Posted at 9:51 a.m., Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Haugen produces o-bon special
By Wanda A. Adams
Assistant features editor
The program is scheduled to air at 6 p.m. Aug. 12 on the radio stations around the Islands — KHPR 88.1 FM O'ahu, KKUA 90.7 Wailuku and KANO 91.1 Hilo.
Haugen first encountered o-bon as a young soldier stationed in Japan. Later, he would move to Hawai'i, marry an Island woman and perform the same dances at temples here. He was particularly impressed that, even as a non-Japanese, he was welcomed into the dancing circle.
In the special, Haugen will explore the roots of the festivals, and particularly the "minyo" — Japanese folk songs — to which participants dance.
Haugen and his wife, Carmen, are well known as performers and as hosts of "Music of Hawai'i," which airs weekly at 3 p.m. Sundays on KIPO 89.3 FM. Information: 955-8821.
