Categorized | Education, Entertainment

Storytellers Del Rocco and MacLees featured for Library Week

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii’s public libraries are places for new beginnings. Whether you are applying for your first library card, learning new computer skills or planning a trip, the public library is the place where your story begins. National Library Week is April 10-16, 2011; join our public libraries and librarians to “Create your own story @ your library,” this year’s theme chosen by the American Library Association.

“Every day, Hawaii’s public libraries are helping people create their own unique stories,” said State Librarian Richard Burns. “Whether it is by opening a book to explore distant lands, or learning how to use new technologies to find a job, people in our libraries are creating new stories for themselves.”

Hawaii’s public libraries will host free programs throughout the month to celebrate National Library Week. In addition to featured performers, our programs will offer storytellers, artists, singers and dancers, musicians, and author talks:

Music

  • Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble, “The Art of Taiko.” Endo, a composer, leader, and performer of contemporary taiko (Japanese drums) will introduce the various drums and percussion instruments of Japan that are used in traditional and contemporary music at two selected Oahu libraries: April 7, 10 a.m. at Kahuku Public & School Library and April 10, 2:30 p.m. at Kaneohe Public Library.
  • Mahalohalo Ensemble, “Gong Row Music & Dances of the Southern Philippines.” The Mahalohalo Ensemble is rooted in native percussion and dance traditions of Southern Philippines and Malay gong cultures. Kolintang, also spelled Kulintang, is the centerpiece instrument of eight horizonally laid kettle gongs in dynamic musical conversation with larger hanging gongs (agong) and a drum (dabakan) as well as other instruments. The Ensemble will perform at three selected Oahu libraries: April 10, 1 p.m. at Pearl City Public Library; April 13, 6:30 p.m. at Waipahu Public Library; and April 30, 10:30 a.m. at Aina Haina Public Library.
  • Chamber Music Hawaii’s Galliard String Quartet. The Galliard String Quartet, considered to be Hawaii’s premier string quartet, will perform a concert featuring the music of favorite composers such as Bach, Mozart, Ravel, Prokofiev, Hawaii’s Queen Liliuokalani, and others at two selected Oahu libraries: April 12, 5:30 p.m. at Salt Lake-Moanalua Public Library; and April 23, 11 a.m. at Waialua Public Library.
  • Nanakuli High School Performing Arts Center (NPAC). Under the direction of Robin Kitsu, about 25 talented student members of the NPAC will present a variety of songs and dance routines from their award-winning show in two performances at Waianae Public Library on April 13: 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Storytellers

  • Dave Del Rocco, “Stories of Hawaii and the World.” Del Rocco, a former HSPLS librarian, is currently a Hawaiian reference librarian at Punahou School. He will share folktales from Hawaii and other places such as Africa, Alaska, Italy, Laos, and the Philippines at two selected Oahu and Big Island libraries: April 9, 10:30 a.m. at Kailua Public Library, and Hilo Public Library on April 16 at 11 a.m.
  • Sandra MacLees, “Stories of the World.” MacLees, who has been a professional storyteller since 1978, uses drama and humor to bring to life the folktales, fables, myths, legends, biographies, and history that she has collected over the past 40 years. MacLees has shared her stories in schools and public libraries, and has been featured in storytelling festivals throughout the United States. She will perform at Pahala Public & School Library on April 11 at 3 p.m.
  • Jeff Gere, “Haunted Hawaii.” Gere will share original ‘chicken skin’ retellings of true supernatural tales of Hawaii. He blends his talents as a painter, puppeteer, mime, and director into a performance style which has electrified audiences throughout Hawaii and around the world for more than two decades. Gere will perform at Kahului Public Library on April 27 at 3 p.m.

Author Talks

  • “Talking Hawaii’s Story: Oral Histories of an Island People.” Based on the recently-published book edited by Michi Kodama-Nishimoto, Warren S. Nishimoto, and Cynthia A. Oshiro, this program will include a brief introduction about the book and readings of two selected narratives. The readings-which bring to life the words of actual people-will be of interest to long-time residents as well as newcomers to Hawaii. The program will be presented at three selected Big Island, Kauai and Maui libraries: April 12, 10:30 a.m. at Naalehu Public Library; April 18, 6 p.m. at Waimea Public Library; and April 20, 1:30 p.m. at Hana Public & School Library.

Arts & Crafts

  • Barbara Chung Ho, “Folk Arts of China and Asia -Chinese Knotting.” Chung Ho will present a customized workshop on the folk art of Chinese knotting. She will offer a brief history of the art and a hands-on demonstration at Hanapepe Public Library on April 21 at 6 p.m. This program is suitable for ages 10 and older.

Programs featuring storytellers and performing artists are recommended for all ages unless otherwise noted.

The Friends of the Library of Hawaii, Marriott Resorts Hawaii, Ko Olina Resort & Marina, Meadow Gold Dairies, HMS Host, Hansen Distribution Group, ING Foundation, Armstrong Produce Ltd., Bowman Connectivity Solutions, Inc., Girard’s Dressing, Roberts Hawaii Tours, Toshiba Business Solutions, and DFS Hawaii are sponsoring the National Library Week 20101programs. Additional funding and support is being provided by the University of Hawaii-Manoa Outreach College, Statewide Cultural Extension Program, the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Program schedules are subject to change.

In addition, a Pajama Keiki Storytime will be offered at Kailua Public Library under the Reading Tree on April 14 and May 5, both beginning at 6:45 p.m. Keiki ages 3 and older, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, are invited to hear bedtime stories and sing songs with librarians Miss Annie and Aunty Patti. Keiki can wear their pajamas and bring their favorite bedtime stuffed animal or blanket.

Contact the hosting library as soon as possible if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed for any of these programs.

Visit the HSPLS website: www.librarieshawaii.org for a complete listing of National Library Week 2011 programs or call your local library to find out what programs will be offered.

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