Princess Ka'iulani Tribute & Legendary Night

The Ka'iulani Project's, Wilmont Kamaunu Kahaialii Jr. was accompanied by Scotland's Musical Ambassador, Alasdair Fraser and cellist, Natalie Haas in an emotional Hawaiian/Scottish tribute to Hawaii's treasured, Princess Ka'iulani Cleghorn at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center last Friday night. Wilmont, a quintessential Hawaiian Musician with true Aloha spirit, and a most valued member of The Ka'iulani Project, sang a composition of Ka'iulani's mother, Princess Miriam Likelike. Hawaii's Crown Princess was of dual Hawaiian/Scottish ancestry and her life story is the subject of the upcoming production "Ka'iulani - The Island Rose" to be premiered in Hawaii. The title of the play refers to a poem written to the Princess by Scotland's Robert Louis Stevenson. This legendary musical evening, produced by Hamish Burgess and Jennifer Fahrni of Maui Celtic and The Ka'iulani Project, wrapped up with a raucous after party and music session. A video of the performance will be posted soon. Photos: C. Siobhan Halstead.

Clarence Waipa and Ka'iulani

I have had the great fortune to connect with Clarence Waipa, a school teacher from Hilo. He, with the help of his students, wrote a wonderful play about Ka'iulani in 1986. It was so memorable, that Mikahala Roy, of the Ahu'ena Heiau (who saw the play 20 years ago) suggested I contact him. Mr. Waipa's sent me his play and some details of the experience of writing it. I told him that I am envious of his students having a teacher of such inspiration. I hope we'll have the chance to sit down together soon.

Tribute to Princess Ka'iulani by Alasdair Fraser and Wilmont Kahaialii

Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas


with Special Tribute to Hawaii's Princess Ka'iulani

Maui Arts & Cultural Center, McCoy Theater
World's Top Scottish Fiddler and Brilliant Cellist! Hamish and I are thrilled to be producing our top Celtic Show of the year!
Friday, February 20, 2008, Maui Celtic presents the Maui return of Scotland's Musical Ambassador Alasdair Fraser and the talented cellist, Natalie Haas. Fraser, a musician of eloquence and passion, in collaboration with Haas, explores the soul of Scottish dance music together with lyrical, sensitive airs.

After a salute by the bagpipes, Wilmont Kahaialii of The Ka'iulani Project, will open the show with a Hawaiian Chant. Wilmont and Alasdair will perform a Hawaiian/Scottish tribute dedicated to Hawaii's Crown Princess Ka'iulani, who's mother was musician and composer, Princess Miriam Likelike, and father was Scotsman, Archibald Scott Cleghorn. More info: "Maui Celtic"

Princess Ka'iulani Project - Kumu /Choreographer

With the passing of the holidays and after visiting monuments of another magnificent ancient culture - the Mayan, it is time now to return to the production of Ka'iulani - The Island Rose.

My thoughts are repeatedly brought back to the importance of the right people being involved in the project. There have been so many who have emailed wishing to take part and I am certain that, because of it's size, everyone will have a place in the project. For most, it is just early to confirm cast or positions, so I hope everyone will be patient and continue to stay in contact.

At the moment, I am most concerned with the Hawaiian content and the position of Kumu Hula and choreographer. The Kumu/choreographer is one of the most important members of this project, as several moments of truth in this production are conveyed through hula. This work could start right away. The postion requires a creative individual with their own voice, who through 19th century hula, can stage sometimes unconventional moments. There is the greatest likelihood that these performances will be the most memorable highlights of the production.