The History of Hawaiian Music ...

THE HAWAIIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY invites its members and friends to a free public program, The History of Hawaiian Music, presented by H. K. Bruss Keppeler on Thursday, September 21, 2006, at the Mission Memorial Auditorium, located at 550 South King Street, Honolulu. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the program begins at 7:30 p.m.

Mr. Keppeler begins his history of Hawaiian music with traditional Hawaiian olio. He discusses the impact of the early post-contact years, when Hawaiians were exposed to the music of the Western or non-Polynesian world. This music ranged from the lively sea chanties sung by the early visiting mariners to the more solemn hymns introduced by the missionaries.

Hawaiians embraced this form of expression and made it their own. For the most part, the earliest (1820–1872) Hawaiian compositions have been lost but much remains from the period between 1872 and 1900. A new Hawaiian music appeared during this time and Mr. Keppeler will discuss Na Lani 'Eha, the royal composers (Kalakaua, Lili'uokalani, Leleiohoku, and Likelike.)

From 1895 to 1915, Hawaiian music changed again with the introduction of ragtime. The year 1903 brought the "invention" of hapa haole music and the "discovery" of the 'ukulele, soon to become a staple in Hawaiian musical performances. Hawaiian troubadours spread this music to the American continent and Europe in Hawaiian themed stage productions like The Bird of Paradise (opening in 1912) which helped to popularize Hawaiian music around the world.

Tin-Pan-Alley versions of hapa haole music spread across the U.S. into the 1930s and beyond. During this time, the popular radio program "Hawai'i Calls," transmitted live from Hawai'i directly into American homes.

Hawaiian music has continued to evolve with Hawaiian composers and entertainers from Tandy MacKenzie to Alfred Apaka to Don Ho to Iz, all adding their flavors to the mix. During his presentation, Mr. Keppeler will take us on a fantastic musical journey.

about H. K. Bruss Keppeler...

Mr. Keppeler is an attorney concentrating in business law, real estate law (including Hawaiian land titles), estate planning law, administrative law and lobbying. He has a B.A. in public administration and a J.D. from the University of Washington in Seattle. Of Hawaiian ancestry and a student of Hawaiian history, he has advocated for the preservation of the Hawaiian culture and the betterment of conditions for Hawaiians for nearly forty years.

He is a past president of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, a confederation of fifty-one civic clubs located in eight states and the District of Columbia. He has served on numerous community boards and is at present a member of the Bishop Museum Association Council and the Boards of Directors of the Friends of Iolani Palace, Moanalua Gardens Foundation, and the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce.

additionally...

The Mission Memorial Auditorium, 550 South King Street, Honolulu, is located next to Honolulu Hale (city hall). Parking for events at the auditorium is available in the City and County Civic Parking Garage. Enter on Alapai Street or on South Beretania Street, across from the Board of Water Supply.