Meleana Sessions | "Many Classic Moments" featuring Kapali Bilyeu, David Cruz & Shawn Pimental

Here's an all new Meleana Sessions episode, featuring Kapali Bilyeu, Shawn Pimental, and David Cruz with their cover of “Many Classic Moments” by Kalapana, filmed live on the calming shores of Waikīkī.
In 1973, childhood friends DJ Pratt and Malani Bilyeu auditioned at the Rainbow Villa for Cecilio & Kapono. Cecilio & Kapono encouraged them to start a band. Malani was soloing at the Oar House in Hawaii Kai and DJ was downstairs at Chuck's in Sunlight with Kirk Thompson. They got together in DJ's grandfather's garage with Mackey Feary, another solo act, playing at the Oar House. They wrote songs, rehearsed, and after some debate, settled on the band name, Kalapana. They played their 1st gig at Chuckʻs in Hawaiʻi Kai and eventually secured a regular gig at a club called The Toppe Ada Shoppe. The journey to success continued as they opened concerts for Earth, Wind, & Fire, Batdorf & Rodney, The Moody Blues, Sly & The Family Stone, and Cecilio & Kapono.
They had their breakout debut in 1975 when they released their 1st, self-titled album “Kalapana.” Little did they know back then, but this poignant moment in time changed and forever shaped the sounds of Hawaiʻi. The band led the way for new, contemporary sounds of Hawaiʻi with the highest caliber of songwriting. Tunes like “Nightbird”, “The Hurt”, and “Naturally” confirmed Kalapana’s place as legends in local music, deeply embedding both the music and its musicians into the fabric of our islands’ identity.
For this heartwarming tribute, we have Mana Maoli's own Kapali Bilyeu in lead - a talented singer and songwriter, honoring and perpetuating the legacy of her late father Malani Bilyeu, while also forging her own style of singing and haku mele.
Singing alongside her is David Cruz, who has been a part of our Mana Maoli ʻohana for quite some time, and we're glad to have captured some rare moments of him on camera. His brothers John Cruz, Ernie Cruz, Jr (Ka'au Crater Boys) and Guy Cruz (Pure Heart/Colon) will forever be known as legendary and key contributors to Hawaii's music history. And, there are many other Cruz 'ohana siblings, like David, who are also very talented, even if music is not their full-time focus. Spot him with sisters Doo and Tiffa, as well as brothers Tony and John, in our “Island Style/'Ōiwi E” music video, a tribute to their late brothers Ernie, Jr and Guy.
Last and very not least is 10-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and Grammy Nominated Music Producer and Artist, Shawn Pimental, who led off that video alongside Lehua Kalima. He is often seen onstage and in studio with many of Hawaii's greatest talents across many genres and generations, including Kalapana, whom Shawn has toured and recorded with and the Cruz ʻohana.
This is part 1 of our Kalapana series, stay tuned, weʻve got some awesome #MeleanaSessions coming to you in the months ahead!
Mahalo nui to our staff and crew who made this possible -
Video: Keliʻi Grace, Kelli Heath Cruz, Shang Ong, & Ivy Lagodlagod
Video Editor: Keliʻi Grace
Audio: Keanu Alop
Director of Photography: Keliʻi Grace
BTS photos: Tiffany Canonigo-Ong
Production Team: Michael Tafao & Pua Perkins
Hair & Makeup: Nalei Lacio

[@kalania14]

My favorite song growing up in the 70s

[@bth_images6012]

So good!! Mahalos!

[@matthewz2065]

that was ,is great!!!

[@cardiac161]

Ka leo nani a me ka nani i kani ka kika!!

[@robertcostales9037]

Awesome 👏🏼