Hawaii Public Radio (HPR) - "From the Top" Talent Sean Robbins Bring His Progressive Slack Key Artistry - Kaimuki

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Kaimuki, Hawaii
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Hawaii Public Radio (HPR) - "From the Top" Talent Sean Robbins Bring His Progressive Slack Key Artistry
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Type: Special Event
Date: Saturday - 1/10/2015
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location:
Hawaii Public Radio (HPR)
Atherton Performing Arts Studio
738 Kaheka Street
Honolulu, HI 96814

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"From the Top" Talent Sean Robbins Bring His Progressive Slack Key Artistry to Atherton Jan. 10

In 2010 at the age of 16, Sean Robbins was selected to showcase his ki ho‘alu (slack key) skills before a national audience on From the Top, National Public Radio's program celebrating young classical musicians. The taping of that program was part of a Hawai‘i Island educational residency coordinated by Hawai‘i Public Radio. Now, four years later, on Saturday, January 10, 2015, Robbins brings original compositions from his recently released CD Olanui to HPR's Atherton Studio.

Besides performing on From the Top, Robbins received the program's coveted Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. Robbins states, "The prize money I received as the winner of the Award is the seed money that actually began this CD project. It will make all the hard work put into this album even sweeter when I return to perform at HPR's Atherton Studio, making this journey come full circle for me."

Tickets for Sean Robbins' "reunion" with HPR at the Atherton are $30 general, $25 for HPR members, and $15 for students with ID. Reservations may be made at www.hprtickets.org or by calling the station (955-8821) during regular business hours. The Atherton Studio is located at Hawai‘i Public Radio, 738 Kaheka Street. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.; music begins at 7:30 p.m.

About the artist

Sean "Olanui" Robbins is a triple threat: a slack key artist, songwriter, and vocalist. Born and raised in Puna, Robbins is the protégé of slack key master and Hawaiian music legend Cyril Pahinui. With respect for the "old style" of Hawaiian music playing taught by kupuna (elders), Robbins was also taken under the wings of the famous musical family the Keli‘iho‘omalu's in Kaimu, Kalapana, Hawai‘i. He has found a way to blend all of his musical influences to create a unique style of progressive slack key art that is all his own.

Robbins' given Hawaiian name, "Olanui," translates to "full life" or "fulfilling life" and is fitting for someone who has already accomplished so much in his young life. In 2005, at 11 years old, he learned to play various instruments, including the ‘ukulele and upright bass, simply by observing other players. When he was 12 years old, Robbins was a member of Pahoa High School's Na Pua Mae ‘ole o Pahoa Hawaiian Music Ensemble, under the direction of Arnold Penueta and Pi‘ilani Ka‘awaloa. With the Ensemble, Robbins toured the state and regularly performed on cruise ships in Hilo bay.

His further accomplishments include a certificate of recognition from the Hawai‘i State Senate for his musical, academic, and leadership accomplishments in 2010; and in 2011, another recognition by the Hawai‘i County Council.

Currently a junior majoring in Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai‘i - Hilo, Robbins is taking a short break from his studies in order to focus on his first album, the self-titled Olanui. The CD, an intimate look at his life experiences thus far, was recently released and is comprised of 11 original songs played in his unique progressive slack key style. It is produced by his mentor Cyril Pahinui and producer/musician DJ Pratt.

Robbins can also be found performing in restaurants and cafés on Hawai‘i Island and O‘ahu.

Video links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ7N7AVOONE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v72eSARdT50

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNFST3FAwCc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw6GiAK1aYo

FROM THE TOP 2010: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHFh_MpYyeI

About HPR's Atherton Performing Arts Studio

The Atherton Studio seats 75 people and is home to a magnificent Bösendorfer concert grand piano. The Studio is available for rent for musical performances, community group meetings, and lectures. It is located in the HPR office and studio complex at 738 Kaheka Street, across from the Honolulu Don Quijote. Metered street parking is available, as are paid lots at the First Hawaiian Bank (Kapi‘olani branch) and in the Pan Am building.

About Hawaii Public Radio

HPR is a private, non-profit organization which broadcasts classical, jazz, and international music; and in-depth news and informational programming from National Public Radio, American Public Media, Public Radio International, and other local, national, and international program sources, as well as programs produced by Hawaii Public Radio. In October 2013, Charity Navigator, the premier charity evaluator, awarded HPR its second consecutive four-star rating for exceptional fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

HPR's mission is to serve the entire population of the state of Hawai‘i with two excellent program streams. HPR-1, the news magazine and fine arts stream, can currently be heard on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i (KHPR 88.1 FM and 88.5 FM); Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and West Hawai‘i (KKUA 90.7 FM); and East Hawai‘i (KANO 91.1 FM (Hilo) and 94.7 FM (Waimea)). HPR-2, the news, local talk, and music stream, is found on Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i (KIPM 89.7 FM and KIPH 88.3 FM (Hana)); West Hawai‘i (KIPM 89.7 FM and KHPH 88.7 FM); O‘ahu and Kaua‘i (KIPO 89.3 FM; KIPL 89.9 FM)

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Kaimuki, Hawaii Event Calendar Item

Hawaii Public Radio (HPR) - "From the Top" Talent Sean Robbins Bring His Progressive Slack Key Artistry

Kaimuki, Hawaii
Event Calendar Item