Some photos from the Kanipapila kickoff event for the 2013 Festival of Aloha in Chicago. A Kanikapila is where people gather to play, sing and dance to Hawaiian music. There were some special guests in attendance including Jesse Tevega, Mrs. Illinois 2013; Paddy Te Tai a Maori New Zealander and member of the Mary & The Maori Hi Five band; the beautiful (Kumu Hula) Puanani and Nani Edgar, mother and daughter who are teaching hula workshops throughout the weekend; and of course Lanialoha Lee, organizer of the festival and our ukulele teacher keeping the Aloha alive in Chicago.

It was an incredibly fun and wonderful evening where most everyone participated in either learning to dance Hula, playing ukuleles and singing. We really need more of these!