Biography per Uncle Fili,
Born and raised in the village of Laulii, American Samoa, until
the age of 14 when I left for Honolulu, Hawaii to get a better
education. At the young age of 16 I was introduced by a high
school friend to Jack Thompson now known as Tihati. He was
so impressed by my guitar playing that he hired me on to be
part of his ensemble cast for "Tihati's Bora Bora E". Mentored
by Foi Moe, I became a well rounded entertainer. After three
years, I decided to travel the Orient and that is when I
developed my skills as a lead toere drummer. I returned to
entertaining in Waikiki again for Tihati at the beachcomber
then for Terii Rua at the Hawaiian Hut.
After getting married I continued to entertain along side great
Tahitian drummers such as the Tekurio brothers, Alex and
Tukou. My entertainment career included travel to California,
Pittsburgh, Ohio, and finally Orlando, Florida where it has
been home since 1981. Under the direction of Henry Tehani
and his "Drums of Tahiti" we performed daily shows at Sea
World of Florida to promote the nightly Luau extravaganza.
My role included lead musician and choreographer.
Currently, I am employed at Walt Disney World's Polynesian
Resort full time at the front desk and casual for the "Spirit of
Aloha" luau. I find time to take on side "gigs" as band leader
for "Sala's Polynesian Revue, "Aloha Productions", "Drums of
Tahiti", Lami's "Royal Tongans", and "Pacific Motif".
Community involvement includes participating in the Keiki
Fete hosted by Kalena's Ohana and the Annual Hoike Hawaii
which is in its 12th year under the direction of Hank
Ohumukini.
Born and raised in the village of Laulii, American Samoa, until
the age of 14 when I left for Honolulu, Hawaii to get a better
education. At the young age of 16 I was introduced by a high
school friend to Jack Thompson now known as Tihati. He was
so impressed by my guitar playing that he hired me on to be
part of his ensemble cast for "Tihati's Bora Bora E". Mentored
by Foi Moe, I became a well rounded entertainer. After three
years, I decided to travel the Orient and that is when I
developed my skills as a lead toere drummer. I returned to
entertaining in Waikiki again for Tihati at the beachcomber
then for Terii Rua at the Hawaiian Hut.
After getting married I continued to entertain along side great
Tahitian drummers such as the Tekurio brothers, Alex and
Tukou. My entertainment career included travel to California,
Pittsburgh, Ohio, and finally Orlando, Florida where it has
been home since 1981. Under the direction of Henry Tehani
and his "Drums of Tahiti" we performed daily shows at Sea
World of Florida to promote the nightly Luau extravaganza.
My role included lead musician and choreographer.
Currently, I am employed at Walt Disney World's Polynesian
Resort full time at the front desk and casual for the "Spirit of
Aloha" luau. I find time to take on side "gigs" as band leader
for "Sala's Polynesian Revue, "Aloha Productions", "Drums of
Tahiti", Lami's "Royal Tongans", and "Pacific Motif".
Community involvement includes participating in the Keiki
Fete hosted by Kalena's Ohana and the Annual Hoike Hawaii
which is in its 12th year under the direction of Hank
Ohumukini.
When: Saturday, Oct. 3rd, 2009.
Time: Beg/Int. Toere Drumming workshop 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
Aparima workshop 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Where: ATA Black Belt Academy
960 W. 124th Ave., Unit 500 - Thornton
Cost: $40.00 per workshop or $70.00 for both.
Contact: Darlene #720-771-4097
Email: hokulii@rockymtnpolynesians.com
Address: 1329 W. 134th Dr., Westminster, CO 80234
*Please mail check to this address or make payment at the door.
Time: Beg/Int. Toere Drumming workshop 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
Aparima workshop 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Where: ATA Black Belt Academy
960 W. 124th Ave., Unit 500 - Thornton
Cost: $40.00 per workshop or $70.00 for both.
Contact: Darlene #720-771-4097
Email: hokulii@rockymtnpolynesians.com
Address: 1329 W. 134th Dr., Westminster, CO 80234
*Please mail check to this address or make payment at the door.
