Under the Monkeypod
Photo by Carolyn Lucas-Zenk, Kona Historical Society Community Engagement Manager
Daniel Ho reflects on special Kona Historical Society events
By Carolyn Lucas-Zenk, Kona Historical Society Community Engagement Manager
In the Kalukalu Pasture, beneath the boughs of a decades-old monkeypod tree, Grammy award-winning Hawaiian music virtuoso Daniel Ho looked out at an overflow crowd of nearly 200 fans seated under the tent, in the grass and on blankets or their favorite beach chair and felt gratitude.
“I think this was my first visit back to Hawaiʻi Island in over 10 years, and I was and still am so grateful for the staff and attendees’ hospitality and aloha,” Ho said of his January 7 performance hosted by Kona Historical Society in partnership with the Smithsonian Institute. “We couldn’t have wished for a more perfect and memorable reception!”
Performances like the one Ho gave in our Kalukalu Pasture feel almost unthinkable now. These days, while continuing to be bombarded by new information and safety precautions daily about COVID-19, we're often physically distanced from our favorite people and can't access our favorite places. Yet, here at Kona Historical Society, all this distancing has led to self-reflection, nostalgia, and in turn heaps of gratitude. While we continue our best to stay safe during the pandemic, we are taking a trip down memory lane reflecting on some of our favorite recent events, with Ho's concert being a wonderful example.
Called by Ukulele Magazine “Hawaiʻi’s greatest contemporary musical ambassador,” Ho is a musician, Hawaiʻi producer, singer/songwriter, arranger, composer, engineer, and record company owner who made waves with his Hawaiian version of “Nothing Compares to You,” featured in the 2008 film Forgetting Sarah Marshall. For this special Kona Historical Society event, Ho was joined by acclaimed hula journeyman Keali’i Ceballos, who founded the award-winning Hālau Hula Kealiʻi o Nālani and studied with renowned kumu such as Cecilia Cissylani Ceballos, Nona Beamer, George Naʻope, Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, and Robert Uluwehi Cazimero. The other members of their infinitely talented group were: Randy Drake, an accomplished drum set and percussion performer; Steve Billman, a gifted bass player and core member of the jazz/fusion band Continuum, and Lydia Miyashiro-Ho, Ho’s partner, business manager, tour manager and co-producer who often sings background vocals and dances with Hālau Hula Kealiʻi o Nālani.
The cool evening was filled with magic. Moments, both unplanned and ethereal, that shined brighter than the concert’s twinkling strings of Edison bulb lights. Occurrences that ignited pure awe included the impromptu hula performed in appreciation by audience members, the heartfelt storytelling and oli that brought some to tears, and the joyful act of pretending to be a pineapple in the spirit of group dancing.
“It was breathtaking, especially with the backdrop of vibrant colors in the sky as the sun set. And the feeling of being in the pasture—there’s something very grounded about performing on the grass, a connection with the ʻāina,” Ho said. “I sound like I’ve been in the city for too long, don’t I? But it definitely adds a refreshing spin on things to be in the company of a local audience and nature, and I hope this joy came through in our performance.”
The two-hour-long performance was part of Kona Historical Society’s Hanohano ‘O Kona Lecture Series. Throughout the night, Ho touched upon the many styles, including Indian, African, Latin, rock, jazz, and classical, with the hopes that the audience left was a broader sense of how cultures can blend together, both musically and culturally.
His favorite memory from that night was: “Sharing mele and hula in such a beautiful setting, and making new friends as well as running into old friends who share a common love for the arts.” When Ho shared his appreciation of Kona and Hawai’i Island, it might have seemed a bit like the traditional buttering up of an audience. But for Ho, who is originally from Honolulu and now living in Los Angeles, California, it was sincere. When asked what he loves most about this place, he responded with contagious affection and painting scenes like a poet: “The textured terrain, blue skies, the abundance of nature, that little bit of country and small town feel, the ability to drive from one end of the island to the next at sea level and above, and experience completely different ecosystems. It’s so nurturing and healing. I feel a sense calm and gratitude every time I’m blessed with the opportunity to return. And of course, the coffee—Kona, Kaʻū, and under-the-radar regions—it’s pour-over heaven.”
Prior to his January 7 performance, Ho held a free ‘ukulele workshop in the Kalukalu Pasture. Forty people of all ages and abilities attended.
At the end of the workshop, the participants learned and played together “Pua I Ka Ua (Flowers in the Rain),” an easy tune, requiring only two chords, F & C. Ho and Dr. Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman wrote this song, which he taught in 10 minutes. Stillman is an educator, author, haku mele, and a Grammy award-winning producer.
“I’ve found that learning is what keeps music interesting, fun, rewarding, and inspiring. Whether you’re practicing a new song or technique, or learning about music from around the world, like, take for example, songs from Taiwanese aboriginal tribes, everything you learn broadens your musical horizons and helps you improve,” Ho said. “I’d encourage exploring a range of styles so that you can find your own musical voice. And sometimes when you’re feeling overwhelmed, simply taking a moment to appreciate the calm and peace between the notes is quite beautiful.”
To stay connected with Ho and his music, go to DanielHo.com or follow him on Instagram or Facebook. For more information about Kona Historical Society or Hanohano ‘O Kona, email khs@konahistorical.org or visit konahistorical.org.
To view more photos from these special events on January 7, check out the performance album and workshop album on Kona Historical Society’s Facebook Page.