2025 SCHEDULE
2025 SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
LA MAMA Downstairs Theater
66 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003
OPENING CEREMONY
2:00 PM
Starting the event off with the right vibrations. Ceremonial offerings from various Moana Nui island nations and our local native cousins.
CROSS CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
3:00 PM
Discussion with Tahitian/Marquesan master carver, Eriki Marchand and Tecumseh Caesar (Matinecock, Unkechaug, Montaukett), Shane Weeks (Shinecock).
CHILDREN’S ART & POETRY WORKSHOP
4:00 PM
Learn some fundamentals of Polynesian art and poetry. Led by Samoan writer/poet, and painter, Dan Taulapapa McMullin. Participants will have the opportunity to display their work at the festival.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 01
A/P/A Institute at NYU 20 Cooper Square, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10003
ACTION, CLIMATE AWARENESS, ACTIVISM
6:30 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
Enjoy a special screening of several poignant native short films, followed by wala’au with the artists and their collaborators. Featuring Dakota Camacho (ETAK, Mali’e’), Lanihuli Kanaka’ole (The Uluwehi Project), Hāwane Rios (Standing Above the Clouds), Sancia Miala Shiba Nash (Ho’oulu Hou), and Leilehua Lanzilotti (The Sky In Our Hands, Our Hands In The Sky).
The program begins with an immersive experience featuring the work of Kanaka Maoli composer and Pulitzer Prize nominee Leilehua Lanzilotti. The screenings will begin at 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 02
Judson Memorial Church 55 Washington Square South New York, NY 10012
AN EVENING OF MUSIC, DANCE, & POETRY
7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
Connect with our histories, our ancestry, and Moanan virtuosity. Poetry Reading and special performance of Dan Taulapapa McMullin’s Auē Away, musical selections by TJ Keanu Tario, Hawaiian Piano virtuoso, and a world premiere of Dance Suite from Lili’u, a collaboration between Grammy nominated composer Leilehua Lanzilotti and acclaimed choreographer Anthony Aiu. The suite includes a libretto translated into `Olelo Hawaii by Kahanuola Solatorio, clothing designs by Manaola Yap, and Te Ao Mana dancers. Lili’u Opera is supported in part by a Native Arts + Cultures Foundation SHIFT Grant.
Following the performances, there will be a short Q & A with the artists.
*Doors Open at 6:00 PM for attendees to engage with artists and additional collaborators on site, including traditional Hawaiian kakau (tattoo) artist Kawika Au, and Tahitian/Marquesan carver Eriki Marchand.
Friday, OCTOBER 03
LA MAMA Underground Theater
66 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003
ORI TAHITI MASTER CLASSES
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Learn from skilled practitioners, teachers, and leaders in Ori Tahiti. Bring your pareu (sarong), water, and a towel. Knowledge of Ori Tahiti is essential for optimal learning.
*To maintain focus with minimal disruptions, please refrain from taking photos or video during class. Instructors may provide time at the end for video/photos.
10:30 AM Ori Tahiti Technique (Kehaulani Changuy)
11:45 AM Ote’a Choreography (Aruho’ia Biret)
1:30 PM Aparima Choreography (Poerani Germain)
3:15 PM Duet Ote’a Choreography (Francky Tehiva)
TRANS PACIFIC GLAM
7:00 PM
Come throw your back out laughing, you will be gagged, and enjoy dedicated time for queernesia. Let our talented queens and queers put a smile on your face, just be, and let loose as they showcase their amazing innate abilities. Special appearances by Makoa Kalai, Odessa Mann, Kauila Kanaka’ole, and others.
*Be sure to leave yourself extra time to explore the hallways, filled with unforgettable art by visionary artists from our very own Pacific Islander community. Featuring Kapulei Flores, Mahinahina Choy-Ellis, Reuben Paterson, Carolyn Kuali’i, Gisela McDaniel.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 04
Judson Memorial Church 55 Washington Square South New York, NY 10012
ORI TAHITI COMPETITION
12:00 - 5:00 PM
Be ready for an exciting day of energetic dancing, pulsating drums, and lively cheers. The Ori Tahiti competition features an international lineup of soloists, duets, and groups. A special mauruuru to our master carver Eriki Marchand for offering hand carved wooden trophy masterpieces. Winners will be privileged take home one of these beautiful works of art.
*The awards ceremony will follow the competition.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 05
LA MAMA Underground Theater
66 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003
MOANA NUI WORKSHOPS
10:30 AM Ori Tahiti Tamari’i (Children’s Tahitian Dance) Class
11:45 AM Hula with Hāwane Rios
1:00 PM Siva Samoa with Alona Afalava
2:30 PM Tahitian Drumming with Tila Case
4:00 PM Ukulele and ‘Olelo Hawai’i with Kahanuola Solatorio
CLOSING PA’INA
6:30 PM
A final community celebration to close our special time together. Enjoy drinks, interactive activities, special performances, raffles, silent auctions, good music and dancing.