In the Name of Aloha is a tribute concert in hula and music honoring kumu Lokalia Montgomery and her haumana, students who followed in her teachings — Kekau’ilani "Lani" Kalama, Maiki Aiu Lake and Sally Wood Naluai. It was 10 years in the making and celebrates the lineage of hula masters from the 1930s until today.

The concert was inspired by an auspicious meeting. In 1965, on Kalama’s 40th birthday, legendary dancer Aunty ‘Iolani Luahine surprised Kalama with an early morning visit at Kalama’s home in Kailua. Luahine was known for her hypnotic hula, often presented on the rim of Hawaii island’s volcano caldera. On this day, before the sun had risen, the two women walked across the street to the shores of Kailua Bay. Kalama drummed as Luahine danced from 3 a.m. until dawn.

Fifty years and one day later, Kalama’s oldest daughter, kumu hula Puna Kalama Dawson, brings together students of Kalama, Lake and Naluai, who in turn had all studied hula under Montgomery.

These three are considered hula legends in their own right, graduating to kumu status between 1946 and 1948. They form the pillars of hula as we know it today.

Hosted by Dawson, now also a highly respected kumu, the concert is a lei of hula memories enhanced by the teachings of the kupuna.

Kumu participating include Dawson, Mapuana de Silva, Victoria Holt Takamine, Charlani Kalama and Ed Kalahiki. Master of ceremonies is Maka Herrod.

Musicians and dancers from Japan, Germany, the U.S. mainland and Hawaii will participate, including many of Dawson’s students. Performers include Japanese ukulele player Izumi, Garret Santos, Chanel Flores, Leiohu Ryder and Maydeen Iao, DJ Kawaiola Yaris, Alberto Genovia, Eddy Tanaka and Keith Nakaganeku.