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Project Team |
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Isa MariaArtist, project coordinator of Aloha Africa,
drummer, dancer, Nonviolent Communication Practitioner. See her
paintings at isamaria.com. |
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Miliki LaniMiliki has kept African dance alive on Kauai for 20 years. Shes teaches and performs with tireless dedication and loving enthusiasm. A powerful Dun Dun player, Miliki was a co-founder of Love Tribe Women's Sacred Drum & Dance Ensemble, as well as Aloha-Africa. Her unyeilding generosity has helped sustain Ernest through hungry times in Ghana. 808.652.8045 dolphindancer07@yahoo.com |
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Ron MayerIsland-based urban bohemian artist recluse. Ron designed the Aloha-Africa website along with isa. |
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PsolarCertified Aircraft Quality Assurance Inspector & Temple Lomi Lomi Practitioner, Sol Man is Aloha-Africa's videographer. His documentary films of the cultural exchange are showing regularly on Ho'ike Kauai Community Television and are for sale upon request. Sol Man Productions: loveregeneration@netscape.net, 639-5234 |
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Bruce OrthGuitarist, keyboardist, composer Bruce Orth has produced and recorded over 40 CDs, including Love Tribe's "Drumming up Revolution" and a collaborative work "Vibe da Tribe," at his Kalihiwai Studios. Bruce races and fixes bikes, organizes bike rides for charities, and teaches bicycle maintenance and repair. He was inspired by the film, "Emmanuel's Gift," about a disabled man in Ghana who needed a bike. Bruce enjoys playing music, recording, and exchanging ideas with the Aloha Africa guest musicians. He produced, engineered, and recorded Ernest Borketey's first CD, "Gye Nyame" (Only God). Wild River Records: 639-4150.
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Steven and Merlyn RuddellSteven and Merlyn are the parents of Aloha-Africa. They initiated the One Family at a Time program. Steven is a new student of the djembe and has a practice of improvisational drumming and sounding. Merlyn is the CEO for a property management firm with properties in California and Arizona. She is a talented writer, dancer, and painter. Steven and Merlyn are students of Nonviolent Communication as taught by Marshall Rosenberg. Together, they live in a joyful adventure with their children on an organic fruit farm near Kilauea on Kauai. |
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Polly HieserPolly is an organic farmer in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where she runs a successful Community Supported Agriculture garden. She is an accomplished drummer and flute player. Polly came to Kauai with her husband Nii Anang to launch the 2009 season of Aloha Africa. |
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Scott SilverstonScott supports the Aloha Africa Cultural Exchange Project by providing housing for the visiting musicians and dancers. He is a lover of all music with a groove and also a student of Djembe, Dunun and guitar. Scott is the author of Voices of the Earth, An Oracle of the Web of Life and the founder of Kauai Hiking Adventures, Walk In Beauty In A Sacred Way |
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Mark JeffersThe producer and star of Kauai's local TV program "Russell da Rooster," Mark is a gifted, funny, wise Storyteller. With a 24-year career in theatre in Hawaii, he also creates films, storybooks, and stage productions. Mark is co-founder and Executive Director of The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii, a theatre, arts, and media studio developed especially for young people. Storybook Theatre is the nonprofit umbrella organization in partnership with Aloha Africa. |
Hula: Cultural Exchange |
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Jessi JardinJessi Jardin (Kumu of Halau Hula Ha’iwi Hemolele o Keakawaiola) is Aloha Africa's Hula teacher and cultural director. She nurtures and leads the guest artists through intensive training in Hawaii's traditional dance, chant and song, protocol, history, and spiritual values. Jessi has been a member of Kumu Hula Roselle Bailey’s multi-ethnic halau, Ka ‘imi Na Auao O Hawai’i Nei, for thirty years. The fusion of dance and music from around the world is her passion. |
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Doric YarisDoric Yaris (Halau Hula o Hali’ileo) nurtures local children’s awareness of their own Hawaiian cultural history and values. His large halau includes a group of elders, the only Kane (male) hula group on the island, as well as a group that entertains regularly in hotels. Doric also leads a halau in Japan. Doric speaks about Aloha-Africa
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Mauli Ola CookMauli Ola Cook serves as alaka’i (teaching assistant) for Papa Laua’e ‘o Makana, the Kaua’i class of halau Pua Ali’i ‘Ilima under the direction of Kumu Hula Victoria Holt Takamine. Kaua’i’s beloved Kumu Mauli brings Hula and Hawaiian studies to our school children all over the island. An accomplished African dancer herself, Kumu Mauli has been active in cultural exchanges for many years. |
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Puna Kalama DawsonPuna Kalama Dawson (Kaipuha’a o Kekauilani Na Pua Hala o Kau’ai) is highly regarded as a keeper of ancient Hawaiian wisdom. She humbly and generously shares the vast spiritual knowledge of her lineage by facilitating ceremony and healing, hosting many cultural exchanges, and by example. |
Special Thanks |
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Mahalo for the generous support of our friends and sponsors, including DJ and Steve Star, Benjy Garfinkle, Neal Norman, Ileana Carreno, Taj Jure and Marc Andre, Lady Galactica, Larry Magnussen, Aki Conquest, Greg Strickland, Josh, Damien, Latifa Amdur, Caroline Hazelton, Tracey Schavone, Karuna, Anne O'Malley, Candace Freeland, Fawne Frailey, Sunday Murch, Carol Yotsuda, Toni Kilbert, Sandra Aaron, Hezar Blue, Dennis Mendonca, Ken Jopling, Megan McCullough, Randye Schwartz, Chuck George, Juan WIlson, Shakira Freeman, Kim Coco Iwamoto, Amos Kotomori, Keith and Louise Arakake, Donn Forbes, Mary Stone, Darryl Miyasato, and Zak (Wovenmedia Productions).
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