Brothers Cazimero to tackle songs about Pele

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Robert, left, and Roland Cazimero long have been wary of venturing onto sacred ground by performing Roland's suite about the volcano goddess Pele. They will present it at a Hana Hou show tonight. Advertiser library photo The Brothers Cazimero Part of the Hana Hou series 8 p.m. today Hawai'i Theatre $30 (discounts available) 528-0506

"I really wanted to do the Pele thing," said brother Robert, about Roland's cluster of songs relating to the Hawaiian goddess of fire. "At that time (more than 20 years ago), it was a cause for a lot of pain; the whole idea of it (venturing onto sacred turf) was scary. It was being on the limb, taking a little edge, walking that edge."

Time heals all fears, apparently, since The Caz will finally stage the music in an expansive medley with production values (singers, dancers) befitting the theatrical hall. And for Hana Hou regulars. (The series is always an homage to the music of Hawai'i, by resident acts, often themed.)

"I can't believe it took more more than 20 years to decide," said Roland, of Robert's decision to take on the Pele suite — such decisions are usually left to him as program planner for the duo."He's a slow burner. The nice thing is, we involve my nephew Richard (Richard Heirakuji Jr.) on bass . ... And there will be choreography." Indeed. The Pele number — in Act 2 — will take on a theatrical flair, with a costumed cast representing Pele, plus a host of other characters of myth.

Carolyn Sky Perkins will be Hi'iakaikapoliopele (singer), Aulia Austen will be Hi'iakaikapoliopele (dancer), Keo Woolford will be Lohiau, Leina'ala Kalama Heine will be Na Makaokaha'i, Stan Cadinha will be Na Mohoali'ii, Muriel Thurston will be Pele (the elder), Jackie Booth will be Pele (the younger), Kanoe Tootsie Cazimero will be Wahineoma'o (singer) and Noelani Iokepa will be Wahineoma'o (dancer).

"Nothing can compare to Pele," said Robert. "I was originally against it; does he (Roland) listen to me? No, he go talk to the aunties. He talked to people on both sides (of the Pele issue — to do or not to do), so now it's a go." The mystique of Pele has intrigued and inspired artists for generations. This is the first time that The Caz and their performing 'ohana are tackling her with such magnitude.

Robert said the theme of evening as a whole will be "the archipelago of the Hawaiian Islands."

Other notes: Robert's bass fiddle won't be white (he had to replace that one, damaged in air transit, and the new one hasn't yet been repainted); he also may dust off a skinny electric bass he unveiled at a Christmas concert. Roland, however, will use his trademark white cube, getting back to tradition (at Christmas he sat on a reddish-brown platform).

Gearing up for Hana Hou is somewhat of a prep session for the Cazimero Lei Day gala, May 1 at Waikiki Shell. Some aspects of Hana Hou may emerge in the Lei Day endeavor.

"The cast keeps asking if some of the segments will be in Lei Day, and I told them yes," said Robert.

But he could change his mind.

How does he determine what's in and what's not, who's in and who's out? With Auntie Irmgard Aluli, who will be the focus on an Act 1 tribute, Robert said "she decided for us when she decided to be promoted to heaven." Aluli, who died Oct. 4, was part of Puamana at last year's Lei Day concert. Robert aches when he thinks about missed opportunities to include the likes of the late Haunani Kahalewai, the contralto, and the late Dennis Pavao, a falsetto wizard.

But the Aluli tribute enables Puamana member Mihana Souza, one of Aluli's daughters, to make a Hana Hou hana hou, dancing "Puamana."