Please follow us!   Our Sponsors More Sponsors Home l Privacy l The participating performers for the 17th Annual Honolulu Festival (2011) come from various regions of the Pacific Rim including Hawaii, Japan, Philippines, Korea and the U.S. Mainland. Their performances vary from traditional and modern dance and music to arts and crafts. There is so much to see and do. from Alaska   Alaska Native Heritage Center Dancers Members of the Alaska Native Heritage Center Dancers include extremely dedicated and enthusiastic students from different Alaska Native cultures. The dancers, dressed in traditional regalia, perform dances from all over Alaska that tell the stories of traditional legends, stories, and lifestyles. [ URL ] http://www.alaskanative.net   from Australia   Descendance The Descendance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Theatre was born from the mighty Ngaru Aboriginal Dance Company, Sydney's first professional independent traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance troupe, established in 1993. Ngaru had been one of the longest running professional performing Aboriginal dance troupes in Australia. In 2000 the name was changed to "Descendance" to account for the many artists from diverse tribes living in Sydney and joining the company. The motto was "One people all fighting a common cause". Descendance has become one of Australia's leading international cultural exports to the world, having toured over thirty countries and over one hundred cities, Descendance covers all three styles of Australian indigenous performance, Traditional, Torres Strait Islander and contemporary. [ URL ] http://www.descendance.com.au   from Canada   Global Drums - Pangea Global Drums - Pangea from Alberta, Canada is an exciting World Music Percussion Ensemble performing original works and traditional music on Steel Drums. The group has performed in Japan, United States and around Canada. Global Drums, under the direction of Adam Mason, also performs traditional African music and dance, Japanese taiko drumming, Brazilian Samba Bateria and a not-so-traditional Percussion Ensemble. Special guest artists include acclaimed steel drum soloist, Tracy Thornton and one of the leading steel drum makers in the world, Mr. Alan Coyle. [ URL ] http://www.globaldrums.ca/   from Philippines   NORTH PHILIPPINES - CAR Ms Ingrid Payaket, singer, Registered Nurse, and a resident of Benguet Province. Fourth Place in the ABS-CBN Pilipinas Got Talent Competition.   from Korea   Inha University  - ASSESS - ASSESS is a cheerleading team from Inha University in Korea. It was established in 1977. The Action and Band teams are included in the Inha University cheerleaders team called ASSESS. ASSESS is name of flower that means "passion" in equator. [ URL ] http://eng.inha.ac.kr/   from New Zealand   Ura Tabu Pacific Dance Ura Tabu Pacific Dance is an Auckland based all female dance troupe. Our vision is to create a unique style that brings forth the raw passion of pacific dance with a contemporary element, allowing audiences to be moved and connected by the universal language of dance. [ URL ] http://www.uratabu.co.nz/   from Hawaii   Hoku Zuttermeister Hoku Zuttermeister was born in Kaneohe, Oahu and was brought up with a love for the Hawaiian culture and its music. In June 2008, the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts bestowed Hoku's debut album, "Aina Kupuna", with 10 Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominations in which the album won six. This award is Hawaii's equivalent to the Grammy Award. [ URL ] http://www.hokuzuttermeister.com/     Honolulu Daijayama Hawaii and Omuta in Fukuoka has had a goodwill relationship for many years. Thus, Omuta's famous summer matsuri "Omuta Daijayama" that has been featured in past parades of the Honolulu Festival was changed to "Honolulu Daijayama" in 2008. Honolulu Daijayama will once again participate in the Honolulu Festival's parade down Kalakaua Avenue this year. The intensity of their performance, the bells ringing loudly, the fire gushing out, smoke spreading throughout the parade route, is an unforgettable sight for spectators seeing the Daijayama for the very first time. The Honolulu Festival has inherited the mikoshi that is used for Honolulu Daijayama from the city of Omuta. It was the Omuta people's strong desire that the people of Hawaii be able to experience the authenticity of their mikoshi and enjoy the traditions that go along with the festivities. And furthermore, so that the children of Hawaii can experience these same emotions, Chibikko Daijayama was given to the Honolulu Festival in 2009. The number of local volunteers has grown each year. It is a wonderful sight to see the people of Hawaii support the Honolulu Daijayama! Special feature: Honolulu Daijayama Special feature: Dialogue between Omuta Daijayama and Honolulu Daijayama     59th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Sponsored by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce, and thanks in large part to the generosityand support of major corporate sponsors and tirelessvolunteers, the festival continues to be one of the longestrunning ethnic celebrations in the State of Hawai'i. [ URL ] http://www.cbfhawaii.com/     BIBAK Hawaii The BIBAK Hawaii marching unit is an intergenerational group of immigrants, mainland transplants, and local bo folks. BIBAK Hawaii was founded in 1979 by U.S. Navy families and other immigrant families from the Cordillera region of Northern Philippines. [ URL ] http://www.bibakhawaii.blogspot.com     Chinagu Eisa Hawaii Chinagu Eisa Hawaii is an Okinawan taiko group. Collaborating with our sister group in Okinawa called Naha Daiko, We perform Eisa Taiko to traditional and modern music. Our group is a very multigenerational group with members from age 8 to 75 years old. Our goals are to preserve and promote the Okinawan culture for the younger generation and to the local community with our dynamic and energetic performance.     Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Chinese Physical Culture Association Established in 1933, the Chinese Physical Culture Association (CPCA) is the oldest martial arts school in Hawaii. It is a non-profit school known in the Chinese community as Jeng Moo Tai Yuk Oi. CPCA's mission is to preserve and promote Chinese culture through training of kung fu, tai chi and traditional lion dancing. The lion dance is an important tradition in Chinese culture. It is believed that the dancing lion chases away evil spirits and evokes good luck. It should be remembered that the lion, although not a deity, is considered an agent of Heaven in exorcising malevolence and pestilence, in bestowing good fortune and auspiciousness. In attracting the lion, one offers the lion a red packet (Hung-bao/Laisee) containing money to bestow good luck and auspiciousness. Gee Yung International Martial Arts and Lion Dance Association Established in 1941, under the tutelage of Master Arthur Yau Sung Lee, Gee Yung is the second oldest Martial Arts Lion Dance School in Hawaii. Members range from all ages young and old as well as all nationalities. Gee Yung and its members are very competitive in Martial Arts as well as Competitive Lion Pole Dancing. Asian Lion Dance Team The Asian Lion Dance Team was founded in 1994. They are a martial arts school and performance troupe that is focused on sharing the perpetuating the fun, fulfillment, and spirituality of the martial arts and the art of Chinese Lion Dancing. There are two major branches of the team. One is in Mililani, Hawaii and the other in Duluth, Minnesota. Working primarily with the Central Oahu Community, they accept into the school anyone and everyone, who wants to learn about the martial arts and Chinese Lion Dancing. A non-profit organization, they do not charge any tuition or membership fee. All instructors are volunteers. [ URL ] http://www.aldt.net Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association The Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association is a non-profit organization, which promotes the values of teamwork, dedication, and responsibility through the art of Chinese lion and dragon dancing. Students range in age from 6 years old and up. They come from both public and private schools all over the island and train in Honolulu. Students are exposed to the strength and discipline of kung fu training before building the skill and athleticism of performing the lion dance. The lion is a symbol of good luck sent down to earth from the heavens. People will entice these lions with money or "laisee" so that the lion will come near and cast its good fortune on their families and businesses. Narcissus Queen & Court The Miss Narcissus Pageant takes a place each year in China Town. This year's Queen Ningjin Miao and her royal court were chosen out of 12 beautiful women that competed in the Miss Narcissus pageant. Their beauty adds radiance to our parade.     Cosplay Cafe Student Veterans of America (SVA) is an independent student organization associated with the University of Hawaii-West Oahu (UHWO) campus. The SVA will help to set up the cosplay cafe at the Honolulu Festival. This club, recently formed at UHWO, is designed to provide support, activities and fellowship for members of the association, and to provide services to veterans within the university, community, and the State of Hawai'i. It is open to all University of Hawai'i - West O'ahu students, alumni, and faculty.     Dance Junction Hawaii Dance Junction Hawaii offers classes in jazz, lyrical, contemporary and hip-hop for ages 4 and up. Dance Junction has two competitive teams - the jr company for elementary aged dancer and the sr company for middle school through college aged dancers. Under the direction of Jill Tanioka, Dance Junction has traveled to California, Texas and Japan for competition winning numerous awards for both team and individual routines. [ URL ] http://dancejunctionhawaii.com/     Filcom Banda Kawayan Filcom Banda Kawayan is a diverse, intergenerational group of learners who are interested in reviving an art form using traditional bamboo musical instruments. [ URL ] http://www.filcom.org/     Freeman KCC Kokorokara Dance Group The students from KCC (Kapi'olani Community College) will perform a dance program that promotes smiles called "Kokorokara Dance" with Minami Sasuga who is a famous dancer and choreographer in Japan. This program is created by her. It is enjoyable, casual, and easy for any age generation.     Gaylord Rieta/Rieta's Chinese Kempo Karate School Gaylord Rieta is a singer/entertainer and also a Professor/Grand Master of Chinese Kempo martial arts. He performs Music & Martial Arts from the late 50's to the present.     The Habibi Hawaii Ensemble The Habibi Hawaii Ensemble is a performance troupe of dancers and drummers representing authentic movements and rhythms of the Middle East. The members are all of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities. The Ensemble is Directed by Shadiya who is an award winning performer, international instructor and professional entertainer in Honolulu. She is also the President of the Middle Eastern Dance Artists of Hawaii. The Habibi Hawaii Ensemble specializes in traditional dances from Egypt and North Africa, and seeks to preserve culture and honor diversity through the celebration music and dance.     Hawaii Chinese Culture Center Hawaii Chinese Culture Center Inc. was established as a non-profit cultural/charity organization with the status of 501(c) (3) in 2006 to meet the increasing demand for the local Chinese community and the cultural exchange and harmony in the state of Hawaii.     Hawaii Music Festivals  (Sat, March 12, 2011) Hawaii Choral Festival Choirs from the Mainland will join choirs from The Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus, The Sounds of Aloha, Punahou School, Sacred Hearts Academy, Kamehameha Schools, Kapolei Middle and High Schools, Mililani High School, and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School from Kauai in an exciting day of quality performances. The guest conductor will be Dr. Janet Galvan from Ithaca College. Hawaii Band & Orchestra Festival Bands from the Mainland and Canada will join the Royal Hawaiian Band, the 25th Infantry Division Band and the Leilehua High School Band in presenting a full day of concerts. The Artistic Director will be Dr. Robert Foster from the University of Kansas. Hawaii Cheer & Dance Festival Cheer groups from the Mainland and Hawaii will join the Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) championship cheer squad in the second annual event. [ URL ] http://www.hawaiimusicfestivals.com/     Hawaii United Okinawa Association HUOA is committed to maintaining and promoting a strong bond with the Prefecture of Okinawa, to preserve, promote and perpetuate the culture, arts and history of Okinawa in Hawaii. [ URL ] http://www.huoa.org     Kawaii Kon Kawaii Kon is a three-day convention event dedicated to creating a broader awareness of, and appreciation for Japanese animation by celebrating the richness of this art form. The convention promotes the growth of the anime and manga fan base in Hawaii, as well as growth of related community groups, businesses and industries both here and abroad. In addition to providing a central event for fans and enthusiasts, Kawaii Kon seeks to become a vehicle for sharing and disseminating industry information. Kawaii Kon also provides the community and related industries the opportunity to network and conduct business. Fans, artists and industry guests gather from all over the world here in Hawaii for this 3-day extravaganza. In 2011, Kawaii Kon will be celebrating its 7th year in Hawaii and will be held at the Hawaii Convention Center from April 29th thru May 1st. [ URL ] http://www.kawaii-kon.org     The Korean Traditional Music Association of Hawaii Members of this group hope to promote the spirit of the traditional Korean arts and to perpetuate it through future generations. Chum Sa Rang, Daina Chang Dance Group, Hahaum Dance Studio, and Myung Woo Dan will be participated on March 12, Saturday for the stage performance at the Convention Center and Ala Moana Center. For the Sunday, besides those groups, United Korean Association of Hawaii, Korean American Sport Association of Hawaii will be participated in the parade on Sunday March 13, 2011.     Laupahoehoe School of Muay Thai Thai Culture Center of Hawaii Laupahoehoe School of Muay Thai will be showing the intricate and powerful martial art of Muay Thai. It will not only be through the techniques, but through the Wai Kru and Ram Muay.     Lahainaluna High School Lahainaluna High School won the 2nd Maui Mikoshi Design Contest in 2005. They will carry Pineapple Mikoshi at the Grand Parade.     Maui High School This Year's Maui Mikoshi Design Contest winner, Maui High School students will carry their winning Mikoshi in the Grand Parade.     Miss Kona Coffee 2011 The Ueshima Coffee (UCC Hawaii) Corp. 40th annual Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Pageant crowned Kona's own Lacy Deniz as Miss Kona Coffee 2011. Lacy is a 2009 graduate of the Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama Campus and currently attends Hawaii Community College. Lacy hopes to obtain her doctorate degree in psychology. Immersed in Hawaiian culture, Lacy speaks fluent Olelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language).     Omiya Minbu Kai Omiya Minbu Kai consists of a small group of dancers who meet and practice to keep Japanese cultural dances and the classical art of "Shin-buyo" (ENKA) rooted in Hawaii. Under the leadership of instructors Kiyo Shinomae and Helen Tsuchiya the dancers practice three times a week.     Pacific Roller Derby Pacific Roller Derby is Oahu's resident flat track roller derby league. Formed in 2008, Pacific is an all female roller derby league that devotes their time to provide an environment that fosters friendship, skill-building, leadership, and more through a grass roots, self-operated 501(c)4 not-for-profit athletic organization. In 2009, Pacific is currently ranked 19 out of 25 in the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) Western Division. [ URL ] http://www.pacificrollerderby.com/     Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko originated in Okinawa in 1982, combining traditional Eisa and Karate forms with contemporary influences and music to create a new and unique taiko style. They remains headquartered in Okinawa, however, the club has grown tremendously and now includes chapters all around the world. Our own Hawaii chapter includes branches on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island and is led by Sensei Akemi Martin, Hawaii Regional Director. [ URL ] http://rmdhawaii.org/     Sogaimiti and Malu Community Sogaimiti is the premiere club and organization within the United States promoting traditional and authentic Samoan tatau (tattoo) culture. Its members are Samoan men and women of all ages who have all received the full body tattoo through the traditional Samoan methods which date back hundreds of years. It is these traditions which they strive to maintain in these modern times to uphold their history, culture and pride.     Senior Life Enrichment Association Senior Life Enrichment Association is a non-profit organization consisting of Japanese who live in Hawaii. The group promotes cultural exchange with the local Japanese Americans as well as the Japanese visitors. The association creates opportunities for members to participate in community service and various cultural activities. [ URL ] http://www.hawaiiseniorlife.org/9english.html     TAIWAN Teachers from the Council of Indigenous Peoples, skilled in dance, song, and culture for all 14 tribes of Taiwan. Taiwanese students in Hawaii from University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, Brigham Young University, Kapi'olani Community College, and local Hawaii Taiwanese. Their goal is to share, educate, and promote preservation of indigenous culture.     Vietnamese Student Association at Hawaii Nau banh dem xuan (Cooking on New Year's Eve) is a traditional folk song 'Vong co', composed by Quy Sac. It is one of the most famous, romantic and lyric songs in the south of Vietnam about dating in daily working life. They'll start with the Vietnamese southern folk song then perform the Vietnamese fan dance. The fan dance represents the homeland kites. For a long time, kites have always been a close image with Vietnamese people. Kites in Vietnam are the most powerful symbol of strength, success and freedom.   to See Participating Groups from Japan

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