Robert Uluwehi Cazimero, veteran entertainer and award-winning kumu hula, will celebrate five decades of music and hula with an unprecedented two-part event, “My Hawaiian Souvenirs,” next month.
Cazimero, the unparalleled creator of Hawaiian mele, chants and ‘olelo via popular recordings and performances, will showcase the history of his incredible and indelible accomplishments over the past 50 years.
Robert Cazimero at the keyboard ; he’s marking his 50th anniversary.
He’ll share the limelight and journey with a treasure chest of familiar vocals and instrumentals with his award-winning hula institution, Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua.
Reflecting on his journey through song and dance, Cazimero said, ”I thank my parents (William Ka’aihue Cazimero, Sr. and Elizabeth Kapeka Meheula) for nurturing us, for my voice, and especially for giving us a great work ethic and appreciation of music.”
“As far as dance is concerned, I would be nothing without Maiki. That’s a given.” Maiki, of course, is his visionary kumu hula Maiki Aiu Lake, whose inspired teachings have made a lasting impact on his own stewardship of his own halau.
The two shows will be a recapitulation, laced with memories and reflection, and will tap several eras of Cazimero’s artistry, including the years when Robert was part of the duo The Brothers Cazimero with his late brother, Roland Cazimero, as an award-winning Na Hoku Hanahano Award-winning act, and as the kumu of Halau Na Kamalei, a two-time winner of the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival.
The riches of songs and dances could not fit in a single show, so hence the two-fer format. The pair of concerts will be staged at what has emerged as Cazimero’s and Na Kamalei’s key venue, the Leeward Community Theatre at Leeward Community College in Pearl City.
The fund-raising concerts, with separate admissions, will be presented by the Wahea Foundation, one in the evening, the other in the afternoon:
- Act 1 will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct.11.
- Act 2 will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct.12.
“Putting the shows together for October? Tough!,” he said. “Lots of material to choose from, trying to make old things new and exciting again? Trippy! But talking story with people every day helps the creativity flow. Gotta love it.”
Roland was an innovative musical gem, who learned how to command the upright bass and guitar, creating a splendid niche for his rock and folk destinations inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Crosby, Stills & Nash; he taught his pianist-kumu hula brother how to perform on upright bass, an instrument Robert has shelved as a solo musician-singer since Roland’s passing.
Robert’s diversity has been evident in such mammoth spectacles as May Day at the Waikiki Shell and Bishop Museum, holiday concerts in the round at the Blaisdell Arena, a career-high gig at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and private parties at Mahi Beamer’s home in Malaekahana.
His hula milestones include the big wins in his first and final Merrie Monarch competitions, in 1976 and in 2025.
The contents of the October shows have not been revealed, but will embrace the Cazimero style of staging, incorporating drama, comedy and storytelling skills and usually with guest artists from the vast circle of Cazimero-Na Kamalei supporters.
Tickets are $100, available at www.waheafoundation.org
* *. *
Also, another round of “merry” shows is coming up in December, when Cazimero unwraps his annual holiday gift of Christmas serenades at Chef Chai’s.
He’ll be at the piano as usual, at 6:30 p.m Dec. 16 to 20. The performance customarily runs for 60 to 90 minutes, but if the champagne glasses are filled, again and again, the show could be extended.
The usual dinner service from 5:30 p.m. will precede the shows. Space is limited, so reserve seats early. Price will be $125 per person.
Reservations: (808) 585-0011…
And that’s Show Biz…
