accessories for graduations, funerals, Mother’s Day, and to celebrate other occasions. “One customer gave leis to her guests as a hint as to the surprise trip to Hawaii she arranged,” explained Maile, “Leis are for an occasion; not just for luaus.” Although most of her family now lives in Hawaii, and Maile attended the University of Hawaii, she is actually a Denver native and says she knew that Colorado would be a welcoming place for her lei-making shop. “I launched Little Grass Shack in the dead of a Colorado winter, in my garage, with no heat,” she said. “What’s great about the Hawaiian community is that Colorado weather doesn’t stop them. A couple of years ago on Lei Day (May 1), hundreds of people turned up in deep snow to celebrate and watch boot-clad hula dancers.” Perseverance and drive grew the business and Maile went from local craft fairs to a spot on Channel 2 News in March 2008. Business is booming as Spring approaches and Maile looks forward to the events, such as the Rocky Mountain Polynesian Luau on May 3, 2008 – where you’ll find Maile manning the Little Grass Shack booth; and the graduations, weddings and other celebrations for which she will provide gorgeous handmade leis. For more information on Maile, Little Grass Shack, and her selection of fresh flowers and handmade leis, please call (720) 974-4090 or visit her website: www.spreadingaloha.com Have a suggestion for our Spotlight feature? Send your idea to: bigkahuna@alohadenver.com |
Cecilio Rodriguez and Henry Kapono Ka'aihue