Press Release: June 2, 2010
Hawaiian Pidgin English Stories
Coming To East Hawaii Cultural Council:
Kamaka Brown and Bradajo Hadley
Hawaiian Island native Kamaka Brown has been making people laugh on both sides of the Pacific for several years now. He’s a multi-talented writer, motivational speaker, comic, story teller, entertainer.
This veteran performer has appeared in clubs and on stages in Hawaii, Las Vegas, Hollywood, California, and the Pacific Northwest. He has worked with artists such as; Chuck Berry, B.B. King, the Temptations, jazz fusion group Hiroshima, and reggae artists Big Mountain.
“If Can, Can. If No Can, No Can!” is a very unique show. Kamaka brings to the stage a language spoken by contemporary people of Hawai’i in story form. Academically known as “Hawaiian Creole English” this language is a “toss salad” mix of the languages of the many ethnic groups that came to the islands to work in the fields. This “Pidgin English” (at first frowned upon by the “King’s English” purists) is now a recognized form of communication in contemporary Hawai’i. Kamaka is fluent in “Pidgin English” and brings to the stage original stories read in what some call “Hawaiian Ebonics.”
Here is what just one reviewer said of the show:
“This is an offering from a sharp, professional comedian and talented story teller replete with a full cadre of supporting wits and players. This is a genuine musical presentation with a generous serving of funny stagecraft. He and his musician friend weave a tuneful spell between stories of childhood thrills, vivid memories and unique adventures. All this from the perspective of soothing country life in sleepy Hawai’i. Music is played. Philosophy is exchanged and native wisdom shared. And the music! If anyone in the audience does not like the soothing instrumental of a solo acoustic guitar they are "soul deprived" and seriously humor impaired.”
B. Stane, “Backstage” Altadena, California
Brown has toured the Pacific Northwest with shows in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as Southern California in 2009 to rave reviews. He has been called the “Hawaiian Garrison Keillor” referring to the down-home folksy style of public radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion” host.
“I am excited to share my stories about growing up in a rural beachside community in the 60’s in Hawai’i. We had a kerosene stove and lamps and an icebox with a block of ice inside to keep things cool. The small town values and work ethic forever are part of my DNA. As I travel I am finding a universal commonality in my stories with folks who were brought up in small communities where ever I go.” Brown said.
Joining Kamaka on stage, a third generation Kama’aina originally from Kauai, Bradajo, aka Jozuf Hadley, poet, storyteller, artist, teacher, and philosopher now for the last five years a Honaunau resident. He has worked within the medium of Pidgin for over three decades. Thirty years ago, he found a way to capture the feel of local experience in simple and profound original poetry and put his words on the page in evocative and entertaining calligraphy of his own devising. Bradajo calls for us to look within to remember the oneness we humans share with each other, our natural world and the universe—a connection we’ve forgotten in our blind rush to find ourselves outside ourselves.
Kamaka Brown and Bradajo on stage August 28th at the East Hawaii Cultural Council
7 PM. Don’t miss this unique musical theater performance.
Websites: www.kamakabrown.com
http://ixmae.dynamophone.com/bradajo/
What: “If Can. Can. If No Can. No Can.” Hawaiian Pidgin English stories
When: August 28, 2010
Time: 7 PM
Where: East Hawaii Cultural Council 141 Kalakaua Street Hilo, Hi 96720
Tickets: $20 (808-935-9085 for information and reservations)
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