The Lili'u Project
The Lili`u Project is a journey into the heart and mind of Lydia Kamaka`eha Pākī, explored primarily through her music and poetry. The woman who would become Lili`uokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawai`i, was a gifted and prolific composer, leaving behind a musical legacy that was remarkably progressive and profoundly innovative for her time. Her songs continue to inspire, influence and enlighten, while offering insight into her life as an artist, a woman and an ali`i. This performance represents a collaborative effort involving musicians, artists, scholars, and students, under the auspices of Leeward Community College Theatre.
Our first installation is expressed in a live performance of ten compositions, nine of them by Lili`u. Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning vocalist Starr Kalahiki is backed by nine musicians, and choir members from Leeward Community College and UH West Oahu Chorus. Creators include Brett Fovargue, Starr Kalahiki, Jeff Kamakahi, Ehulani Kane, Alexis Laurence, Robert Massicotte, Joel Moffett, Don Ranney, and John Signor. Musicians include Aaron Garcia, Jon Hawes, Adriano Larioza, Sam Willis, and Streetlight Cadence. In addition, this production involves numerous artistic, technical and logistical collaborators.
We draw inspiration from a sash housed in the Bishop Museum bearing the inscription Mai poina oe ia u (Don’t forget me), signed Liliuokalani. It calls us to investigate, which we attempt through the learning, singing and sharing of her songs, while cultivating a sense of discovery and mindfulness in approaching her compositions. The Lili`u Project is ongoing, and we hope our inquiry encourages others to explore her poetry, and to give life to her songs.
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What We Need & What You Get
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The Lili`u Project needs $15,000 to help pay for our first installation at the Leeward Theatre. The costs for our project include compensation for professional musicians and collaborators, as well as rental fees for equipment and space.
- We have many perks available for our contributors, including posters, hand-crafted Hawaiian bamboo nose flutes, and even special performances from Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning vocalist Starr Kalahiki.
- If our goal cannot be reached, the funds will still go toward building our first installation.
Other Ways You Can Help
Please share this campaign with your friends and family, so that we can support the local arts in Hawai'i, and support the legacy of Queen Lili`uokalani.