Summer Program Announced
Registration Now Open
Ladies Hula
June 24, 2008 — July 29, 2008 (6 Weeks)
Beginner Ladies Hula, age 16 and
up, 6 week course, Tuesdays, $68:
Classes 7:00 - 8:00 PM on these
dates: 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29
Click
Here to Download the Flier & Registration Form for
Summer Program (32KB)
Visit our Dance Studio page for more information
regarding our Summer Program
The 5th Annual Halau Concert
Saturday, June 14,
2008
"Islands in Time — 25 Years of Aloha"
Tickets go on sale May 15
$15 per person (adult or child)
Mark on your calendar now, both the show date and
ticket sale date, and plan on attending this indoor
theater, full-performance show for such a low price.
As in the past, we expect this to be another sold-out
performance. Early ticket purchase is
recommended. Go to our Event Schedule page for more
information.
The "Barefoot Hawaiian" Celebrates 25 Years
in 2008
We began as a performing arts company in 1973,
providing Hawaiian entertainment to the Chicago area and
Midwest. With now 35 years of providing Hawaiian
entertainment to the world, that company still remains
under the operation of the original owner, Gwen Keaké akamai Kennedy.
In 1983, Gwen moved her performing arts company to Des
Plaines, Illinois, officially incorporated it (in
Illinois), and named her corporation, "The
Barefoot Hawaiian." Since then, the Barefoot
Hawaiian has become a recognized name in the world
of Hawaiian entertainment, and in 2005 that name was
granted status as registered trademark in the United
States and Canada. There is only one "Barefoot
Hawaiian."
In 2008, the Barefoot Hawaiian, with now
35 years of experience in performing arts, celebrates 25
years in name and as a Hawaiian entertainment corporation.
We vow to you, our wonderful public, to make this our
best year yet in providing the finest Hawaiian
Entertainment that you can get anywhere in the world.
Gwen Kennedy receives the Lehua Maka Noe Award
August 26, 2007, Honolulu, Hawaii —
In a special awards ceremony held and sponsored by the Hawaii Tourism Authority,
owner and founder of the Barefoot Hawaiian, Gwen
Kennedy, was awarded the Lehua Maka Noe Award
for contributions made on the Mainland to Hawaiian
culture.
Gwen Kennedy was one of only two recipients not
residing in Hawaii to have received the "Out-Of-State"
Lehua Maka Noe Award. This award recognizes
the individuals and organizations that
have been the most instrumental in promoting Hawaiian
culture throughout the world and that have made
significant accomplishments in this endeavor.
Gwen Keaké akamai Kennedy, states that she is "honored
to be receiving this very prestigious
award," and states this is indication that, "we
are doing something right."
Farewell to Don Ho
With Admiration, Respect, and Friendship
The Barefoot Hawaiian Halau (family)
mourns with all Hawaii, the Mainland, and the rest of the
world at the passing of music legend and our friend, Don
Ho.
I was so sad to hear of Don Ho’s passing on Saturday and reflected on my own past and the wonderful fact that while during my Hawaiian Air days, we brought him here, and I was elated to dance in his show at Mill Run Theatre. His voice singing Lahaina Luna/Beautiful
Kauai and playing the keyboard, that was the essence of Hawaii to me. And to be able to have danced to that was a chance of a lifetime.
Through all the years of going to see his show in Waikiki, he always remembered
that and always had a kind word, expressing his wish that I keep doing the Hula in Chicago.
Many younger folks have no idea what it means that we have lost Hawaii’s Ambassador.
I am thankful I was in his era.
Gwen Kennedy
April 17, 2007
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