Posted on: Friday, January 10, 2003

4 aunties in sweet harmony

It was hard to get the aunties together for next Friday's gig.

Noelani Mahoe and Leo Nahenahe have been playing music together for more than 40 years. They've performed for the Queen of England, the Crown Prince of Japan, the Maharajah of Mysore and toured the world. They've recorded four albums, including their Hawaiian Christmas classic. They're in their late 60s and early 70s, and busier than ever. Between the four of them, they have weekly gigs at the Outrigger Canoe Club, Hale Koa and Kahala Mandarin, not to mention weddings, birthdays, memorial services and charity events.

Noelani: You name it, we've done it.

Lynette: But not bars.

Mona: We're not a bar band.

Ethelynne: Too smoky.

About once a month, the four ladies gather in the garage of Noe's Pauoa home to practice and talk story. Their conversations have almost the same rhythms and layered arrangements as their music.

Mona: I should throw this out there — at our age, how long will we be doing this?

Noelani: As long as we can carry an instrument and carry a tune!

Mona: But until what age?

Ethelynne: Auntie Genoa still going.

Noelani Mahoe is the leader of the group and plays guitar. Mona Teves plays upright bass. Sister-in-law Ethelynne Teves plays 'ukulele along with Lynette Paglinawan. Only four aunties who have been singing together for this long could achieve their sound.

Ethelynne: When we make a mistake, we know already, don't look at Noe.

Mona: Just keep on going.

Lynette: Turn the other way and smile.

Ethelynne: Noe's face tells the story.

Noelani: I cannot help!

They have lively opinions on the current state of Hawaiian music, from "Jawaiian" (they don't care for it much) to the Merrie Monarch hula competition on TV.

Noelani: They never show the musicians, and the musicians make the dance.

Ethelynne: You have to look between the dancers to see who's playing.

And they're not sure they like the way some of the younger musicians present themselves.

Ethelynne: Dress appropriately.

Mona: No slippers!

Noelani: We never wore silkies. Always fresh flowers or shells or kukui.

And they have great fun laughing at photos of their earlier years.

Noelani: Look at that hair!

Mona: The day we took that picture, I remember I just came from camping in Waimanalo.

Lynette: People used to ask me, "Is that your hair?" and I would say, "Yes, I paid for it!"

Ethelynne: Was so good. You could just pin that thing on and go.

The aunties will perform Jan. 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Windward Mall as part of the 'Ohana concert live radio broadcast on KINE 105.1 FM.

After that, catch them if you can. They're busy.