A Bit of Faith

The whole family went out Saturday night to see some live Hawaiian music. We trekked for an hour in the rain to see Faith Ako in Santa Rosa, California. I must say, I haven't had so much fun since, well, since the last time I was back in Hawai'i. We heard about Faith through my daughters Hula teacher, and joined the rest of a packed theater for the debut concert for her latest CD.

Her opening act and her backup band was Tunana Da Band, a trio from Maui that was just delightful. They warmed up the house with a selection of english and Hawaiian language songs, but it was the interaction between the band members that was the most entertaining. They were obviously having a marvelous time, kidding the audience about how cold it was and ribbing each other between songs.

The theater must have been at least two-thirds full of Faith's friends and family, and when she came out the place went wild. She has a great voice and though the acoustics of the performance hall weren't top flight, the selection of traditional and contemporary songs and original compositions were stirring. Joining her on stage for three numbers or so were members of a hula troupe who provided some very beautiful dancing, including one drum-driven chant in the ancient style which sent shivers up my spine.

If you get the chance to find some Hawaiian music performed in your area, don't pass it up!