Week-long “journey” to Song Contest has begun

March 17, 2005

Contributed by Liz Ahana

The journey began on Sunday, March 13 from 5-6 p.m. on Hawaiian KINE 105.1 radio - Territorial Airwaves, in its 26th year, featured guest Randie Fong in-studio sharing valuable insight into Song Contest and its history, as well as the songs students will be singing in the contest.

On Friday, March 18 at 7:15 a.m., Kamehameha Schools' teachers, Lilinoe Ka'ahanui and Tim Ho will be guests on the Channel 2 Morning News!
Mark it on your calendars!

Friday
- Preshow at 6:30 p.m. on KHON 2
- Song Contest live at 7:30 p.m. on KHON 2
- Radio simulcast on Hawaiian 105 KINE
- Live Webcast on Kamehameha Schools Website with assistance from NetEnterprise
- Broadcast live via Internet2 to KS Northwest Region alumni in Tacoma, Washington with assistance from the University of Hawai'i and the University of Washington-Tacoma (For more information on this event, contact Kawehi Manuel, (253) 272-2112, ext. 101 or kmanuel@mbapierce.com or Stan Dahlin, (425) 277-0293 or scdahlin@comcast.net)

Sunday
- Rebroadcast on Sunday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. on Hawai'i Public Television, channel 11.

"The Song Contest has developed into an event that not only celebrates our school and its traditions, but also Hawaiian music in general, said Tim Ho, Interim Head of Performing Arts. "We are able to reconnect with the music of our kupuna, and through the performances affirm our role as caretakers of the Song Contest tradition.

This year we are especially excited for the contest as the mele being performed are relatively unknown to the student body, but are familiar to our kupuna. This has allowed us to celebrate the music of the early 1900s, while simultaneously creating a bridge between generations of Hawaiians."This year, the men's song selections are peppy, upbeat and have a robust and strong sound, while the women's pieces are hula favorites and have a lilting and angelic sound.

Ho'ike - a viewer favorite will celebrate the theme, "Heroes of the Early 20th Century." Historic figures like Queen Lili'uokalani, Ikua Purdy, Duke Kahanamoku, Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole and Charles E. King will be honored in hula and mele.

A special mahalo to corporate sponsors, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Alexander & Baldwin and First Hawaiian Bank.