Minnesota Public Radio Feature

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Minnesota Sounds and Voices
Dan Olson, Minnesota Public Radio, February 13, 2013
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The closest many people in the continental United States come to the Hawaiian Islands and their music is likely from poor interpretations offered by television shows or old movies. Indeed, for years Elvis Presley’s stereotypical rendition of Blue Hawaii, from the 1961 film, probably was the sound mistaken for the real thing.

Minnesotans who want to hear a more authentic sampling of Hawaii’s rich musical heritage can take heart in the work of the Lau Hawaiian Collective.  Continue reading →

Minnesota Guitar Society E-Interview

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Guitarist (Newsletter of the Minnesota Guitar Society), Volume 28 No. 1, January/February 2012
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Q: How did the Water Songs project come about?
A: I was interested in creating a concert program and recording of Hawaiian music that would be appealing and relevant to Minnesotans. I brainstormed ideas for a project that could weave music, history, and current issues together, but couldn’t seem to find just the right theme. Then one day while driving to St. Paul, I found myself chanting “No ke aha ka wai,” a hula ‘ili‘ili (hula with water-washed pebbles) about fresh water that my late teacher Pohaku Nishimitsu taught me and some of my Rose Ensemble colleagues several years ago. It all suddenly fit together: Hawaii and Minnesota historically and presently share a love and reverence for fresh water—why not begin illustrating that connection by bringing some of Hawaii’s fresh water-themed songs to Minnesota? Continue reading →