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.

Soloists beat

With Heiva i Honolulu starting today, soloists will be vying for this years' overall award. All age groups are eligible. But if you aren't able to compete, there are several other events coming up throughout the year.

In fact, if you want to really get in tune and sync with the beat, check out Tahiti Taurua Nui i Las Vegas' website. They have the soloist beat online so you can download, listen and practice your routine over and over. Add it to your iPod. There may be some slight variations at the actual event, but you should be able to practice and anticipate timing. There are many who are very creative and this would allow even more planning on their part.

So if you are planning on participating in the event, this is a must. Tahiti Taurua Nui i Las Vegas takes place May 29-30, 2010 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tickets are $20 per person per day (children’s tickets ages 2-12 $15 each) available at the UNLV Ticket Call Center (702) 739-FANS (3267) or (866) 388-FANS (3267).

Bringing a taste of Tahiti to Kauai

By Joan Conrow

The members of Tamatea Nui O Kaua'i hear the beat of Tahitian drums in their sleep and find themselves tapping the rhythms wherever they go.

The Tahitian drumming and hula group has been studying under drum-making master Tepairu Manea, and after just four months, they're ready to perform at the 8th Annual Heiva I Kauai Iorana Tahiti, an international Tahitian dance competition.

More of the story at the Honolulu Advertiser

More to come on the events of the 8th Annual Heiva i Kauai coming soon.

Tahitian drum & guitar festival competition

A Tahitian drum and guitar festival competition will be held from March 27-28 at the Papeete Cultural Center under the direction of Coco Hotahota, the award-winning leader and founder of the traditional Tahitian dance group "Te Maeva".

More at Tahiti Presse

Heiva i Kauai 2009 announced

The Heiva i Kauai committee, led by Tepairu and Jo Manea have announced the dates for next years' event - August 1-2, 2009. Activities will once again take place at the Kapa'a Beach Park in Kauai, Hawaii. Now in its 8th year, Heiva i Kauai Ia Orana Tahiti continues to have participants join in the fun of perpetuating the art and joy of Tahitian dance and drumming.

"Heiva i Kauai is a family-centered community non-profit Tahitian cultural event produced annually by volunteers, with assistance from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the County of Kauai Product Enrichment Program. All admission gate and vendor booth proceeds received each year are used to produce the following year’s event. The program includes exciting Tahitian solo competition for tane and vahine dancers from age 4 to tupuna, as well as group competition and exhibition for otea, aparima, ahuroa and drumming. Tahitian dance and drumming workshops occur throughout the weekend."

Competition applications and additional information about the event is available at the event website. The organizers are excited about the interest they are getting from groups. Contact them for assistance in organizing for group accommodations and travel. More information to come.

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 Kauai competition results and 2008 announcement

Competition results for the Heiva I Kauai Ia Orana Tahiti 2007 have been finalized. The event was held this past weekend August 4-5. Crowds and vendors were treated to premier performances by visiting Oahu group Tamarii A Hiva. Solo standouts included Kauluwehiokekai Oliver (left) from Urahutia (Kauai), Kamuela Nobriga-Ferris of Ilima's Hula Studio (Kauai), Jay Spacek of Manutahi (Oahu), Niccolas Kaneakua of Ori Uuria (Kauai), and Sadie Ka’iulani Schilling of Tamatea Nui (Lanai).

Several groups from Oahu and the outer islands were not able to attend this year due to sold out flights to Kauai during the event. Event organizers are working with transportation issues with the airlines and the upcoming Hawaii Superferry for next years event.

And speaking of next year, Organizers Sally Jo and Tepairu Manea have announced that next years Heiva I Kauai Ia Orana will take place on ...August 2-3, 2008 at the Kapaa Beach Park. Check their official website for upcoming ticket information.

Even with all the other activities going on throughout the island, the event t-shirt sold out. Designed by event organizer Tepairu Manea, the shirt depicts the honu and pays homage to Tahitian and Hawaiian tapa motifs. Vendors at the event were also busy and sales were brisk.

Solo Competition

Vahine Age 4-6
1. Mahealani Farrell of Tamarii A Hiva, Oahu
2. Kiana Asuncion of Halau Hula o Leilani, Kauai

Tane Age 7-9
1. Jay Spacek of Manutahi, Oahu
2. Troy Spacek of Manutahi, Oahu
3. Kainoa Nobriga-Ferris of Ilima’s Hula Studio, Kauai

Vahine Age 7-9
1. Sadie Ka’iulani Schilling of Tamatea Nui, Lanai
2. Catherine Lessary of Tamarii A Hiva, Oahu
3. Sophia Rivera of Ilima’s Hula Studio, Kauai

Tane Age 10-12
1. Kamuela Nobriga-Ferris of Ilima’s Hula Studio, Kauai

Vahine Age 10-12
1. Malia Murphy of Tamarii A Hiva, Oahu
2. (tie) Esther Pasi of Tamarii A Hiva, Oahu
2. (tie) Tahra-Lee Kaui of Halau Hula o Leilani, Kauai
3. Teresa Huff of Halau Hula o Leilani, Kauai

Vahine Age 13-15
1. Chelsea Clement of Te Ea o te Turama, Oahu
2. Raychelle Spacek of Manutahi, Oahu
3. Alyssa Jeffries of Kaliko Boy Entertainment, Kauai

Vahine Age 16-18
1. Lani Figaroa of Ori Uuria, Kauai
2. Kawahinehaaheo Oliver of Urahutia, Kauai
3. Shayna Obrero – Zablan of Tamatea Nui, Lanai

Tane Age 19-25
1. Niccolas Kaneakua of Ori Uuria, Kauai
2. Dan Kala Oshiro of Kaliko Boy Entertainment, Kauai

Vahine Age 19-25
1 Kauluwehiokekeai Oiver of Urahutia, Kauai

Vahine Age 26-39
1 Iris Farrell of Tamarii a Hiva, Oahu


Overall Junior Tane - Jay Spacek of Manutahi, Oahu

Overall Junior Vahine - Malia Murphy of Tamarii A Hiva, Oahu

Overall Senior Tane - Niccolas Kaneakua of Ori Uuria, Kauai

Overall Senior Vahine - Lani Figaroa of Ori Uuria, Kauai

Group Competition

Ahuroa - Tamarii A Hiva

Aparima - Tamarii A Hiva

Otea - Tamarii A Hiva

Drumming - Tamarii A Hiva

Overall - Tamarii A Hiva

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 Kauai Ia Orana Tahiti announcements

Announcing the 6th annual Heiva I Kauai Iaorana Tahiti, August 4-5, 2007 at Kapaa Beach Park, Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii. This event is a Tahitian dance competition with solo and group performances and traditional and contemporary Tahitian drumming. The event will also feature multi-cultural exhibition dancing, singing and crafts. Vendors will have an array of items from south and western Pacific islands for sale.

On Friday afternoon, August 3rd, solo dance competitors are to register and pick up their competition numbers between 4 and 6 pm.

Saturday morning, a special tribute to David Kaneholani Sr. will be presented by his family. Gates open at 9 am and solo competition begins at 10:30 am. Solo categories are Ote'a vahine and tane, for junior, senior and master (age 40+) divisions. Group categories include ‘Ote'a, Aparima, Ahuroa, and traditional Tahitian drumming. Group dancing will be on Sunday, August 5th. Sunday will end with solo, group and drumming award presentations.

Festival participants can enjoy a weekend of great Tahitian entertainment, browse through an array of Polynesian arts and crafts, observe and participate in creating Polynesian crafts, savor delicious local foods and win super prizes in the ticket raffle!

Admission is $5 a day at the door. Children age 6 and under are free.

To avoid traffic through Kapaa town, attendees are advised to park at the Kapaa Ball Park near the Armory and walk a short way to the Beach Park.

For more information call 808.822.9447.

Heiva - Tahiti Fete Updates

Heiva for later this year and 2008 are shaping up. The Fete in Orlando, Florida - Tamarii Tahiti Fete has updated their website and announced the 2008 event date. Reserve April 2, 2008. The event is expanding to include all ages. What better excuse to hit Walt Disney World than to take your group to the event. Contact Evelyn or Isitolo Oloa for more information. They have also updated their gallery and added 2008 entry forms.

Back over in Hawaii, the Manutahi Tahiti event has moved location to Maui. More details to be announced shortly.

The next Heiva this year will be at Cerritos, California – The Hura Tahiti Tahitian Dance Competition. The event will take place July 13-14. The Tahitian dance workshop features Roiti Tahauri Sylva and Coco Hotahota, grand master of Tahitian dance. Drumming workshops feature Alex Tekurio. See their website for more details.