New York: From the Big Island to the Big Apple

Na Oiwi NYC presents From The Big Island to The Big Apple, a Mother’s Day celebration with traditional Hawaiian master weaver, musician, and storyteller Sam Kama and ohana on Saturday, May 8 at the American Indian Community House, 11 Broadway, in New York.

Kama and ohana kick off the 2010 Pasifika month at AICH. Kama is an accomplished Hawaiian slack-key guitar player having studied under legendary masters Gabby Pahinui and Raymond K?ne. Sam was born in Honolulu and will be in New York for the first time presenting cultural workshops he’s shared with children and schools throughout Hawai’i through his community organization Apopo O Na Kamali’i or The Children of Tomorrow. He will be offering his popular hands-on lau niu (coconut frond) and lau hala (pandanus) weaving workshops. Participants will learn how to weave and learn about the historic uses of these indigenous materials and crafts in Hawai’i. In addition to weaving, lei making, hula, ipu ‘ole, and ‘ukulele workshops will also be offered. Make your very own special Mother’s Day gift whether it be a papale (hat), ‘ohana (family) bowl, or lei. The workshops will culminate with a potluck pa’ina (party) featuring Sam and ‘Ohana sharing Hawaiian stories through music, song, chant and dance.

WORKSHOPS 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Choose from four distinct and unique workshops whether lau niu (coconut frond) weaving, lauhala (pandanus) weaving, Ti-leaf & Hili Haku and Ipu ‘Ole workshops. Each workshop is $50 which includes the cost of materials from Hawai’i. Save $10 towards each additional workshop when signing up for more than 1 workshop. Sign up for 4 workshops and receive 1 free workshop. Hula and ‘ukulele workshops: $30. $20 rental ‘ukuleles available, to purchase an ‘ukulele please inquire with N? ‘?iwi NYC.

POTLUCK PA’INA TO FOLLOW 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Live slack key guitar, hula dancing, talk story, and food. $10 donation. For more information, call (212) 598-0100. For pre-registration and more details please e-mail [email protected]. Pre-registration received by May 1st will receive a $5 discount or pay the full amount the day of the workshop. Cash only.