Whittier College News Release

Whittier College
Office of Public Relations
13406 Philadelphia St.
P.O. Box 634
Whittier, CA 90608-0634

Media Contact: (562) 907-4974 or mediarelations@whittier.edu
Reference: 2004-05 #12

HAPA RETURNS TO WHITTIER FOR SOLD-OUT SHOWS

Whittier, CA (November 30, 2004)—HAPA, “Hawaii’s hottest group” according to Billboard magazine, will perform two sold-out concerts on December 11—3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.– at The Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts on the Whittier College campus. This event is part of the Round Hill Vineyards & Cellars Aloha Concert Series, co-sponsored by All About Tours, Hawaii.

Comprised of guitarist Barry Flanagan, vocalist Nathan Aweau, chanter and Kumu Hula Charles Ka‘upu, and hula dancer Moea DeFries, HAPA’s unique sound offers a blend of American folk and Polynesian dance music. The group’s lyrical influences range from ancient Polynesian rhythms and chants to Portuguese and Spanish ballads, from melodies and harmonies of the traditional church choirs to American acoustic folk/rock.

In 1994 HAPA earned widespread acclaim when the group’s debut album swept the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, Hawaii’s equivalent to the Grammys. A decade later, the album remains the biggest-seller by a duo or group in the history of recorded Hawaiian music and has earned the group numerous accolades and invitations to perform in venues around the world.

Recently profiled in Hawaii magazine, the Round Hill Vineyards & Cellars Aloha Concert Series at Whittier College brings the best in Hawaiian music to mainland audiences. For information on the Aloha, Cabaret, or Family Fun Series, or to become a season subscriber, please contact The Ruth B. Shannon Center Box Office, (562) 907-4203.

The Ruth B. Shannon Center is located on the northeast corner of Painter Ave. and Philadelphia St. on the Whittier College campus.

Founded by Quakers in 1887, Whittier College is an independent, four-year college offering a traditional liberal arts program integrated with both professional and pre-professional courses of study. With an emphasis on diversity, community, and curricular innovation, the College’s primary mission is to endow students with the education, skills, and values appropriate for global leadership and service.

Whittier Law School, which is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools, is located on a separate campus in Orange County.