PACKED OUT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 233, 4 November 1940, Page 5

PACKED OUT

POPULAR HAWAIIAN CONCERT ENTHUSIASTIC MAORIS A feature of the presentation 'Hawaii Sings' the popular Island entertainment .staged in the Grand Theatre last Friday evening was the spontaneous applause accorded all items by the audience, fully 50 per cent which was composed by local Maoris. The first curtain disclosed a pretty Hawaiian moonlight scene, the effect of which was quite enchanting and the haunting rhythm of the stringed instruments made the opening very impressive. The performers were a travelling Company of four presented by Honolulu Enterprises.. They were Momi Kaaimoku, hula dancer, and Aliiloa Lincoln's Alohalarii Hawaiians. Miss Kaaimoku has all the charm and grace which romance associates with native maidens from the South Seas. Her speaking voice is soft, and although her singing voice is very light, it has a definite appeal, j One of the very best numbers was a hula done to the accompaniment of rhythmical effects from gourds filled with grain. It was the first time, too, that Whakatane had been treated to varied fashions for hula skirts and Miss Kaaimcku's choice of silver and black was a distinct change from the ordinary. The three men of the parly were adepts at stringed instruments electric guitar, ukeleles, etc., and the programme was varied with modern melodies as well as well known Hawaiian numbers. There was no lack of appreciation on the part of the audience,, and the performers were warmly applauded especially after their closing song "Aloha Oe," which Avas then appropriately followed by "God Save the King." Explanations by the announcer helped to a better understanding )f some of the songs dances.