Bob Nelson captains the SS Waiʻalae on Interisland Cruise

As the gang plank was lifted and the last passengers boarded, the SS Waiʻalae eased its way out of Honolulu Harbor.  The captain lifted his hands and with the powerful voices of twenty men turned the propellers that pushed us out into the open ocean.  It was Waiʻalae Country Club's Hawaiian Night and members would be treated to a interisland cruise powered by the rich voices of the men of the Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club.

At the Captain's Dinner all the finest Hawaiian fare was served and as members enjoyed poi and lau lau, Robert Nelson masterfully turned the ship's wheel as the Club took Waiʻalae members to Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Kauaʻi and then back home to Oʻahu.  The selection of songs was broad ranging from Hawaiian classics to Hapa Haole and even a couple alma maters.  Accompanying the men was Melia Felix who dance Mī Nei and A Maile Lei for the captivated crowd.

An excellent time was had by all as those in attendance sang along with songs that were familiar and were mezmerized by the hula.  In honor of Waiʻalae, the Club sang a medley of Waiʻalae and Akaka Falls and before ending with Hawaiʻi Aloha emcee Kuni Agard let the members know the only reason we sing Kamehameha March with such fervor was because ʻ48 graduate of St. Louis High School Sam Kamaka got the guys all riled up.  Laughing errupted throughout the crowd as Tony Guerrero, a St. Louis alum himself threw both hands up and yelled, "St. Louis!!"

A special mahalo to Kay Mattos and the members of the Waiʻalae Country Club for their hospitality and warm invitation.

What an awesome cruise!

We're Recruiting

Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club
Kamehameha Schools photo by Michael Young

The Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club is currently recruiting interested men of all voice parts.  If you sang with the Concert Glee Club while attending Kamehameha and want to hear and sing that music again please join us tomorrow night at 7pm (and on all Tuesday evenings) at the Bishop Memorial Chapel up at Kamehameha Schools.  Please contact the Club by visiting our website at http://www.kamehamehaglee.org/ by clicking the link at the right of this blog.

Please check the calendar on the homepage for our performance and rehearsal schedule.  Any changes to our regular Tuesday nights will be reflected there.

Mālama Card Launch

Aaron Mahi and Dale Noble in front of the Pauahi statue at Helumoa

Joined by former Concert Glee Club Director and Song Contest Judge from last night's 90th Kamehameha Schools Song Contest, Dale Noble the Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club opened the festivities for the launch of the Mālama Card.

Emcee Manu Boyd entertained the crowd and gave away gifts for guests who could correctly answered questions about the Mālama Card, the song that were performed and Helumoa.  The Mālama Card is a loyalty program featuring merchants at Kamehameha owned properties. For details on the Mālama Card please check out malamacard.com.

Holokū Ball 2010

The Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club opened this year's Holokū Ball at the newly renovated Royal Hawaiian Hotel. On the lawn fronting the Monarch Room, the Club greeted guests with a capella renditions of Nani ke ʻLiʻi Kiʻekiʻe, Beyond the Reef, and Lahainaluna, all standards the Club has been noted for singing. The Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu honored Kamehameha Schools CEO Dee Jay Mailer.

The Man of the hour - Aaron Mahi

Aaron Mahi - Kamehameha Schools photo by Michael Young

 The Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club joined the Oʻahu Choral Society in honoring Aaron Mahi in Vivace, a fundraiser benefiting the Society at the Waiʻalae Country Club this evening. Adorned in a sea of maile and flower lei, Mahi, the director of KAGC graciously led the group in some of the Club's most famous numbers including Hole Waimea, Puʻuwaʻawaʻa and Kamehameha March.

Many of those in attendance were family, friends and long time supporters of Aaron's and included members of the various choirs he directs, civic groups, charitable organizations as well as the newest members of his professional ʻohana the great folks from Partners in Development with whom he is currently working on the Hawaiian Bible project.

A great time was had by all and invited guests and performers were treated to a great time with great music to honor a great man. Mahalo Aaron!

He Inoa no Pauahi

The Kamehameha Alumi Glee Club honored the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop with a performance at the Royal Hawaiian Center. Helumoa, the site where RHC stands today has been fully renovated and features the Royal Grove, a lush coconut grove with lovely rock and water features as its centerpiece. It's a truly lovely place to pay tribute to Pauahi and the Club did so with traditional founders day numbers He Inoa no Pauahi and Pauahi o ka Lani and other Kamehameha standards.

Welcome Home USS Hawaii

As the USS Hawaii made it's way into Pearl Harbor the stands filled with loved ones of those serving aboard and dignitaries from the military, state and city. A fly over of F-15 jets opened the ceremony and after hula performances by Halau Hula ʻOlana, the Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club performed songs fitting the occasion. Hole Waimea, Pupu o Ewa/Kanaʻiaupuni and Kamehameha March were just a few of the selections.