Celebrating The Winter Solstice the Hawaiian Way The Makahiki is a form of the "first fruits" festivals common to many cultures. Makahiki season is a four-month period of the year, beginning with the first sighting on the horizon of the Makali'i, or the constellation Pleiades, in late October or early November. When the winter solstice or Ke Ao Polohiwa a Kanaloa transpires on December 21st, it is the middle of Makahiki season, approximately six and a half weeks after the rising of the Makaliki. We acknowledge the sun's farthest journey into the underworld or the realm of Kanaloa. We also gather to celebrate Makahiki, the season of gratitude.
Featuring a very special guest who will lead us through a percussive and uplifting set of call and response chants and beautiful Afro-Brazilian songs.
Bio Kris Kato is a Hawaiian chant practitioner who has achieved the title, Kahu Oli Lae O`o, having completed the `uniki rites of the Edith Kanaka`ole Foundation under the direction of Dr. Pualani Kanaka`ole Kanahele. In Fall 2015, his apprenticeship with Dr Pualani Kanaka`ole Kanahele culminated with a presentation of Pagan Pride III and the Hawaiian oratory arts at the National Opera Center in New York City. Kris is the founder and leader of Hui O Kaulana Mahina NYC, a New Moon men's group for Hawai`i expats living in New York City. Kris has practiced leading traditional `awa ceremony in New York City for Hawai`i's hidden national holiday La Hoihoi Ea. Kris has danced and performed for Hui O Na Lehua Melemele and the Kumu Hula Ma`iki Aiu Lake genealogical hula tradition. In the early 2000s, Kris participated in Makahiki ceremonies on the island of Kaho`olawe under the auspices of the Protect Kaho`olawe `Ohana. Kris received his Hawaiian Studies degree from the I Ola Haloa Center for Hawai`i Life Styles in Hilo, Hawai`i. As a high school art student, Kris lead cultural preservation and historic restoration efforts for ancient sites on campus, Kauiomanoa and Wailele Spring. Born and raised in Hawai`i, Kris spent his childhood with legendary figures in the Hawaiian music scene through his producer father Nick Kato. Kris continues his Hawaiian chant practice in New York City.
