Pahukoa Lucille Morse
Aunty Pahukoa was a member of Kimo Alama Keaulana's group, "Lei Hulu." She was the most beautiful parts singer, with a sweet soprano voice, and played a superb rhythm guitar. You can hear her on Lei Hulu's CD, "Hula Lives!" of course, and also on the Hoku-nominated CD by her dear friend Aunty Keli'i Chun, "Memories of Old Hawai'i."
Aunty Pahukoa Morse passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2006.
She loved to laugh, and banter with Kimo when he would tell the audiences that she was "single -- and she owns her own house!" We will all miss Aunty Pahukoa more than words can express. Her funeral was held on July 9, 2006, at Hawaii Memorial Park. It was a beautiful tribute of music and memories -- to a beautiful lady.
Derek Paiva of the Honolulu Advertiser wrote a lovely tribute, linked here:
To see a video clip of Aunty, singing a fun song, please click below:
And here's a video clip of Aunty Pahukoa singing her mother's favorite song, accompanied by Lanihuli Lee on the piano, at a casual gathering in Waimea, at the home of Alika and Noe Kimi Buchanan.
Joseph Kuewa Keaulana, Jr.
We still miss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Keaulana, Lei Hulu's outstanding bass player and singer, who passed away March 19, 2005 -- and is now the best darned bass player in hula heaven. Please visit our page for "Uncle Joe" for memorial tribute and pictures.
On April 8th, 2006, at the New Empire Restaurant in the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, Kimo hosted an Aha 'Ai Na Waimaka, a memorial to mark the year that has passed since Uncle Joe left us. Over 500 friends and family, who had generously contributed time and effort to giving Uncle Joe a fitting funeral, were the guests of Kimo in this traditional Hawaiian celebration. As Kimo said, "Those of us who cried together then can eat together now, and remember the life and love of this remarkable man, Joseph Keaulana, Jr." No one who helped with the funeral was allowed to lift a finger to help Kimo produce this wonderful memorial event, filled with music, hula and stories -- and great food.
As was the case at Uncle Joe's funeral at Kawaiaha'o Church, one of the largest gatherings in its history, attendees included many luminaries from the hula and Hawaiian music world, as well as respected dignitaries from the community. But, of course, Joe was a man of the people, and there were folks from all walks of life, united by the love, laughter and unforgettable music Uncle Joe shared with us all.
To see a video clip of Uncle Joe singing a great love song, please click below:
Uncle Joe sings "My Darling"
In this next video, Kimo and Joe sing a duet, with Pahukoa Morse and Noe Kimi Buchanan adding harmonies:
Kimo and Joe sing "Beautiful Kahana"
