4-part series explores Hawaiian music history

Discover the evolution of Hawaiian music during the four-part "Ke Ala o ka Hua Mele" series of Saturday discussions and performances by some of Hawaii’s foremost scholars, cultural practitioners and kumu.

The program, sponsored by the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives, will explore four different eras of Hawaiian music. Aaron Mahi will moderate the first panel, "Hula Kahiko & Oli," from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Saturday with Hawaiian chant master Kalena Silva, cultural adviser Sam Ohu Gon and kumu hula Noenoe Zuttermeister-Lewis.

The talk-story session is free, and attendees are welcome to bring a picnic meal or purchase drinks and pupu on the museum grounds.

Silva, Gon, Na Wa‘a Lalani Kahuna o Pu‘ukohola, kumu Pohi Souza and Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua will perform in a separate concert that begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the performances are $100 for the series (admits one person to all four performances) or $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

The other programs are:

» "Himeni & Na Ali‘i: Hawaiian Hymnals & Compositions by Hawaiian Monarchs," May 11; with Mahi, George Kuo, Martin Pahinui, the Kawaiaha‘o Choir, Kanani Kawika, kumu hula Snowbird Bento and the University of Hawaii Hawaiian Ensemble.

» "Hapa Haole Boat Days & Hula," July 13; with Alan Akaka & the Islanders and Nina Keali‘iwahamana, Mahi Beamer, Puakea Nogelmeier, Souza and Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua.

» "Contemporary Hawaiian Music: 1970s & Beyond," Oct. 12; with Olomana, Jerry Santos, Jon Osorio, John Keoni Fujitani, Derrick Malama, Nogelmeier, kumu hula Kepo‘omaikalani Park and the Hu‘i Park Hula Studio.

Call 447-3926 or visit missionhouses.org.