Spreading the Aloha Through Music
The United States Mission in Geneva celebrated Independence Day in Aloha Spirit at a reception featuring performances by the Hawaiian music band Na Ohana Hoaloha, a music band based on Molokai, Hawaii and by the Swiss Hula school.
The Na Ohana Hoaloha band has always had one basic goal: spread the Aloha. The band name translates to “A Family of Friends”. With strong roots in Hawaiian music, the band members work to keep each program fresh with arrangements that bring the sounds of ancient Hawaiian instruments together with modern tones, adding original band music to keep traditions vibrant in the present day. The group is celebrating the release of its new album, Na Ohana Hoaloha: LIVE!
The Swiss Hula school is art of the Ka ‘Imi Na’auao O Hawaii Nei Institute founded in 1977 by Kumu Hula Roselle Keli’ihonipua Bailey, who has shared her passion of Hula by teaching in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. The group comes together to dance Hula - an act of true cultural exchange. Hula dancing in Europe is based on the dancers’ love and respect for Hawaii. While they enjoy dancing and telling stories with their hands, they stand on the foundation of their own roots and values taught by their Hawaiian teacher: honesty, caring and helping, expressed through the word, “Aloha”.
Ambassador Hamamoto's Remarks: geneva.usmission.gov/2015/07/07/ambassador-hamamotos-rema...