| 6.20.2008 |
Na Leo still going strong after decades on stage |
WITH SO many local recording artists struggling for success, it's comforting to know some industry veterans are able to change with the times and still make a profit.
The Brothers Cazimero are a good example. Robert and Roland accepted a lifetime achievement award this week at the 31st annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, but they aren't just sitting back and relaxing after more than three decades in the game. They just released a new album, "Destiny," and Robert starred in a recent documentary about his role as kumu hula with Halau Na Kamalei (check out my blog for a video interview with the Cazimeros).
Na Leo is another group with no plans to retire anytime soon. After signing a distribution deal with Koch, the ladies are set to release their 19th studio album next week.
"E Hula Mai Kakou" is due in stores (and iTunes) on Tuesday. The release marks the start of Na Leo's 25th anniversary celebration, which lasts until August 2009 and includes their most extensive U.S. mainland tour to date.
With help from producer Shawn Pimental, the ladies have produced an instant classic for hula halau around the world. "E Hula Mai Kakou" features a number of original compositions, plus new material written by Puakea Nogelmeier, Violet Hughes and Kahauanu Lake.
Na Leo will head for the mainland next week, with a pair of concerts scheduled in San Diego with Keali'i Reichel and Weldon Kekauoha before moving on to Los Angeles, Seattle and Las Vegas for the Fourth of July weekend. They'll be joined in Seattle and Vegas by Reichel, Ernie Cruz Jr. and Kaukahi.
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