HAPA, internationally-acclaimed contemporary Hawaiian music troupe made up of Barry Flanagan and Nathan Aweau, has a unique style that combines traditional songs (mele), lyrics, chant (oli) and instrumentation of the Hawaiian Islands and South Pacific with a contemporary sound, selling out theatres from Tokyo to New York.
Barry Flanagan, a native of New Jersey and founder of HAPA, has been called a “masterful guitarist” by Stephen Stills and “an iron fist in a velvet glove” by the San Francisco Chronicle, showing “a combination of dexterity and soulfulness that he (brings) to mind some mid-pacific amalgam of Mark Knoffler, Chet Atkins and Wes Montgomery.” (The Orange County Register)
Nathan Aweau, a native of Honolulu, began his professional career accompanying local performers such as Gabe Baltazar, Henry Kapono, Loyal Garner and Nohelani Cypriano. For 15 years, Nathan was musical director for legendary Hawaiian icon Don Ho. In June, 2002, Aweau released his third solo recording project "E Apo Mai” earning him two top Na Hoku Hanohano Awards: for Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year.
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