The youthful Kanaka’ole hails from a long, venerable Native Hawaiian line—seven generations of experts in traditional dance, poetry, song, and music. An accomplished traditional dancer and vocalist, he can move effortlessly from powerful traditional mele to moving contemporary ballads.

From his early teens, Kanaka’ole has been performing as a dancer and singer, continuing the songs of his ancestors and using his poignant, powerful voice to draw new audiences to Hawaii’s deep musical roots. His efforts have won him coveted awards rarely granted to one so young.

Recordings available: Kaumakaiwa, Welo

Festival line-Up

• Chamber Music: Ballaké Sissoko & Vincent Segal (U.S. debut)
• Creole Choir of Cuba
• Diblo Dibala
• Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole (NYC solo debut)
• La-33
• Novalima
• Orquestra Contemporânea de Olinda
• Pedrito Martinez Group
• RAM
• Red Baraat
• Rhythm of Rajasthan
• Yoro Ndiaye (U.S. debut)

The one-night festival includes three U.S. debuts and one New York debut. Tickets are $35 if purchased by November 30, $40 thereafter, including at the door. ($35 for members of World Music Institute) (www.ticketmaster.com or by phone through World Music Institute box office: 212-545-7536).

globalFEST 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011 at Webster Hall
125 E 11th St., New York, NY
between 3rd and 4th avenues