THE NIGHT STUFF
Paula Fuga's Lilikoi Fair is by and about women
By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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The idea behind maoli vocalist Paula Fuga's first Lilikoi Fair, a three-island tour, isn't all that original.
Like Lilith Fair — the all-girl, multi-act nationally touring music and arts festival created a decade ago by Sarah McLachlan — Fuga's brainchild is a gathering designed to celebrate female empowerment through the creation of art.
The similarities don't make Lilikoi's message any less potent, though.
"I've always wanted to plan an all-female event," said Fuga. "The song 'Lilikoi' on my album is about loving yourself, respecting yourself and being strong and courageous as a woman."
Fuga's blending of contemporary music styles with traditional elements and Hawaiian language on her 2006 debut album "Lilikoi" boasted a dose of girl power that was equal parts wicked fierce and soul-bearing honest. It won her a 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano award for most promising artist and a deserved reputation as one of local music's most uniquely creative and emboldened young artists.
The vocalist aimed for artists embodying a similarly independent female spirit when selecting musicians to accompany her on next week's Lilikoi Fair tour — which kicks off Thursday at The O Lounge on O'ahu before playing the Big Island Sept. 8 and Maui Sept. 9.
Joining Fuga for the Honolulu edition of the festival will be:
(Lilikoi Fair on Maui will include Lawa featuring vocalist Kahala Mossman Smith. Tempo Valley plays O'ahu only.)
All Lilikoi dates will host a fashion show featuring clothing and accessories created by local female designers Kealopiko.
Lilikoi Fair is also a fundraiser. A portion of proceeds raised by the concerts will go toward the establishment of the Lilikoi Foundation, a nonprofit women's support organization being designed by Fuga. The foundation's goal will be to provide classes, workshops and peer support for local women in need of a boost of self-esteem or struggling through difficult times and seeking understanding.
"I see the importance of self-love and respect for women," said Fuga. "So many women have low self-esteem. They don't love themselves. And that's just so sad.
"(Lilikoi Foundation) will be for all women! I don't want any labels. ... The only (label) that will matter is that you're a woman."
THE NIGHT SHIFT ...
THE HIP-HOPALYPSE IS NIGH
It promises "lyrical poetry mixed with mixed martial arts and the catharsis of human drama." Its cast includes local hip-hop MCs (Intrepid, Harumi the Hymn), a folk singer (Christina Nelson), graphic artists (Eukarezt, Pancho Abalos) and — here's where those "mixed martial arts" come from — real kung-fu, escrima, capoeira, qigong and taijiquan practitioners (Justin Young, Michael Hamilton) all on one stage. And it takes place in 3013. hIP-hOPALYpse is writer-director See/Christian Ellauri's latest mash-up of theater and assorted elements of culture and the arts disguised as a play. It's on stage at Ong King Arts Center, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through September's end. Visit www.ongking.com.
WHAT'S NEW PUSSYCAT?
Hawai'i-born Pussycat Dolls lead vocalist Nicole Scherzinger is hosting this weekend's edition of The Monkey Bar at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki's Ciao Mein restaurant and poolside bar. The occasion? Her debut solo CD "Her Name Is Nicole" is set for a Nov. 6 release on Interscope Records — and she's after some publicity. Wish granted, girlfriend. At 9:30 p.m. Saturday; ages 21 and older only.
Reach Derek Paiva at dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com.
