"He Ipu Nui!" The Gourd in Hawaiian Culture February 20, 2013

From water containers to drums, the gourd finds practical and esthetic use in Hawaiian culture. Join Manu Josiah and Leilehua Yuen as they explore this amazing plant's roots. Hear a legend of how the gourd came to Hawai`i, and learn about the artistry of turning a vegetable into a fine work of art. Rick Mazeraski opens the show with the resounding strains of the Palace Theater's vintage pipe organ. Quack Moor shares a bit of the history of Hilo's historic Palace Theater before introducing the Palace Theater’s cultural practitioners, Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah as they use hula, chant, story, and song to depict the history and culture of Hawai`i. Wednesday at 11:00 am in the Palace Theater, 38 Haili St. Hilo. $5 general admission. Keiki under 12 free. For more information on the theater and the show, call 934-7010.