The Volcano Art Center’s 2019 Hula Voices series continues Wednesday, June 5, featuring hula practitioner Sammi Fo, with moderator Desiree Moana Cruz.
Although born and raised in Hawaii, Fo began her hula career in an unexpected place — New York City.
She first danced hula at the famous Hawaiian Room at the Lexington Hotel. Her teacher was Keola Beamer, brother of Nona Beamer. Fo went on to dance hula at the Hawaiian Room in Hollywood, in Don Ho shows at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas and The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, as well as throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Her film credits include the Elvis Presley movies “Viva Las Vegas” and “Fun at Acapulco.”
Hula Voices is an oral history project, presenting an engaging, intimate talk story session with Hawaii Island’s hula practitioners and musicians. These free, educational offerings occur regularly from 5:30-7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.