A Special Message from the Governor

On February 7, 2012, a Special Message from Governor Neil Abercrombie was accepted by Professor Michael Marshall on behalf of the University of Hawaii at Hilo Art Department and the supporting organizations responsible for presentation of the “Poetry and Blues Project”.

left to right: Fred Sweets, Quincy Troupe, Kelvyn Bell, Michael Marshall, Oliver Jackson, Wendy Botelho-Cortez, Brother Noland, Paul Carter Harrison, Moon Brown, Young Hughley, Donald Suggs

The message was presented by Wendy Botelho-Cortez, the Governor's Representative for East Hawaii, at a reception held on the UH Hilo campus for the artists, other participants, UH Hilo staff and students, and volunteers involved in The "Poetry and Blues Project".

One Note - One World

Hawaii's own Brother Noland and St. Louis jazz, funk and avant garde guitarist Kelvyn Bell aka "The Kelvynator" jam together on the classic Brazilian tune "One Note Samba". The two played the impromptu jam at a Pau Hana hosted for the artists and other P&B project participants on Tuesday evening at the University of Hawaii Hilo Campus Center.

That a man of Hawaiian descent born in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and a man of African descent born on the banks of the Mississippi River can sit down and instantly connect through a song written by a man of Portuguese descent born in the rain forest on the edge of Rio de Janeiro, demonstrates the spirit behind "The Poetry and Blues Project" and how we are all connected through art, music and oral tradition.

Quincy Troupe, Kelvyn Bell and Brother Noland URH Interview

Poet and writer, Quincy Troupe, jazz and blues musician Kelvyn Bell and Hawaiian music innovator, Brother Noland dropped in to the studios at University Radio Hilo on Monday and spoke with host Theo O'neal about their art, poetry and music and some of things that have greatly influenced them.

Quincy, Kelvyn and Brother Noland quickly create an impromptu performance  in the studio.

Sacred Portals, Places of Innovation

Kalani Makekau-Whittaker, Associate Director, Kipuka, Native Hawaiian Student Center spoke to the students of  Art 494: Considering Blues and Jazz course giving an orientation of "Sacred Portals, Places of Innovation" from the vantage point of the island that will reference downtown Hilo and surrounding area locations.


The class seesion took place Friday, January 27 at 10am on Coconut Island, or Moku Ola.

L to R: Kalani Makekau-Whittaker, Young Hughley, Oliver Jackson
 and Michael Marshall