Veteran island entertainers Gail Mack and Brickwood Galuteria have collaborated on a melodic and charming mele entitled “My Tūtū and Me,” which is an homage to the bond between kūpuna and their moʻopuna.
Kūpuna, Hawaiian for grandparents, often are domestic first-responders, caring for their moʻopuna, Hawaiian for grandchildren. In many homes and lives, there’s customarily a warm bond between grandpa and/or grandma and the grandkids, so this song magnifies the magical relationship between elders and keiki.
Galuteria (pictured left) currently a trustee with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, composed “My Tūtū and Me,” which he produced with Kūpuna Power. Galuteria has been a long-time radio and television personality, a musician, a songwriter, and a former state senator.
“My Tūtū and Me,” featuring the voice of Mack (pictured right) was inspired by the Partners in Development Foundation’s “Tūtū and Me” traveling school. Mack is widely known as a member of George Street, and is annually heard on radio performing her yuletide hit, “
“Christmas Once More in Hawaii.”
“Grandparents offer their grandchildren love, acceptance, patience, stability, wisdom, fun, and support, which positively affects a child’s well-being,” said Galuteria. “This song is dedicated to grandparents and grandchildren throughout Hawaii and beyond.”
The special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren “is like a beautiful friendship that defies age and generations,” said Galuteria.
Mack added, “It’s such a nice message and for a good cause.”
“The sacred connection between kūpuna and moʻopuna is a gift that brings so much joy and insight to both young and old, creating heartfelt memories that last a lifetime,” said Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, who is president and CEO of Partners in Development Foundation.
Clearly, the new song likely will connect and reverberate with preschoolers impacted by the ongoing work of the foundation.
Sheet music of “Tūtū and Me” song and lyrics.
The Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool serves Native Hawaiian families with keiki ages from birth to age 5 in underserved communities on the five major islands of Hawaii. The program strives to meet a family’s educational and emotional needs so keiki will enter school ready to learn and succeed.
“It’s such a nice message and for a good cause,” said Mack of the music and the mission of the foundation.
It’s also the perfect song for Grandparents Day, which is Sept. 8 this year.
Mack, who has been performing at Mango Street Grill in Wahiawa with Gordon Kim, reports that after 43 years together, Kim has retired from live performances. “He’s had problems with arthritis in his fingers for a while and feels he can’t play his guitar up to the standards he would like.”
Kim bowed out in December but plans to continue writing music. “Very sad for me,” said Mack…
And that’s Show Biz…