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Annual Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Kiekie Contest
Friday (Sept. 25), 6pm, McCoy Studio Theater, MACC, Kahului, $20 door/$15 advance/$15 kupuna (55+)/free for keiki 12 & under

by Anuhea Yagi

September 24, 2009

Kahakuloa-born brothers Richard and Solomon Ho’opi’i are the renowned duo that is The Ho’opi’i Brothers, and were in 1997 the recipients of the prestigious National Endowment of the Arts Folk Heritage Fellowship. While “Uncle Sol” may have retired in 2000, “Uncle Richard” has continued to perform, and in 2003 released his first solo album Ululani. His contribution to The Spirit of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar undoubtedly helped earn the album its Grammy nomination for Best Hawaiian Music Album. With such a long history of accolades and contributions to the perpetuation of Hawaiian music and culture, it’s no wonder Uncle Richard is the honored namesake of the Annual Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Kiekie Contest, now in it’s 8th year. The competition features the finest amateur falsetto performers while the awesome Alaka’i Paleka emcees (alongside, naturally, Uncle Richard himself). One Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732. 808-242-7469.