'Tis the season to support local arts and entertainment. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

'Tis the season to support
local arts and entertainment

By Francine Murray / Ka Wai Ola

This joyous holiday season, when dinning, shopping or looking for entertainment show your aloha and be akamai by supporting the local economy; patronize neighborhood eateries, give island made gifts, and support Hawai'i's art and entertainment industry.

Mark Towill, who hopes to sail with the Hōkūle'a on its proposed circumnavigation of the globe, was one of 15 crew members whose Transpac journey was documented in film. - Photos: Courtesy of Morning Light

'Aumakua
Amy Hanaiali'i with the Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawai'i
Ua Records

Amy Hanaiali'i has mesmerized audiences around the world with her rich voice and enchanting persona, but when coupled with the multi-talented musician Matt Catingub's distinguished arrangements as in the CD 'Aumakua, it's magic. Get the magic in music stores statewide.

'Aina
Peter Apo & The Rainbow Nation Band
Mamo Records & The Peter Apo Company

Peter said 'aina (without the kahako) means that which feeds, or a source of nourishment and sustenance. That describes the compilation of songs in 'Aina with its rich and meaningful lyrics. It features “E Ola Hawai'i” with Kaina Daines and Hi'ilani Shibata, and “Hawaiian Soul” by Jon Osorio. Available in stores and at Mele.com.

Kohala Christmas
Kohala
Produced by Charles Michael Brotman on Palm Records

“Merry Christmas”, “Home for the Holidays” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” are a few of the classics featured in this collection of Christmas-time favorites performed by Hawai'i's acoustic guitar trio, in Kohala Christmas. This CD is all instrumental. Available at Borders and MountainAppleCompany.com.

Honehone i ka poli
Kawaikapuokalani Hewett
Daniel Ho Creations

Kumu hula, composer, and Hawaiian cultural leader Kawaikapuokalani Hewett's new CD Honehone i ka poli consists of a dozen original compositions; beautiful poems, memories and a prayer in 'ōlelo Hawai'i. Hewett is accompanied by his daughter's lovely vocals in every mele, and on guitar and 'ukulele by Grammy Award winner, Daniel Ho. Available at DanielHo.com or Mele.com

'Tis the Season of Peace, Happiness and Unity

Everybody loves Bob Marley, and here in Hawai'i we love Guava Jelly. Hawai'i's American Idol, Camile Velasco kicks it up, adding some spice to Bob Marley's reggae classic “Guava Jelly” in her hot new single, produced by and featuring, the legend's son, multi Grammy Award winning Stephen Marley.

Camile flew to Kingston, Jamaica earlier this year and recorded with the Marley brothers. She said, “It was like a blessing, a dream come true, definitely a chance of a lifetime…It was the best experience of my life.” This rendition of the classic is the debut single from Camile's upcoming debut solo album Koy, to be released by Up Above Records in 2009. Guava Jelly is available on iTunes. — Francine Murray