The Hilo Sessions (Vol. 2)

43 Kukuau Street,Hilo HI 96720

02 July, 2022

Description

The Hilo Sessions is an intimate concert series showcasing our local artists and community organizers. At the intersection of art and activism is where change occurs. It is our joy to provide alternative social spaces for music and art appreciators to collectivize and celebrate life. Each session will feature a different guest speaker, representing a community org that is doing impactful work for da aina and da people. The Hilo Sessions (Vol. 2) will be featuring two phenomenal bands that will surely leave you feeling inspired and amazed: 🍉Aguamelon A Hilo-based six-piece band led by Asha Azama, playing a fusion of neo-soul, nujazz, latin, and funk. Their sound is described as--if Bill Withers and Curtis Mayfield had a baby raised by Jamiroquai and Erykah Badu. Though they have an intricate sound and oftentimes complex arrangements, they casually describe themselves as a family band. "I could feel the strong connection and family vibes through their music, and it instantly had me in a psychedelic state...a trance..." says one of their fans. Their music carries messages of love and loss, hope and beauty, perseverance and the power of the people IG: @aguamelon FB: @aguamelonmusic 🪘Chris Berry and the Bana Kuma Band Grammy award winner Chris Berry is an eclectic singer and songwriter, multi-instrumentalist virtuoso, and high-energy performer and teacher. From his humble beginning during Robert Mugabe’s regime in Zimbabwe, he has blasted his powerful Afro-infused sound around the World for over twenty years; rocking audiences from NYC’s Irving Plaza to sold out stadiums in South Africa and Sydney Australia’s famous Opera House. He has released over a dozen albums; scored the soundtrack for three films; and has been collaborating and performing with some of the World’s best performers like Eminem, Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann, Senegalese Afro-Pop sensation Yousoou N’dour, Cuban Legends Los Munequitos de Mantanzas, Jazz artist Paul Winter, Jamaican rhythm and production duo Sly (Dunbar) and Robbie (Shakespeare), Fugee’s producer Handel Tucker, and many more. His band Bana Kuma is a powerhouse percussion ensemble featuring African drums, an mbira, and a cora--they weave and interlock a fortified tapestry of counter rhythms that irresistibly moves the soul to groove, dance and sing. www.chrisberrymusic.org @chrisberrymusic _______________________________________________________________________________ 🗣️ Our guest speaker this month is Hedonisia. Both before and after the eruption, Hedonisia managed a portfolio of social entrepreneur projects with a focus on gender equality, reproductive rights, and activist entrepreneurship. They offer educational and sustainable tools for activist entrepreneurs, ecofeminists and other creative people who wish to make a living by making a difference. In many business, professional, social, friendly or intimate settings, when we communicate with people from different demographics, it can sometimes feel challenging. It is nice to have simple tools that support open, friendly conversation and discussion. It is often through free and open discussions between people of different groups, where solutions to the many problems facing societies can be found. The Hedo Feminista approach emphasizes free speech and empowerment rather than a victim-based approach to equality when dealing with issues such as education, sexuality, economics and violence. Our workshop offers an alternative way of reaching out to each other that is sorely needed in these divided times when everyone is so sensitive about being offended. www.hedonisia.com @hedonisia_mojo _______________________________________________________________________________ 🎨On the canvas, we have live painter Laurie Bauers Laurie Bauers has been an artist since childhood, attending formal training in commercial and fine arts since an early age. She began painting in her early 20's and now has incorporated live performance art into her portfolio, painting at music festivals on the Big Island of Hawaii. She is the co-owner of Electric Jungle Tattoo in old town Pahoa, a tattoo shop that exhibits local artists in the gallery. Her work is cosmic in connection; focusing on the vibration of love. Sweeping psychedelic landscapes accompany a human story in her art, allowing for the viewer to make up their own version @lauriebauersart @electricjungletattoo _______________________________________________________________________________ •There will be an organic elixir bar serving pupus, 'awa, and fresh cold-pressed juices (virgin/spiked) •Kukuau Studio's donation-based bar will also be open for beer, wine, and spirits *Come early if you like grab seats or talk story with the artists and community organizers!*