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Past Events 2010

Author and Artist Event with Victor C. Pellegrino and Linda Rowell Stevens
Author Event with Keahi Felix
Special Keiki Event with Author Christine Taylor Sprowl Tetak
Author Event with Clear Englebert
Konane Demonstration by The Konane Brothers
Live Performance By Local Musical Legend Cyril Pahinui
2010 Merrie Monarch Poster Signing with Artist Rod Cameron
Hula Performance with Stan Kaina and Leo Nahenahe 'O Pohai Kealoha
Lomilomi Massage and Hawaiian Plants Lecture and Demo with Suzanne Kamaluhia Woolley and Dane Silva
Local Musician Ben Kaili Live at Basically Books
African American History Event with Dr. Ayin Adams, Dr. Kathryn Waddell Takara, and Special Guest Helene Hale

Author and Artist Event with Victor Pellegrino and Linda Rowell Stevens
Uncle Kawaiola's Dream: A Hawaiian Story

On Saturday, August 21^st, Basically Books held a wonderful booksigning event with Victor Pellegrino and Linda Rowell Stevens, author and illustrator of Uncle Kawaiola's Dream: A Hawaiian Story! Written in English with Hawaiian words, this 'aina–based story focuses on lo'i kalo restoration on Maui, and centers around Uncle Kawaiola's "dream story" as told to his niece and nephew, Naupaka and Ho'ala. Based on his passion to restore his great grandfather Nahau's 'aina, Uncle Kawaiola faces challenges which he overcomes based on the Hawaiian cultural values of laulima and 'ohana. He teaches his niece and nephew that achieving a goal requires the help of one's family and community, and he learns from his mentor Kalima that "taking small steps" toward a goal is the way to reach it. The story is inspiring, healing, and grounding. Though marketed as a children's book, this excellent story can be enjoyed by readers of all ages!

Appropriately, our event with Vic and Linda was full of fans, friends and 'ohana! Aside from a small crowd of fans of all ages, the signing was attended by Vic's wife and son, and Linda's husband. Several of Linda's Qi Kung sisters also stopped by. The combination of readers and family made for a friendly group with many lively conversations. It was a great day!

Victor C. Pellegrino is a Professor of Writing at Maui Community College. He has received numerous teaching awards, and has published 13 books on topics ranging from poetry to cooking. Linda Rowell Stevens is a celebrated artist whose diverse talents include doll making, painting, sculpture, fashion design, jewelry, ceramics, and glass. What a taltented team! Both were a joy to have in the store, and we hope to welcome them back again soon.
Author Event with Keahi Felix
Wahine Noa: For the Life of My Country

On August 7^th Basically Books was proud to host a very special author event with Keahi Felix! Keahi's important new book, Wahine Noa: for the life of my nation is one woman's challenge to assumptions that regard Hawai'i as part of the United States, and lays out the case for how and why the opposite is true. Convinced that knowledge is better caught than taught, the author uses a variety of writing styles, including story telling, expository prose, and poetry, to invite readers into deeper levels of understanding and personal dialogue with the subject matter. The result is a beautiful and informative book that, rather then being about about U.S. bashing, is foremost a call to respect for the national integrity of Hawai'i. It is about transforming victimization into productive protest.

The book comes with a powerpoint CD that includes an imaginative story poem inspired by an event in the author's life that connects to the Kumulipo, the Hawaiian creation chant.

Born and raised in Hawai'i, Felix holds a B.A. from Chaminade University of Honolulu and an M.A. from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. As a Hawaiian National she has spent 20 years investigating the issues that surround the Hawaiian Kingdom's authentic legal and political status.

Our event with Keahi was powerful and informative. Keahi spoke and signed books for an enthusiastic and concerned audience, and everyone left a little better informed on this important subject. Mahalo to Keahi and everyone who helped make this a great event!
Keiki Event with Author Christine Taylor Sprowl Tetak
Legend of the Hula Moose

On July 31^st Basically Books hosted a delightful event with Christine Taylor Sprowl Tetak, author of the new children's book Legend of the Hula Moose! Hula Moose? Yes! This story is about two yearling moose separated from their mothers, who meet up and begin a search to reunite with their families. While searching, they mingle with a herd of longhorn cattle destined to be gifts for the Great King Kamehameha of Hawaii Island. The young moose pair are mistaken for a type of cow by Vancouver's inexperienced crew and captured with the rest of the cattle! After landing in Hawaii, they escape during a storm to the high mountain forests of Mauna Loa. They enjoy the cool climate on the mountain and the snow on the peak reminds them of their home in Canada. Over the years the moose remain free, share great adventures and raise a family. They are seen on rare occasions by cowboys searching for cattle, but only briefly as the moose prefer to live in solitude. These sightings, rejected by most as fable, spawn the Legend of the Hula Moose.

Christine, who is a first grade teacher at Guadalupe Elementary School in San Jose, California, was a delight to have in the store. Her warm and enthusiastic personality engaged her young listeners and inspired a lot of audience participation! Keiki were invited up to "man" the stuffed puppets provided by Tetak; several lucky children had great fun being the turtle, shark and octopus. Christine brought shell lei for the boys and silk flower wrist lei for the girls, as well as moose finger puppets for the children who helped with the puppets.

Everyone who attended enjoyed this wonderful event, and Christine was a delightful guest. We hope to welcome her back soon!
Author Event with Clear Englebert
Feng Shui Demystified

On May 29^th Basically Books was pleased to host an event with Feng Shui expert and friend of the store Clear Englebert! Englebert is the author of several bestselling feng shui books, including Feng Shui for Hawaii and the newly revised and expanded Feng Shui Demystified. Our event was attended by a small crowd of avid Feng Shui disciples, several of whom were already waiting when Clear arrived at the store! Clear brought a few props for a short demonstration, and counseled each person individually on their home. Everyone got a chance to share their questions and concerns, and everyone left with a smile on their face and a book in hand. Mr. Englebert even took some time after the event to talk to some of the Basically Books staff about our own houses.

Clear is a recognized feng shui expert, who has been featured many times on television programs and in print media. He is currently working on his next book, Feng Shui for Hawaii Gardens. We look forward to Clear's next book, and with it the opportunity to welcome this knowledgeable and gracious author back to the store! For more information on Clear Englebert and his work, please visit www.fungshway.com.
Konane Demonstration by The Konane Brothers

To finish off Merrie Monarch week, we welcomed Bob Belcher of the Konane Brothers! He gave a excellent demonstration of Konane, an ancient Hawaiian game that is equally enjoyable in modern times. Cyril Pahinui even stayed on after his performance to play a couple of rousing games of Konane with Mr. Belcher! A number of interested patrons also sat down to learn about and play Konane.

The Konane Brothers handcraft high–quality wooden Konane boards at their Volcano Village workshop, and sponsor demonstrations and tournaments to help perpetuate an ancient game for modern times. Their games are now on sale at Basically Books.
Live Performance By Local Musical Legend Cyril Pahinui

On Friday, April 9^th, we were happy to continue what is becoming a Basically Books tradition — a Merrie Monarch Week performance by local legend Cyril Pahinui! Uncle Cyril is a one of the greats — a true master slack key guitar artist. Cyril played some of his favorite songs, and reminisced about his father, Gabby, and growing up around music. Before playing the classic song "Hi'ilawe," he told about his experience visiting Waipio Valley and watching the children working in the taro fields—and how, as he looked up the valley he pondered on the fact that the water that the taro was growing in originated at the twin falls of Hi'ilawe. His rendition of that beloved song was very moving.

Cyril's wife, Chelle, graced us with a dance—as did several other members of the audience! A great time was had by all!
2010 Merrie Monarch Poster Signing with Artist Rod Cameron

Our Merrie Monarch Thursday continued with artist Rod Cameron, who stopped by the store to talk story and sign copies of the poster that he created for this year's Merrie Monarch Festival! A group with piles of posters was waiting for him to arrive. There are still signed copies available at the store, and Rod promised to continue supplying us with signatures. Rod has already been commissioned to work on the poster for next year, and he told us that he has already completed it—in his head. We look forward to seeing it when it is finished! Until then, you can catch more of his work on display at galleries throughout the islands.
Hula Performance with Stan Kaina and Leo Nahenahe 'O Pohai Kealoha

On April 8^th we were treated to another special Merrie Monarch Week event— an in–store performance with Stan Kaina and the ladies of halau Leo Nahenahe 'O Pohai Kealoha! Stan was joined by guest musicians on steel guitar and upright bass. An enthusiastic audience gathered to hear Stan's clear falsetto voice and watch the lovely and sometimes saucy dances of the ladies! A few audience members even joined the fun with impromptu dancing! There were plenty of smiles and laughter all around.

Stan and family were really in the Merrie Monarch spirit this year—they entered a float in the Merrie Monarch Parade, and it placed third! Congratulations Stan and Piilani!

We loved having such wonderful music and hula in our store. A big Mahalo from us to all of the performers!
Lomilomi Massage and Hawaiian Plants Lecture and Demo with Suzanne Kamaluhia Woolley and Dane Silva

Merrie Monarch Week 2010 continued on April 7^th with Suzanne Kamaluhia Woolley and Dane Silva! These Hawaiian healing experts treated us to a very informative presentation on the Hawaiian healing arts. Kamaluhia Woolley shared her thoughts on and approach to using Lomilomi and Hawaiian herbs in her spa treatments. Christine Reed, our owner, even got to be the subject of a Lomilomi massage demonstration! Dane Silva spoke about his favorite plants and their uses in Hawaiian healing. Both shared memories and thoughts about some of the elders, teachers and mentors who have shared knowledge with them.

Suzanne Kamaluhia Woolley owns and runs Hale Ho'ola Hawaiian Healing Arts Center and Spa in Volcano, and specializes in traditional and contemporary Hawaiian treatments that utilize local organic ingredients. Dane Silva is a licensed massage therapist and is certified as an instructor by the Hawaiian Lomilomi Association. He is a founding member of the Kupuna La'au Lapa'au 'O Hawai'i. We would be happy to welcome these two back to Basically Books any time!
Local Musician Ben Kaili Live at Basically Books

We kicked off this year's Merrie Monarch Week on April 6^th with a special in–store performance by Uncle Ben Kaili! Ben attracted an enthusiastic group of listeners, who were delighted with his signature slack key guitar and vocals. Several happy customers had him sign their CD covers so they could take a little bit of the event home with them. Uncle Ben's two CDs, Kaowahi and Kanakapila, are available at Basically Books.
African American History Event with Dr. Ayin Adams, Dr. Kathryn Waddell Takara, and Special Guest Helene Hale

On April 3^rd Basically Books was honored to host a special African American History Event with Dr. Ayin Adams and Dr. Kathryn Waddell Takara! Also in attendance was special guest of honor Helene Hale, the first woman of African descent to be elected to office in Hawaii. First up was Dr. Ayin Adams, editor of African Americans In Hawaii: A Search For Identity. She gave a brief talk about her journey collecting and editing this compilation, and her intention to continue the project by coming out with a new edition. She then presented Helene Hale with a plaque representing her Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to the community in Education and Politics.

Next up was Dr. Kathryn Waddell Takara, who presented a collection of her poetry entitled Tourmalines: Beyond the Ebony Portal. This stirring collection focuses on Black history and African Americans, represented by various colorful gemstones, with a variety of characteristics, properties and histories, and reflecting their unique experiences in their worlds. Dr. Takara gave a spirited and inspiring reading of several poems. As a long time professor and performance artist, her delivery was powerful and mesmerizing. It was a very inspiring and uplifting experience.

All in all, our African American History Event was...amazing. The guests were incredibly high–powered, articulate and generous–spirited women. The event was well attended by a wonderful group of equally energetic, educated and talented people who welcomed our guests with enthusiasm. Dr. Adams even discovered several audience members who she plans to interview for her next book! We at Basically Books look forward to welcoming back Dr. Adams, Dr. Takara, or Helene Hale anytime!
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