Tuesday, May 30. Nebraskans have embraced ceramist Jun Kaneko since he chose Omaha as his home base in 1982. Kaneko participated in the birth of American ceramics in the 60’s and 70’s and now pursues a global art career that includes installations in Hawaii, for example, fronting the Honolulu Aquarium. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa offers this walk with him through his show at the Contemporary at First Hawaiian Bank. Runs: 3:05.
Friday, May 26. This past Wednesday was the anniversary of the first airlifts out of Saigon in 1975, signaling the end of America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. In an era of global political turmoil from Japan to France and China to Angola, the Weather Underground stunned American society by using violence to protest the Vietnam War and the “establishment” they held responsible for racism and social inequity. Over a decade beginning in the late 1960’s, the Weather Underground bombed 24 buildings around the country, sprang LSD guru Timothy Leary from jail , robbed banks and accidentally blew up 3 of their own members — the only casualties involved in any of their activities. Sam Green, director of an acclaimed documentary on the Weather Underground, spoke with HPR’s Noe Tanigawa in advance of a screening and documentary workshops this weekend. Runs: 4:23.
Thursday, May 25. Art After Dark is a monthly phenomenon at the Honolulu Academy of Arts that is drawing a new breed of patrons to that venerable institution. The idea is to provide social, educational and networking opportunities in a party setting while secretly nurturing a passion for the arts. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa offers this appetizer for tomorrow night’s event. Runs: 3:20.
Tuesday, May 16. The Contemporary Museum is launching a new series of art events around town — 2411 (twenty-four eleven)Art Down the Hill, kicking off this Thursday night at NextDoor on Hotel Street. Art world darlings, the Neistat (ny-stat) Brotyhers will fly in from New York with video performances, and from L.A., DJ Keith will provide music and videos. Runs 3:59.
Friday, May 12. For singer Guy Cruz, a career in music was just too obvious — and he avoided it for years. His father is composer/singer Ernie Cruz Sr., his brothers Ernie Jr. and John Cruz are award winning recording artists, his sisters and mother both dance and sing. Finally with their encouragement, a debut CD in 1998 attracted the attention of audiences who’ve sought him outever since. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa caught up with him in advance of a performance for KIPO’s Blues stage. Runs 4:04.
Thursday, May 11. In ancient times, Mo’ili’ili was known for its freshwater springs and ponds, formed in limestone and fed by waters from Manoa. Up through the 50’s,neighborhood children would dare each other down gaping holes that led to the spooky underground caverns and streams of Mo’ili’ili. The history and vitality of this neighborhood is the subject of a book and celebration this weekend. Runs 3:42.
Friday, May 5. This past Wednesday, an earthquake in Tonga triggered a tsunami watch here in Hawai’I. That watch was quickly downgraded, but with historic death tolls higher than all other natural disasters put together, education is the key to avoiding future tsunami casualties, according to Dr. Walter Dudley, U.H. Hilo oceanographer and world reknown tsunami expert. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa spoke with him about Hawai’i’s risks today. Runs 3:51.
Thursday, May 4. Wednesday’s brief tsunami watch was a reminder for some of the fateful morning of April 1st, 1946, when a series of tsunami waves killed 159 people in Hawai’I and devastated Hilo town. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa offers this portal back in time to tragic events that, among other things, caused the demise of the Hawai’I Consolidated Railway. Runs 3:45.