After a year of development from the concept to completion, “Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience” will be presented at first at the Maui Ocean Center theater on July 1.
The immersive visual and musical journey of 16 songs will present the dancers and musicians of Hawaii led by the interpreter and award -winning creator Eric Gilliom. He begins with “LAKAKALA” with superb images of MAUI’s sleeping volcano before making his way in the depths of the ocean with songs on marine life and orientation.
The other strengths include a reflection on the deep cultural connection between the native Hawaiians and the sea in “Rhythm of the Ocean” at the Classic Don Ho Tune, “Tiny Bubbles”, and a more recent success, “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride”.
“Create this show was really fun for me,” Gilliom said in a statement. “I particularly like when the public participates (in) songs like” surfing “, which celebrates the surf spots of Maui.”
Gilliom said that the idea of ”Mele”, which means “song” in Hawaiian, came to him when he thought of developing a show at the Sphere Theater of Maui Ocean Center.
“I had seen the 3D whale film (” HumpBacks of Hawaii “and I thought it was a really cool space. I continued to drive and think:” It could be different from that of Vegas, but we have a sphere here on Maui. It took me about a year to develop the show of design on completion, “said Gilliom.
The biggest challenge for production has been audio. Gilliom’s solution is that each public member has headphones to feel a studio quality sound.
Sanoe Elf, Kehulali Douglas and Gerilyn Hewahewa. Vince Esquire will display his musical expertise on the ukulele. Michael Ruff, who worked with Lionel Richie and Chaka Khan, is a musical director.
“‘Mele’ is one of the many ways in which Maui Ocean Center is more than an aquarium,” said Mark Matthews, Marketing Director of Maui Ocean Center. “The sphere offers limited seats, so each performance is an intimate and unforgettable experience – a sincere spectacle of love and appreciation for the dynamic musical heritage of Hawaii.”
From July 1, “Mele” will be played every Tuesday and Saturday evening at the Sphere Theater. For more information and tickets, visit the Moc website.