The Volcano Art Center and the Hula Preservation Society will present an evening honoring the history and talent of the Hawaiian Room — a legendary New York City venue open from 1937-1966.
The Volcano Art Center and the Hula Preservation Society will present an evening honoring the history and talent of the Hawaiian Room — a legendary New York City venue open from 1937-1966.
Showtime is 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Niaulani Campus of the Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village.
Anchoring the Thursday program will be the new documentary film “The Hawaiian Room” by Ann Marie N. Kirk. Original talents from the Hawaiian Room will make an appearance, including Volcano’s own Nona Wilson. Kirk also will be in attendance and the program will conclude with the hula stylings of the (now) aunties who can still charm and impress an audience, just as they did 50 years ago in the Big Apple.
In its heyday, hundreds of dancers, singers and musicians from Hawaii became part of the incredible legacy of the pioneering Hawaiian Room, located at the Hotel Lexington in the heart of New York City. For three decades, the Hawaiian Room became an incomparable venue through which aloha and Hawaiian culture were shared in vibrant and exciting New York.
Keeping with the Hawaiian Room theme, a Hapa-Haole Hula Workshop with instructor TeMoana Makolo also will be offered from 4:30-6 p.m. on Oct. 16.
This Hawaiian Room program is part of Thursday Nights at the Center, an evening series at the Volcano Art Center focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and the environment. The program is free, but a $5 donation is appreciated.
Class fee for the Hapa-Haole Hula Workshop is $18 or $15 for Volcano Art Center members. Pre-registration is required by calling 967-8222 or visiting www.volcanoartcenter.org.