Hawaiian star Keali`i Reichel Releases Concert DVD

Punahele Productions announced the release of Kukahi – Keali’i Reichel Live in Concert, recorded at the Blaisdell Concert Hall in Honolulu. The DVD features Keali`i, one of Hawaii’s best known artists and kumu hula instructors, and his Halau Ke`alaokamaile in a musical journey of old and new favorites.

The DVD begins with an elaborate Kahiko segment, celebrating Hawaii’s pre-contact era with an exquisitely choreographed dance and chant sequence passed down from generations of traditional teachers. The filming segues to Keali`i’s contemporary songs of Hawaii’s natural beauty, storied places, and love of family and friends.

“Our goal on this project was to utilize the latest digital technology at hand and meld it within the scope and context of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian performances,” explains Reichel.Hawaii State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson says “The heart and soul of who Keali’i is and his love for these islands and our people shine bright throughout the performance. As a Hawaiian, I am brimming with pride. For those of us who are blessed to call Hawaii’s home, his music and hula teaches us so much about ourselves and this special place we love. For those beyond our shores, Keali’i provides an amazing window for the world to see why Hawai’i is a place like no other.”

Keali`i was born and raised on Maui. His passion for the language and culture of Hawaii led him to become a founding director for Punana Leo O Maui, the Hawaiian language immersion school. In 1980, he founded his own hula school, Halau Ke`alaokamaile, and has won numerous awards. His six albums over the past 12 years have garnered 29 Na Hoku Hanohano awards by the Hawaii Academy for Recording Arts as well as a Grammy nomination.

The DVD, released to retailers nationwide on November 6, will be available in standard and high definition (HD) versions, with options for stereo or 5.1 audio surround sound.

Kukahi – Keali’i Reichel Live in Concert features special guests Keali`i Ceballos and Ben Vegas. A retrospective on Keali’i Reichel’s career is also a highlight on the DVD, with a run time of over two hours. Hawaiian and English subtitles provided as a menu option. The DVD is distributed by the Alternative Distribution Alliance, a Warner Music Group company.

 

Buy Kukahi – Keali’i Reichel Live in Concert.