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Past Events 2009

Special Performance Event with the Women of Ho'okupu
Author Event with Siegfried Ramler
Author Event with Gill McBarnet
Black & White Night 2009!
Author Event with Gaellen Quinn
Local Musicians Lou Ann Gurney and Leonard Kubo Live at Basically Books
Special Hula and Music Event with Uncle Stan Kaina and
Na Leo Nahehahe O Pohai Kealoha
Booksigning Event with Illustrator Jan Moon — New Revised Edition of Hilo Legends!
Author Event with Janice Crowl and Harinani Orme
Author Event with Quentin Tomich
Local Musician Cyril Pahinui Live at Basically Books
Author Event with Cliff Kapono
Local Musician Ben Kaili Live at Basically Books
Author Event with John Tanaka
Author Event with Dr. John Turner
Author Event with Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl
Author Event with Tammy Yee
Chinese New Year 2009 in Downtown Hilo
Author Event with Dr. Billy Bergin

Special Performance Event with the Women of Ho'okupu: Jackie Pualani Johnson, Doodie Cruz, Kanani Aton and More!

On December 12^th, Basically Books hosted a very special event with some of the authors included in the exciting new collection Ho'okupu: An Offering of Literature by Native Hawaiian Women. But these amazing women turned out to be more than authors—they are performers, artists, and all–around talented and charming people! The day was a blessing and a treat for all who attended, including our own Basically Books family!

Pua Kanahele started the event with a chant from her selection in the book. She was followed by Kanani Aton, who read a selection of her work. Next, Doodie Cruz and her crew set up for their rendition of her play "Whose Nose Dat?" which was performed by Doodie, her sister Desiree and a cast of family and friends. This funny and touching play takes place in the maternity ward of the hospital and explores the family tradition of massaging a baby's nose. (In the audience was Desiree's husband who, it turns out, was one of the subjects of the play!) Jackie Johnson closed the event with a powerful reading of several of her poems.

At the end of the event everybody, including the performers, got a surprise—local musical legend Cyril Pahinui showed up unexpectedly to see what was going on! The ladies quickly organized an impromptu reading just for him.

We definitely enjoyed this event, and were thankful for the opportunity to celebrate the talented Native Hawaiian women right here in Hilo. We hope they put together another collection soon!
Author Event with Siegfried Ramler
Nuremberg and Beyond: The Memoirs of Siegfried Ramler From 20^th Century Europe to Hawaii

On December 10^th, 2009, Basically Books had the honor of welcoming distinguished author and educator Siegfried Ramler, who presented his memoir, Nuremberg and Beyond: The Memoirs of Siegfried Ramler From 20^th Century Europe to Hawaii. This compelling book chronicles Ramler's life, from his childhood in Austria, through escape from Nazi Germany via Kindertransport, to life in London during the World War II Blitz, to his role as interrogator and simultaneous interpreter at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials, and finally to Hawaii and a long career in education. What an amazing life!

Our event with Mr. Ramler was attended by an interested and attentive audience, and quickly turned into a lively discussion. The Hilo members of the German club were excited to hear Seigfried speak about his life in Germany and the long route he took to get to Hawaii. An unexpected surprise was Max Goldberger, a Holocaust survivor, communist refugee, rocket scientist and bon vivant who soon had us all listening to his World War II stories. He and Mr. Ramler compared notes on their experiences in the European theatre during the long war. Educators and Hilo colleagues of Siegfried's also stopped by to talk story and visit with him. It was a very interesting and informative event, and we at Basically Books learned a lot from the stories and experiences shared by all.
Author Event with Gill McBarnet
Happy as a Dolphin: A Child's Celebration of Hawaii

On December 5^th, 2010, Basically Books was pleased to welcome back to the store Gill McBarnet, one of our favorite local children's book authors! Gill was signing and reading her latest book, Happy as a Dolphin: A Child's Celebration of Hawaii. This charming story, written in appealing rhyme, explores Hawaii through the lively activities most enjoyed by Island keiki. Whether jumping from a wave, threading flowers one by one to make a lei, or swaying gracefully as a hula dancer young readers are invited to celebrate Hawaii's diversity, natural beauty and the calmness and joy that come with life in the islands.

Our event with Gill was well attended by fans of all ages. A highlight of the afternoon was a visit from several young dancers and their families who were involved the ballet adaptation of The Goodnight Gecko, one of Gill's most popular books. Gill was also especially happy to see Cheryl "Quack" Moore, President of the Friends of the Palace Theater, who stopped by to say hi and pick up copies of Happy as a Dolphin for relatives on the mainland.

We love visits from Gill almost as much as we love her delightful books. We hope to welcome her back again soon!
Another Great Black & White Night in Downtown Hilo!

Another November, another amazing Black & White Night in Downtown Hilo! This year, we celebrated our favorite Hilo tradition with the musical stylings of The Hilo Crybabies, who performed their signature vintage tunes at Basically Books at 7:00pm. What a talented group! We all enjoyed their fun and nostalgic renditions.

Of course, the party went beyond our store—all of Downtown was hopping with Black & White Night spirit! Live music and other events took place all around Downtown Hilo. In addition to The Hilo Crybabies at Basically Books, free music was featured at Bytes & Bites, Cafe Pesto, Dreams of Paradise Gallery, Ka Huina Gallery, Koehnen's Interiors, Ohana Grill at Kaikodo, Orchid Isle Party Supplies, Village Toy Shop, The Palace Theater, and just about every street corner. Once again, Black & White Night included a Treasure Hunt—it was fun to see everybody, young and old, get so involved! From families to couples to groups of college students, the whole town was out, all dressed in their best black and white outfits to celebrate Hilo's longest running and most elegant street party.

For more information about Black & White Night, please visit www.poshfestivals.com.
Author Event with Gaellen Quinn
The Last Aloha

On Saturday, August 29th, Basically Books held an exciting author event with Gaellen Quinn, who stopped by to sign her new novel The Last Aloha. More than just another novel about the tropical islands, this well–researched story explores the compelling events that led to far–off Hawaii becoming a part of America—suppressed for nearly 100 years, it's a story known to few.

In 1886, Laura Jennings boards a steamship bound for the exotic islands of Hawaii to live with missionary relatives she's never met. Laura imagines that she will live in a grass hut and minister to "savages." Upon arriving in Honolulu, however, she is surprised to find that far from being savages, the Hawaiians have developed a charming and prosperous kingdom—and Laura's family is among the wealthy elite plotting to overthrow the monarchy. She is soon swept up in a web of intrigue and turmoil as the Missionary Party intensifies its scheme to topple the throne and Hawaii's last queen, Lili'uokalani, struggles heroically to save the kingdom. When every way is blocked, the queen chooses reveal to Laura a power capable of restoring the spirit of a people caught in a turbulent, changing world, and Laura discovers how her own family's long–hidden secrets can lead the way to reconciliation.

A spirited group of readers attended our event with Gaellen Quinn. Gaellen shared some "chicken skin" stories about the writing of the book, her insights into the time of the overthrow of Lili'uokalani gleaned from her research, and answered questions from the audience. She stayed with us for 3 hours!. As her visit was winding down, fellow author and photographer Alan Seiden stopped by and they were able to become acquainted and discuss their mutual interest in and research on Queen Lili'uokalani.

What a great event! A big Mahalo to Gaellen for a thought provoking and fascinating discussion of a pivotal time in Hawaii's history.
Local Musicians Lou Ann Gurney, Leonard Kubo and Jeff Gaeth Live at Basically Books

On Saturday, August 22nd, we had the pleasure of once again welcoming local musicians Lou Ann Gurney, Leonard Kubo and Jeff Gaeth to Basically Books! Na Hoku nominated vocalist Lou Ann and unique guitarist Leonard are familiar to many Hilo residents for their jazzy style and fun performances. This was no exception. The trio set up outside on the sidewalk, and treated passers by to a wonderful storefront concert! Many stopped by to occupy the chairs set up outside and then went on with their Hilo day, to be replaced by other listeners. The band performed their renditions of classic American standards by Gershwin, Porter and other favorites, as well as their own original songs.

As always, we are truly appreciative of Lou Ann, Leonard and Jeff, and their talent and generosity in entertaining us with their music! Lou Ann and Leonard's collaborative CD, At the Hilo Farmer's Market, is available for purchase at Basically Books, as well as Lou Ann's solo CD, Joy Ride. For more information, please contact us.
Special Hula and Music Event with Uncle Stan Kaina and Na Leo Nahehahe O Pohai Kealoha

On Saturday, August 15th, Basically Books hosted a special hana hou performance with Uncle Stan Kaina and the lovely ladies of Na Leo Nahehahe O Pohai Kealoha! This spectacular event was attended by an enthusiastic group, which included both visitors lured in from the street and locals who wanted to enjoy a show by some of their favorites. Stan's beautiful falsetto voice and favorite traditional tunes were a wonderful counterpoint to the lovely movements of the dancers. Kaina and the dancers were accompanied by Dwight Tokumoto on steel guitar.

This performance was truly a collection of world class talent, and everyone here at Basically Books enjoyed it immensely! We hope to welcome Uncle Stan and Na Leo Nahehahe O Pohai Kealoha back again soon!
Booksigning Event with Illustrator Jan Moon — New Revised Edition of Hilo Legends!

Just in time for Merrie Monarch, our parent company Petroglyph Press has presented a new edition of its bestselling book, Hilo Legends! We were pleased to hold a booksigning event on Saturday, April 18th with illustrator Jan Moon, who has created a marvelous new watercolor painting for the cover of this edition. Jan's illustrations are also featured throughout the book.

In this classic collection, the charming legends associated with landmarks around the town of Hilo on the Island of Hawaii are retold in words and pictures by author Frances Reed and illustrator Jan Moon. This new, revised edition features two new stories about King Kamehameha. "The Story of the Naha Stone," tells the legendary tale of Kamehameha's connection to the historic Hilo relic that can be visited in front of the Hilo Public Library. "The Law of the Splintered Paddle" explores a pivotal historical event on the coast south of Hilo that resulted in Kamehameha proclaiming the Hawaiian Kingdom's first written law, which become a model for the protection of human rights during times of war and upheaval.

Hilo Legends also includes all the old favorites, like "How Hilo Got Its Name," "The Story of Coconut Island" and the Maui and Hina legends centering on Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots. These ancient stories celebrating the history and landmarks of Hilo will continue to entertain and enlighten for generations to come!

Hilo Legends holds a special place of honor in the Petroglyph Press collection—Frances Reed, the author, was the mother of David Reed, the current co–owner of Petroglyph Press and Basically Books! Old friends and visitors alike greeted this new edition of Hilo Legends with interest and delight.
Book Launch with Author Janice Crowl and Artist Harinani Orme —
Pulelehua and Mamaki

On Saturday April 18th, just after the Merrie Monarch Parade, Basically Books hosted a delightful book launch event! Two of our favorite people, author Janice Crowl and artist Harinani Orme, have teamed up to create Pulelehua and Mamaki, a fabulous new children's book about nature and the ecosystem in Hawaii. In the lush Hawaiian rainforest,beneath a canopy of 'ohi'a trees, native flora and fauna live in harmony. As her time draws near, lovely Pulelehua discovers the mamaki that sheltered her as a child, and leaves a newborn egg on one of its leaves. Follow along as the wise mamaki nurtures baby Ke'e Li'i through his stages of life, from a tiny black caterpillar to a magnificent Kamehameha butterfly.

Beautifully written and illustrated, Pulelehua and Mamaki shows how closely the elements of the Hawaiian ecosystem are intertwined and how we can help preserve these natural wonders.

Our event with Janice Crowl and Harinani Orme was a huge success. A group of children celebrating a birthday party came through the store, and were delighted to hear a book reading of Pululehua and Mamaki. Other fun extras included a coloring activity and a display of real butterflies, including the Kamehameha Butterfly and a sample of a Mamaki branch. Wow! Besides all the keiki, several members of the Bishop Museum Press staff, including director Ron Cox, joined in the celebration. The icing on the cake was an assortment of home–baked cookies in the shape of butterflies provided by Janice—and even more cookies baked by David and Stacey Reed! In addition to signing books for their customers, the author and illustrator invited participants to sign their own copies of the book, which they will be keeping as memory books. What a great idea!

For more information on author Janice Crowl and her work, please visit her online at hawaiigardening.blogspot.com. For more information on artist Harinani Orme and her work, please visit her online at www.harinani.org.
Author Event with Quentin Tomich — Hawaii: Perspectives on Hamakua History

Our Saturday Merrie Monarch Week events began with local author Quentin Tomich, who was celebrating the release of his new book, Hawaii: Perspectives on Hamakua History, Ramblings Through an Ancient Land Division of Hawaii Island. This fascinating collection of essays explores the unique Hamakua area of the Big Island by covering an incredibly diverse range of topics. From irrigation ditches to lava tubes, from early dairy farming to the domestication of the mongoose, from the bubonic plague in Hawaii to early telephone systems in the Hamakua area—this book has it all! Hawaii: Perspectives on Hamakua History also includes maps and numerous historical photos, many of which are from Tomich's private collection.

Quentin Tomich came to Hawaii in 1959. He worked for the State Department of Health for 26 years, until his retirement. In addition to his state–wide professional experience, Tomich has given his time and talent to many community and conservation causes. Throughout his 50 years in Hawaii, Tomich's work and life have been centered around the Hamakua area. In 1998 he was invited to contribute monthly essays concerning his life experiences to a new community publication, The Hamakua Times. He rose to the challenge and enthusiastically offered his reflections on "what Hamakua has to offer the world." After 64 consecutive essays, it seemed appropriate to shift from serial columns and to develop a book–length compilation!

For our event, Mr. Tomich was joined by many of his friends and family, including three children and three grandchildren! It was a very special and fun day for everyone.
Local Musician Cyril Pahinui Live at Basically Books

Our Friday Merrie Monarch events kicked off with a special performance by local slack key legend Cyril Pahinui! Cyril performed in his signature style, which showcases his traditional yet modern approach to slack key guitar. It was a wonderful event; Cyril Pahinui both delighted his audience and was delighted by their response. The musician's excellent slack key guitar playing inspired several members of the audience to join him with an impromptu hula! A local lady played along on her ukulele while a couple of Japanese visitors danced along to several songs. What a treat!

Cyril Pahinui is the son of musical legend, Gabby Pahinui. He is, in his own right, one of Hawaii's most gifted guitarists and singers. Cyril has twice played at Carnegie Hall, has contributed to two Grammy Award–winning albums, received several Hoku Hanohano Awards, and recorded on more than 25 Hawaiian musical releases. As a slack key guitarist, Cyril's technical virtuosity, rhythmic adaptations, and instrumental harmonics impart the soul of Hawaiian music, and his beautiful, emotive, and well–recognized voice renders an intimate picture of his Pacific island home. Cyril is one of our favorite musicians, and we hope to welcome him back again soon!

For more information about Cyril Pahinui and his music, visit him online at www.cyrilpahinui.com.
Author Event with Cliff Kapono
Historic Photos of Honolulu

For Thursday's Merrie Monarch Week event, Basically Books welcomed back to the store author Cliff Kapono, who signed and told stories from his beautiful new book, Historic Photos of Honolulu. This stunning compilation chronicles nearly 200 images of Honolulu, from the later years of the Hawaiian kingdom to the early years of statehood. And what a chronicle it is! Home to the only royal residence in America, Honolulu witnessed in less than a century's time the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, the rise of the powerful sugar barons, and the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. Yet through the good times and bad, this unique port city has always offered an easygoing, welcoming spirit, which perfectly matches the warm trade winds, soft ocean swells, and uncommon natural beauty for which Honolulu is world famous. Reproduced in striking black and white, the photos in this volume show the changes which occurred in Honolulu during this period, while capturing the timeless beauty and aloha that will always be present in Hawaii's capital city.

Cliff Kapono is a native Hawaiian who brings to his subject the perspective of Hawaii's first people and offers an informed view of Hawaii's transition from a traditional tribute economy to that of the twenty–first century. This is his first book. As always, we enjoyed having Cliff in the store. During this event, he treated his audience to stories of old Honolulu neighborhoods like Chinatown and Waikiki.
Local Musician Ben Kaili Live at Basically Books

Basically Books continued our Wednesday Merrie Monarch events with a special musical afternoon! We welcomed slack key artist Ben Kaili, a prominent musician in the local Hilo music scene. Patrons were treated to Kaili's signiture smooth slack key stylings, as he preformed selections from both of his albums, Kaowahi and Kanakapila. Our happy shoppers heard such Hawaiian classics as "Pua Olena," "Hanalei Moon" and "Hilo Hanakahi." Everyone had a wonderful time—especially the tutu (grandmother) who happened to have her ukulele with her, and played along with Ben on a few songs!
Author Event with John Tanaka
Aloha 'Oe: The Song at
Pier 10

Our Wednesday Merrie Monarch events began with an appearence by local author John Tanaka, who presented his new novel Aloha 'Oe: The Song at Pier 10. This intriguing book follows a tale of love between Hawaiian Queen Lili'uokalani and the Prussian Kappellmeister (Bandmaster) Heinrich Berger, the first Bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band. Berger, 28, arrived in Hawaii in 1872 to take King Kamehameha V's discordant marching band to the next level. There he met a native lady, Lili'u Kapa'akea Dominis. They developed a close relationship, and may have become more than friends. Berger quickly improved the King's band, all the while composing and arranging hundreds of Hawaiian songs and saving over a thousand local tunes for posterity. Meanwhile, Lili'u was named Princess Lili'uokalani by the new King Kalakaua, her brother, who later appointed her Heir Apparent. After King Kalakaua's premature death in 1891, Lili'uokalani ascended the Throne. Berger's bond with Queen Lili'uokalani tightened as he helplessly watched her rapid decline and fall two years later, ending Hawaii's treasured monarchial times. Through this distressful time, Berger remained closest to Lili'uokalani's troubled, lonely heart. How close were they? They keep us guessing.

John Tanaka lives on the Big Island with his wife, Amy. His earlier novel, Yesterday's Rainbow, is the story of four lovers set against the backdrop of Hawaiian history. At our event, he proved to be an engaging speaker, who impressed us all with his knowledge of Hawaiian history as well as his ability to spin the delightful tall tales found in his novels. We can't wait for his next book!
Author Event with
Dr. John Turner
Medicine, Miracles, & Manifestations: A Doctor's Journey Through the Worlds of Divine Intervention, Near–Death Experiences & Universal Energy

Basically Book's Merrie Monarch Week events had a great kick–off on Saturday, April 11th with an exciting book launch. Dr. John L. Turner presented his new book, Medicine, Miracles, & Manifestations: A Doctor's Journey Through the Worlds of Divine Intervention, Near–Death Experiences & Universal Energy. This narrative follows Dr. Turner on his the surgical career and spiritual quest, which culminates with his journey into the field of Integral Medicine. During his career as a board–certified neurosurgeon, Dr. Turner's curiosity drove him to explore nontraditional healing techniques that broadened the scope of recovery for his patients. These included energy healing, chanting and meditation, soul travel, astral projection, and other approaches historically found in religious practices. In this fascinating book, Dr. Turner discusses his journey and his amazing discoveries!

Our event with Dr. Turner was a great way to start Merrie Monarch Week! Over 40 enthusiastic fans attended his short talk—it was a full house for our little store! Dr. Turner shared his experiences and success in using non–traditional healing techniques with his neurosurgery patients. He spoke on using energy healing, soul travel, astral projection, chanting and meditation.

What a fun and enlightening event for everybody! For more information on Dr. John Turner and his work, visit him online at www.johnlturner.com.
Author Event with Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl
Murder Casts a Shadow

On March 14th Basically Books hosted a suspenseful evening event with local mystery author Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl! Well, okay, our event at Basically Books might not have been "suspenseful" or "action–packed," though we were joined by quite a few murder mystery enthusiasts. However, Kneubuhl's latest novel, Murder Casts a Shadow, certainly has all of those elements that make murder mysteries so exciting! On New Year's Eve, 1934, while Honolulu celebrates with champagne and fireworks, someone is making away with the Bishop Museum's portrait of King Kalakaua and its curator. A series of brutal murders follows, and an unlikely pair, newspaper reporter Mina Beckwith and visiting playwright Ned Manusia, find themselves investigating a twisted trail of clues in an attempt to recover the painting and uncover the killer. This gripping story follows their investigation as it takes them into the heart of 1930's Honolulu—a complex and often contradictory world that centers around several close–knit local families whose intricate histories and relationships will have a direct impact on future lives and events.

Victoria's talents extend beyond murder mysteries. She is the author of Hawai'i Nei: Island Plays, and is a well–known Honolulu playwright and writer. She is currently the writer and co–producer for the television series "Biography Hawai'i."

Our event with Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl was a lot of fun. It was a pleasure to meet this diversely talented woman, and we hope to welcome her back again soon!
Author Event with Tammy Yee

On March 7th, 2009, the crew at Basically Books welcomed back to the store Tammy Yee, one of our favorite local children's book authors and illustrators! Chances are, you are a fan of Tammy's books too; her extensive resume includes such island classics as Lullaby Moon, winner of the 2003 Ka Palapala Po'okela Award for Excellence in Children's Books; Baby Honu's Incredible Journey, an local favorite which has sold over 70,000 copies; A is for Aloha, which was selected by "Hawaii Center for the Book" to represent the state at the 2006 National Book Festival; and The Tsunami Quilt, which explores the tragedy of the 1946 Hilo tsunami through the stories of a grandfather to his grandson. Her latest book, From Hawaii with Aloha Grandma and Grandpa, is a tour through the unique treasures of each Hawaiian island, designed for grandparents to share with their grandchildren.

It is always a pleasure to have Tammy at Basically Books. Her bubbly personality and enthusiasm for her work are wonderful—and it is great to see the keiki who come to visit meet one of their favorite authors! We hope to invite Tammy back again soon!

Tammy Yee lives in Windward Oahu with her family, three birds, two upside-down jellyfish, and a guinea pig. To learn more about Tammy and her work, visit her online at www.tammyyee.com.
Chinese New Year 2009 in Downtown Hilo:
Celebrate the Year of the Ox!

It's that time of year again! Chinese New Year in Downtown Hilo is always a big event, with a gala Festival including food, performance, crafts and cultural demonstrations, all of which illustrate the important influence of Chinese culture on our own local lifestyle. It's a big, fun party! This year was no exception! As always, the day started with the Lion Dancers parade down the sidewalks of Kamehameha Avenue, offering traditional blessings to the people and shop owners on the street. The Lion Dancers stopped in front of Basically Books this year, and gave us the chance to offer lucky money and ensure good health and business for the coming year! Mahalo!

We would like to once again thank Alice Moon and Company and People Out Supporting Hilo for their great work in putting together another educational, exciting, and fun Chinese New Year Event! Join us in celebrating the Year of the Ox!
Author Event with Dr. Billy Bergin
Loyal to the Land Volume 3: The Legendary Parker Ranch 1970–1992: Agents of Change

On Feburary 14th, 2009, Basically Books had the pleasure of hosting author and Parker Ranch expert Dr. Billy Bergin! Dr. Bergin stopped by to promote the latest installment in his excellent Loyal to the Land series, which chronicles the ongoing saga of the Big Island's Parker Ranch. In this latest book, Loyal to the Land Volume 3: The Legendary Parker Ranch 1970–1992: Agents of Change, the exciting history of this historic ranch enters a new modern era. Told through Bergin's compelling writing and many historic photographs, Loyal to the Land Volume 3 presents a fascinating summery of the time. It was during this period that the leadership of Parker Ranch changed in a radical way: with the passing of Parker Ranch's last private owner and sixth–generation Parker descendent Richard Smart the management of the Ranch passed to a board of trustees. This was also a time of dramatic changes in the cattle industry itself in Hawaii, many of which are addressed in the book.

We found Dr. Bergin to be an engaging speaker and all–around fascinating person! He kept customers and employees alike enthralled with his stories and wealth of knowledge. Many paniolo fans stopped by to talk story with Dr. Bergin—nobody went away disappointed!

Dr. Billy Bergin was born and raised in Hawaii. He received his degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 1967, after which returned home to practice veterinary medicine. In 1970 he became the physician for the animals of Parker Ranch. Bergin's relationship with the Ranch spans 30 years, and he is the foremost expert on the Ranch, its animals, and its history. He has written two other books on the history of Parker Ranch, which are also available at Basically Books.
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