Tahitian Drums hit the iPhone, iPod and iPad

Two brothers, Aaron and Andrew Llavore, who have partnered to create a new company named Love4Apps, have  come up with the first app to tackle the needs of the Tahitian drumming crowd.  Tahitian Drums

We're always on the lookout for Polynesian activity on the internet and in the world around us, and more specifically Tahitian activity. A few weeks ago we got an alert via our Facebook page of a new iPhone app that featured Tahitian drumming.  We bought it, started playing with it and found that we were in dire need of brushing up on our Tahitian drumming thumb skills. Nevertheless we found it so intriguing that we knew we had to share it with our readers. If you find yourself in the doctors office waiting and waiting... and waiting, or between breaks at work or school, and you are find yourself without your to'ere, this is the app for you.

The Tahitian Drums app (available now on the iTunes store, among the other Apple branded online store outlets) is only $.99 and is a bargain at that. It features 5 distinct to'ere (hollowed out hardwood drum) sample beats and 1 pahu (traditional low key bass) beat. Just pick a comfortable spot to sit down and select the app and you're set. Using both thumbs is recommended. One for the bass and 1 for the toere. The different tones are determined by where you hit the to'ere just as a real toere would typically sound if it was hit in the same area. You can visually see when and where you tap and you can tap both to'ere and pahu at the same time so it realistically portrays what a drummer would do when using both instruments in concert.

Aaron handles the artistic side of the application. He created the layouts, illustrations and handled the audio recording of the instruments as well.  His brother Andrew has handled all the technical aspects of designing the app to work on the various platforms, programming and encoding.

We caught up with Aaron recently and had a nice Q&A session with him about his exciting new foray into bringing Tahitian drumming to a whole new world.

First of all, great app and initiative bringing Tahitian drumming to a tech savvy crowd.  We're equally excited to just learn that the next update 1.1 is just days away as well.

BPD: Are either of you drummers or dancers yourselves? If so, what group?
Aaron: Yes, I've been a musician/drummer for Kawailehua, based out of San Jose, California for roughly 10 years now.  Our group is an active participant in the annual Tahiti Fete of San Jose, as well as Heiva i Maui, and the Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete in Merced.

BPD: What made you decide to make the app?
Aaron: As a fellow Tahitian drummer myself, I'm often itching to play the Tahitian drums and often times, I'm not around a to'ere and pahu (or it's too late in the evening to make a lot of noise). So, I thought the idea of being able to mimic playing the Tahitian drums on your phone would be fun!  From my experience, being around other fellow drummers - Tahitian drummers eat, breath, and sleep playing the drums - as it is highly addicting! With this app we hope to offer something to the Polynesian dance community, whether you have any drumming/dancing experience or not. And for the general public,  we hope its a new avenue to spread the love of Polynesian dance and music.

BPD: What are the main benefits that you see users getting out of the app?
Aaron: It's just plain fun to play around with!  

BPD: Is there plans to have a fa'atete added?
Aaron: Not yet,  but I think our next step in a future update would be to add a to'ere piti as well.  Then you can get really creative with playing Tahitian beats.

BPD: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us and creating this fun and great new tool/instrument.
Aaron: Maru'uru. Glad to be able to share the culture with the iPhone audience.

If you find yourself a little timid or find you need a little inspiration, there will also be a convenient in-app link to the Tahitian Drums YouTube Channel that has a growing selection of demo videos and examples of basic beats that will be available soon. In addition, other new features in the 1.1 update will be including an iPad version, an updated look, and larger playing surfaces to make it easier to play.

And for those of you who haven't taken the leap to the iPhone, not to worry, work is already underway to port the app to Android phones as well. Looking forward to future updates. Sign up for updates on the site or Twitter. For more information about the app and to see some videos about it, visit the Love4Apps website.

Heiva i Maui

The 13th annual Heiva i Maui will be taking place this weekend, August 14-15, 2010 at the Wailuku War Memorial Gymnasium. The event is organized by Maui Polynesian Tahiti Fete whose purpose is to create and sponsor programs, festivals, workshops, and special functions for the community for all ages and ethnicities.

Groups, drummers and soloists will compete for titles and will be judged on entrances/exits, execution and precision, costumes, drumming, choreography, creativity, expressions and overall impression. In addition, a Mr and Miss Heiva i Maui pageant will also take place.

Groups will compete in the 'Aparima, 'Ote'a, and Ahupurotu. While soloists will compete using their best Tahitian dance skills, presence, and ability to adapt quickly to the changing drum beats.

Tickets are $10 in advance, are available at ticket outlets including Sew Special (275 West Kaahumanu Avenue; Telephone: 808-877-6128), The Maui Quilt Shop (1280 South Kihei Road; Telephone: 808-874-8050), and Lahaina Music (910 Honoapiilani Hwy, Suite 9; Telephone: 808-661-7625).

Tickets are also available at the door the days of the event for $15. Children 5 and under are free.

For additional information, visit the event website Heiva i Maui, email heivaimaui@yahoo.com or call 808 250-0737.

Heiva i Maui set to take the Stage

With summer winding down it doesn't mean that Tahitian dance is as well. Quite the opposite. This weekend, Saturday and Sunday, August 15-16, 2009, Heiva i Maui will take place at the War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku.

Event director Lolita Eugenio has organized the 12th annual event to feature local Tahitian dance and drumming groups, Polynesian crafters and local food vendors. Advance tickets are available for $10 (children 6 and under are free). Call (808) 250-0737 for more information. At the door, tickets are $15.

Heiva i Maui sets 2009 date

Lolita Eugenio, producer of the Heiva i Maui, just announced the dates for 2009. Event activities will take place August 15-16, 2009 in Wailuku, Maui at the War Memorial Gymnasium. The dance competition will start on Saturday (2:00-9:30 pm) and continue on Sunday (10:00 am-5:00 pm)
Tahitian crafters and vendors will be open both days from 9:00 am til pau.

Heiva i Maui features both group and solo Tahitian dance performances. Last year Te Tiare Patitifa of Wailuku, Maui under the direction of Keoni Manuel and Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands of Huntington Beach, California led by Roy Asuega and Kathy Asuega dominated the competition.

Group and solo registration, sponsorship and ticket information will be forthcoming shortly. For additional information, contact Lolita at (808) 250-0737 or email.

Te Tiare Patitifa and Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands dominate Heiva i Maui

The community came out to give strong support to this year's Heiva i Maui. Event organizer Lolita Eugenio expressed her gratitude to the participants, community, vendors and sponsors and added that "it's cultural and the whole family can enjoy." Activities took place August 8-10, 2008 in Wailuku, Maui at the War Memorial Gymnasium.

In the group category, two dance groups dominated - Te Tiare Patitifa of Wailuku, Maui under the direction of Keoni Manuel and Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands of Huntington Beach, California led by Roy Asuega and Kathy Asuega. Both have competed in several of the Heiva's and Tahiti Fete's.

Continuing on her recent titles, Chelsea Clement again claimed 1st in her age group. After winning titles in the Heiva i Kauai, Te Mahana Hiro'a o Tahiti, Kauai Polynesian Festival, and Tahiti Fete of Hilo, this talented dancer has repeatedly raised the bar.

For photos, galleries and more information, visit the event website.
Here are the results of the 2008 Heiva i Maui:

Group Results

Gracious Ladies - Te Tiare Patitifa

Jr. Aparima - Te Tiare Patitifa
Jr. 'Ote'a - Te Tiare Patitifa

Sr. Ahuroa- Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
Sr. Aparima - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
Sr. 'Ote'a - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands

Drumming- Te Vai Ura Nui

Combined 'Ote'a - Te Tiare Patitifa


Solo Results

Tamahine 5-8
1. Moana To'oto'o - Marania Haoragi
2. Tory Lazcano - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
3. Kalei Freitas - Te Tiare Patitifa

Tamahine 9-12
1. Sammy McClymonds - Hitia O Te Ra
2. Jazmine Melchor - Maohi Nui
3. Kanani Asuega - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands

Tamaroa 9-12
1. Trent Nakihei - Haruru Toa
2. TJ Makoa Idemoto - Ari'i Hau Moana
3. JD Melchor - Maohi Nui

Vahine 13-17
1. Chelsea Clement - Te'E'a O Te Turama
2. Kaela Acuff - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
3. Dayna Higa - Manutahi Tahiti

Tane 13-17
1. Kawelau Riveira - Haruru Toa
2. Keanu Asuega - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
3. Tyler Acuff - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands

Vahine 18-24
1. Nohea Catugal - Te Tiare Patitifa
2. Pulama Petsas - Haruru Toa
3. Danielle Cadiz - Haruru Toa

Tane 18-24
1. Tavi Tenari - Te Tiare Patitifa
2. Nick Imamaura - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
3. Jerome Epenesa - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands

Vahine 25-34
1. Eileen Ratuita - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
2. Kapualoke Nacua - Orama Here Hia
3. Fa'a Tenari - Te Tiare Patitifa

Tane 25-34
1. Kimo Palakiko - Te Tiare Patitifa

Tane 35 +
1. Lawakua Gabriel - Independent

Mauruuru to Lolita Eugenio, Heiva i Maui organizer, for providing the results and helping to perpetuate the art of Tahitian dance.

Heiva i Maui 2008 flyer

The 11th Annual Heiva i Maui is set to take place Friday-Sunday, August 8-10, 2008. Activities take place at the Maui War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku. On Friday the solo competition as well as Mr. & Miss Heiva i Maui crowning will take place from 6-10 pm. Saturday will continue with the solo competition and move to the group competition. Group competition will complete and awards will be given on Sunday. Both Saturday and Sunday's activities will run from 10 am - 6 pm.

For more information, inquiries or contacting organizers, please visit their website.

New updates for 2008 Tahitian dance events

Mele Kalikimaka. As you take in the hustle & bustle, excitement, music and thoughts this holiday season, you might have noticed that we didn't update as often. It's been a busy season for our online store and it's kept us away for a bit. But now that Christmas has passed and our load is a little lighter, we're back to updating and bringing the latest info about the upcoming events. Tahitian events are gearing up for 2008.

New event updates include the Fano Maohi, Heiva i Reno, Heiva i Maui and the Tahiti Fete of Utah. With most events now updated with confirmed dates, 2008 is shaping up to be a banner year with more events and more opportunity for groups around the nation. With the amount of groups who are increasingly finding our directory/calendar, comes more convenience for groups to schedule their events and attract dancers to participate.

Fano Maohi marketing manager, Danny Tupua has recently advised us of the new 2008 date. Moving from July to April, this year's event is one of the first of the year. The Fano Maohi Heiva will run from April 25-26, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah at Granite Park High.

Utah's other Tahitian dance competition, Tahiti Fete of Utah, has also announced their 2008 date. The 4th annual event will take place October 16-18, 2008 in West Valley City. Details about the activities will be forthcoming. This past year, the event was free to the public.

Heiva i Reno will take place on August 1, 2008. The event will be 1 day. A second day (August 2) will feature Hawaiian Hula.

Videos of Heiva I Maui

Here's a few videos of the 2007 Heiva I Maui competition

Heiva I Maui 2007 group results

Honolulu based Tahitian dance group Here Tama Nui led the way at the 10th annual Heiva I Maui. As the best overall group they took first place in several categories including Ahupurotu, Aparima, Otea and Drumming. Here Tama Nui has performed at the Aloha Tower Marketplace in the past. They've entertained thousands of guests arriving by cruise ship and locals stopping in for dining or shopping.

The event took place last weekend at the Maui War Memorial Gymnasium. Led by director Lolita Eugenio, the nonprofit event is sponsored by Maui Polynesian Tahiti Fete, County of Maui and the Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau.

Event results are being provided by the event organizers. Group results are below. Solo results are being finalized and certified and will be available shortly.

Gracious Ladies
Ari'i Hau Moana of Kahului, Maui

Sr. Ahupurotu
1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. Ari'i Hau Moana of Kahului, Maui
3. 'Ote'a Kia Mana of Mililani, Oahu

Jr Aparima

1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. 'Ote'a Kia Mana of Mililani, Oahu

Sr. Aparima

1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. Te Mau Merahi of Kihei, Maui

Drumming

1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. Te Vai Ura Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
3. 'Ote'a Kia Mana of Mililani, Oahu

Jr. 'Ote'a
1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. Kia Mana of Mililani, Oahu

Sr. 'Ote'a
1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. Ari'i Hau Moana of Kahului, Maui

Combined 'Ote'a

1. Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu
2. Te Mau Merahi of Kihei, Maui
3. Kia Mana of Mililani, Oahu

Overall Group Winner
Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Oahu

Results for the 2007 Heiva I Reno

Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA showed why it is a leader in the Tahitian dance community. With strong performances in all categories, the group took 1st place in the overall group competition. All groups participating were able to shine including Nemenzo, Motu'aina, Manava Polynesia and E Honu Iti E.

The Heiva are in full swing with 6 more (not including this weekend's Heiva I Maui) scheduled for 2007. Heiva I Reno, hosted by the Reno Grand Sierra Resort, featured solo and group competition in the resorts' Silver Pavillion. The competition ran from August 3-4, 2007 and featured $2,500 for the dance group grand prize. Entrants competed in otea, aparima, drumming and featured a couples competition. Results for the group and couples categories are posted below. A new photo gallery is now available as well at Gyme Images. Solo results will be posted when they become available.

Couples Competition
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
2. Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
3. E Honu Iti E of Tracy, CA

Group Competition
Ta'ata Pa'ari Overall
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Tamari'i/Jr. Aparima
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
2. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA
3. Motu'aina of Danville, CA



Ta'ata Pa'ari Aparima
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
2. (tie) Motu'aina of Danville, CA
2. (tie) Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA

Tamari'i/Jr. Otea
1. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA
2. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
3. Motu'aina of Danville, CA

Ta'ata Pa'ari Otea
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
2. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA

Traditional Drumming
1. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA

Contemporary Drumming
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Hui Tama Nui also received honors for outstanding costuming, leadership, theme, music and use of the Tahitian language.

Heiva I Maui 2007 opening this week

The 10th Annual Tahitian Festival Heiva I Maui will be taking place this weekend from Friday August 10th to Sunday August 12, 2007. Director Lolita Eugenio, along with countless volunteers and ohana, has organized the non-profit event each year. This year will feature a tribute to Tavana.

Friday's activities begin at 6:00 pm with an opening ceremony, the tribute to Tavana, exhibitions and the Mr. & Ms. Heiva I Maui competition. Saturday the doors open at 10:00 am. Solo competition begins and runs through midday. Group competition will begin after the solo competition concludes. Results of both the solo and group competition will be announced at the end of activities. The group competition will include several styles of Tahitian dance or Ori Tahiti. Otea, aparima, ahupurotu and drumming categories will all be judged by a panel of Tahitian dance veterans.

Doors will also open Sunday at 10:00 am. with group competition continuing througout the day. The awards ceremony on Sunday will conclude the event.

Activities will be taking place at the Maui War Memorial Gymnasium. Doors open at 6:00 pm on Friday and 10:00 am on Saturday & Sunday. General admission is $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Senior and children 6-11 yrs $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Tickets are available at: Das Nutz (Maui Mall), Lahaina Music (West Maui Center), Maui Quilts (Azeka Shopping Center Makai), and Sew Special (Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center).

The event is sponsored by Maui Polynesian Tahiti Fete, County of Maui and the Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau.

Heiva i Maui

Mark your calendars, August 10-12, 2007, is set to showcase some of the best Tahitian dancers in the Pacific. The Heiva i Maui is set to take place in Wailuku, Maui.

Non-profit organizer and director Lolita Eugenio promises an unforgettable event. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Heiva i Maui has grown into a highlight of Maui's cultural events. If you are interested in entering your dance group or would like to volunteer, contact Lolita for more information.

Here is a calendar of events:
Jun 29 2007
Group Applications Are Due - NO EXCEPTIONS
Fact Sheets are due for ALL GROUP PARTICIPANTS
Please make 6 copies of each

Jul 27 2007
Soloist & Mr. & Miss Heiva Applications are due
NO LATE ENTRIES ALLOWED
Photo/Video/Model Release Forms are due

Aug 9 2007
Monies for Halau tickets and Participant passes are due

Aug 10 2007
10th Annual Heiva i Maui begins
Tribute to Tavana & Mr. & Miss Heiva

Aug 11 2007
Solo & Group Competitions

Aug 12 2007
Group Competitions & Awards Ceremony