Jason Iakona Poole and Pilipo "Pops" Solatorio
at Mo'oula Falls, Molokai
Jason Poole, also known as the Accidental Hawaiian Crooner, is returning to Chicago for a performance on August 11th. Mark your calendars for this one, because he will melt your hearts and bring smiles to your faces as soon as he starts singing. Plus he tells wonderful stories!
Jason is a Pittsburgh born classically trained singer who found out that he loves to sing Hawaiian songs. He followed his heart and has been studying the Hawaiian culture with Hawaiian kupuna (elder) Pilipo "Pops" Solatorio and just returned from a month on Molokai. We caught up with him for a quick interview as he settled back into his life in New York City.
June Tanoue: If you had to pick two things - what stands out for you about your recent experience on Molokai?
Jason Poole: First, meeting the whole 'ohana (family)! This trip was marked by some huge events: a family reunion, a funeral and multiple family camp-outs down in Halawa Valley. It was important to both Mom and Pops for me to be there. And I know it was important for Pops to introduce me to everyone --not only as another "hanai (adopted) son" but also as his haumana (student). It was important for him to be able to tell everyone that I was there to study the stories, music and traditions of the valley. For them to know that I'm kind of like an 'umeke--a vessel--to hold these things close to my heart. And that I've been asked to share them--to take the information beyond Hawai'i's shores.
Second, leading hikes to Mo'o'ula Falls as a solo guide. This was a trip! I had the chance to take groups of hikers up to one of the waterfalls in Halawa Valley. And one of the groups was comprised of teachers from Kamehameha schools on Oahu. To think that a ha'ole (white) dude from NYC was leading Hawaiian educators through Halawa Valley and sharing stories and songs along the way--totally wild! But that's my responsibility - to preserve and then to share the information. It was such an honor, a real blessing.
JT: Why did you start to study with Pilipo "Pops" Solatorio?
JP: I first met Pops in the summer of 2007 at the Aloha Music Camp when it was being held at Kaupoa Beach at Molokai Ranch. The camp was created by Aunty Nona Beamer and Keola Beamer as a way to share Hawaiian music and culture. I went with a group of five other New Yorkers. My primary goal was to spend time with Hawaiian musicians--the superstars in my world--to see how they did it, how they made such beautiful music. I wanted to spend time with the legendary (and lovely!) Aunty Nona. And I was excited to be on Molokai--an island that had completely captured my imagination.
'Anakala (Uncle) Pilipo (who later became my "Pops") was the cultural practitioner at the camp. He dressed in full Hawaiian dress-standard every day (and he still does!): complete with a set of boar's tusks hanging from a lei kukui! I remember being completely awed by his presence. But it was more than just the way he dressed. I could see he truly walked the talk. He is a revered cultural practitioner--treasured by the state of Hawai'i for his knowledge and willingness to share.
I recognized right away that he was the REAL DEAL. We connected that week at camp and kept in touch. A year later, my life changed dramatically. I'd quit my job and I knew in my heart I wanted to study Hawaiian music. I called him and asked him if I could come and study with him--to really start to understand what Hawaiian culture was all about. That short trip changed my life forever. Nana i ke kumu (Look to the source). As kama'aina (native-born) to Molokai and Halawa Valley, he'd been raised in a very traditional and "old-school" Hawaiian way. He is a native speaker of a dialect of Hawaiian that's not spoken today. He is a living source. Nana i ke kumu. I was so excited when he took me on as his student! And then to be brought into the family as a hanai son--well--that's just mind blowing.
JT: What are the important lessons you've learned on this trip?
JP: First, learning to trust myself. This trip has been marked by some interesting (and scary) opportunities. I've been put to the test both mentally and physically. It would have been easy to say "I don't know..." or "I can't do that..." or simply walk away. But instead, I was able to find the strength to rise up and meet the tasks and challenges at hand. Every time I'm on Molokai, I think I've reached my absolute limits. And every time I find a way to go further. I'm learning to trust.
Second, seeing how similar we all are. Standing in an ancient valley, 5,000 miles away from my NYC apartment, I've found that the more I learn about Hawaiian culture, the more I learn about myself. Instead of creating a wall between the two cultures, the valley has served as a mirror. I see my personal history and my relationships with my blood family even though I'm standing in the dark mud of the taro patches and working with my Hawaiian family. Instead of accentuating the differences, it echoes the similarities we all share.
And third, remembering to "walk the talk." ALOHA I KEKAHI I KEKAHI (Love one another). Easy to say, but hard to put into practice all the time. But if I'm going to help carry Pops' legacy, I have to LIVE his personal motto. Right on.
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Join Jason Poole and the dancers of Halau i Ka Pono for "An Evening of Songs, Stories and Hula" on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 38 Lake Street. 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Mahalo!
