Nā Lei Hulu Return to SF with New 'Confessions of an Island'

Patrick Makuakāne and his award-winning dance troupe, Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu, returns to the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre for six performances only of the world premiere, O'ahu: Confessions of an Island, an entirely new show that highlights the gems and jewels of O'ahu. Performances are: Saturday, October 20 at 8PM, Sunday, October 21 at 2PM, Friday, October 26 at 8PM, Saturday, October 27 at 8PM and Sunday, October 28 at 3PM. A new one-hour family matinee is scheduled for Sunday, October 28 at 12PM. and is designed especially for children and families. Tickets are on sale now through City Box Office at 415-392-4400, on the web at Cityboxoffice.com and at all Tickets.com locations.

"O'ahu: Confessions of an Island shares the secrets of the island's rich history and culture through a blend of hula kahiko, the traditional pre-Western style of Hawaiian dance, as well as hula mua, Makuakāne's trademark style of hula, which brings the ancient Hawaiian dance form into the modern realm by setting traditional hula movements to non-Hawaiian music," explain press notes.

Among the pieces featured will be "He'e Nalu Mua," honoring the gods and legends of surfing, "Kūkaniloko," a homage to the most sacred site found on the island of O'ahu, and "Hula's Bar and Lei Stand," a rollicking island disco medley where Gloria Gaynor meets Waikīkī. All of these, plus more, will be making their premiere in this production.

O'ahu: Confessions of an Island will play for six performances only at San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts Theatre (Bay & Lyon Streets). Performances are: Saturday, October 20 at 8PM, Sunday, October 21 at 2PM, Friday, October 26 at 8PM, Saturday, October 27 at 8PM and Sunday, October 28 at 3PM. Tickets range in price from $30-$35 (reserved seating) for regular performances and are $10 (general admission) for the family matinee. Tickets are available now through City Box Office at 415-392-4400, on the web at Cityboxoffice.com or at all Tickets.com locations. Tickets to the gala benefit and silent auction on Saturday, October 27 are sold out.

Founded in 1985, Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu ("the many feathered wreaths at the summit, held in high esteem") is committed to teaching and preserving the Hawaiian culture through hula. It has a performance group of nearly 40 dancers and offers classes to students in the beginning and intermediate levels. The organization holds educational workshops throughout the year in Hawaiian language, history, and arts and crafts. Most recently, Nā Lei Hulu toured New York City with a series of free performances showcasing the company's unique trademark style.

For further information on Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu, call 415-647-3040 or visit www.naleihulu.org.

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