Comments for Nona Beamer: Hawaiian Elder

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Produced by Heidi Chang

Other pieces by Heidi Chang

Summary: Nona Beamer dedicated her life to preserving Hawaiian culture. She was a gifted storyteller, hula dancer, songwriter and teacher. Since she died in 2008, her legacy continues to touch the lives of many today. This piece won a National Award from the Asian American Journalists Association in 2000.
 

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Review of Nona Beamer: Hawaiian Elder

Beautiful profile of one of Hawaii's "leading ladies" -- Nona Beamer.

The pacing is a bit quick but the story is not lost. The listener will enjoy the melodic Hawaiian music throughout the piece.

What I love about this piece is that it's not your sterotypical piece on Hula and Hawaii. It goes beyond the dance and chants and presents a criical look at a time when the art form was restricted to women and to students at a prestigious school for Hawaiians.

This piece is well worth the consideration for Women's History month in March or Asian American heritage month in May. Actually, this story is worth airing at any time.