May 2, 2005
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BANK OF HAWAI‘I PRESENTS MOONLIGHT MELE CONCERT SERIES OFFERING BEAUTIFUL HAWAIIAN MUSIC AT BISHOP MUSEUM

HONOLULU— A wonderful summer tradition is back as Bishop Museum has announced the line-up for its 2005 Moonlight Mele On the Lawn Concert Series. Presented by Bank of Hawaii, the three concerts will feature traditional Hawaiian music, local comedy and contemporary titles from Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners and Grammy Awards nominees.

Bishop Museum’s Great Lawn will be home to:

Thursday, June 16, 2005 – Maunalua

Maunalua debuted with a self-titled album, “Maunalua,” and took home the 2001 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Best Hawaiian Album Of The Year. At this year’s Moonlight Mele, fans will delight in traditional favorites from Maunalua’s newest CD release entitled, “Kuleana.” Eight years of playing together have honed the musical skills of group members Bobby Moderow, Jr., Raymond Kane, Kahi Kaonohi and Bruce Spencer, and have earned them a strong and loyal following.

Thursday, July 21, 2005 – Ho‘okena & Da Braddahs

Ho‘okena got its start in 1986 and remains one of Hawai‘i’s longest-lasting Hawaiian music groups. With their most recent CD, "Cool Elevation," Ho‘okena maintains its high standards of vocal blend, clean instrumentation, solid arrangements and fresh, new compositions. The CD also earned them a Grammy Nomination this past year. Ho`okena has garnered many Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards including: Most Promising Artists; Group of the Year; Hawaiian Album of the Year; Haku Mele Hawaiian Composition; Best Hawaiian Performance; Christmas Album of the Year and more. Ho`okena members are Manu Boyd, Horace K. Dudoit III, Chris Kamaka and Glen H.K. Smith.

James Roche and Tony Silva – “Da Braddahs” – have become two of O‘ahu’s favorite comedic performers. The two met during high school and later partnered up to form “Da Braddahs.” Their TV show, 'Da Braddahs and Friends,' is a hit on OC16 Hawai‘i Television and has propelled them to the forefront of the local comedy scene. Roche and Silva play many different characters during their live show, many of which are satires of Hawai‘i’s most famous entertainers such as a crazed microphone carrying Don Ho, a Samoan father and son tree trimming team, and two blundering Honolulu Police detectives.

Thursday, August 11, 2005 – Makaha Sons

The powerful Makaha Sons, known for their magical harmonies and on-stage humor, will lead the final concert of the season. Louis "MOON" Kauakahi, Jerome "BOOGIE" Koko, and John Koko will provide a spectacular night of Hawaiian song and dance celebrating the life we live in Hawai‘i through music and hula.

Concert-goers are encouraged to arrive early for optimal seating and to visit the Museum’s newest exhibits, Na Akua Wahine: Celebrating the Female God of Hawai‘i Nei, Journey With A King and Reptiles: Real & Robotic. Delicious food and beverage will be available for purchase to help create that ultimate sunset picnic on the Great Lawn. Moonlight Mele on the Lawn is also sponsored in part by Hawaiian 105 KINE, Horizon Lines, Papa John’s Hawaii, Gordon Biersch, Hawaiian Telcom, Kau Inoa, Ashley Home Furniture, and Art & Signs.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. to the general public and at 5:30 p.m. for Bishop Museum members. Tickets for the concert series are $15 General Admission, $10 for Bishop Museum Members and Bank of Hawai‘i customers and employees, and $5 for Children 4-12. For information, call 848-4187 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.

A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years, special rates for kama‘āina, seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Members are free. For information, call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org