Tula Productions

Tula Productions Blog

Welcome to our feedback page!
We appreciate your support and feel that this sharing of culture through music makes us all part of an extended Ohana. Please take time to read the comments from our concert attendees. We are always trying to improve our concert venues and take your comments and feedback into account.

If you wish to contact Tula directly on any issues please email her

Tula -

I totally love the two productions of yours that I've been to. I just sent a long e-mail to your web corresponce. Please read it. Mahalo.
- Anne -

Mahalo nui loa!!!
We love seeing Hapa. Live is the BEST!!!

Kim and Dan S

PS. Tula, hope you are okay, we were worried after you fell from the stage.

Dear Tula,

Thanks again for bringing Hapa back in town. This years show was our third straight trip to the Sherwood Auditorium for the Hapa concert and as always our 2 girls made it once again. It's become somewhat of a family tradition to see Hapa in La Jolla in February. The show was great as always and it was nice to hear a few new songs not previously performed at Sherwood Auditorium. We hope to bring our son next year.

See you again next year,

Michael, Susan, Michaela ( age 7 ), Malia ( age 5 )

Tula
How is the arm?
We saw you take that triple gainer off the stage before the Hapa concert. As we were leaving we saw that your arm was wrapped. We hope it's not serious.

The concert was marvelous! Stay well.

Aloha
Alex and Patty B

I had more fun last night than any man ought to. Thanks to everyone for coming to our "luau". Check this website www.tulaproductions.org for picture of Friday's concert (they'll probably post them sometime on Monday or Tuesday). Many thanks to Tula Productions, another great show! We'll all be back next year!

Ana and Walton

No complaints. Everything was perfect, as far as my wife and I were concerned. Hope you're recovering well after that nasty fall.

Best regards,

David M

The first concert of theirs I saw was at the California Performing Arts Center in Escondido. The stage had a beautiful outrigger canoe and large potted palms that were brought in. Anything that made the stage area more "Hawaiian" would make a big difference.

I've seen Hapa 10 times. The music keeps getting better...amazing.

John C

Another wonderful evening with Hapa and a very nice crowd. Mahalo for always bringing them here. We look forward to your next production.

Cheryl T

My wife and I just wish it had gone longer this year. Their music is so great we just don't want it to end!

Mike S

We absolutely LOVED the show AND the venue! We saw Hapa at Humphrey's last time and although they were excellent, that venue is the worst. So uncomfortable, etc. We have raved to our friends about the concert and the event and hope that we remain on your mailing list so we know what's coming up next. Thanks for a great evening!

Bob and Susan B

Tula,
The show was great.. How about Barefoot Natives?

David W. W

Hapa never disappoints. This year, I had the pleasure of introducing them to a group of my friends who had never seen them, or any other live Hawai'ian music show. Everyone left the hall last night feeling great - feeling that they had been a part of something positive and special. (My friend Shawn leaned in to me and told me that the dancer moved 'like a waterfall'). You can't get that kind of feeling in a mosh pit! There were 16 of us together this year, next year there will definitely be more and we can't wait!

Thanks again,
Ana and Walton

Aloha e Tula,
Just wanted to send a quick note to say Mahalo for putting on such a great show last night. It was my first time at the Sherwood... nice to see HAPA in an up-close & cozy atmosphere like that. It was nice to see you too, next time I will have to make sure to say hello... didn't want to bother you last night. You are looking great!

Hope you are not too sore or banged-up from your fall. My husband was the haole guy down there helping to pick up the ipu's. We were getting to our seats, he wanted to go around down by the stage, then I hear a little commotion & noticed people gathering down there but couldn't see who fell, I thought it might have been him for a moment. When he got back up to us, he said when he was walking down there a lady fell from behind the curtain. I didn't know it was you until intermission or else I would have went down there to check on you... sorry. Again Mahalo nui, we enjoyed the show!

Malama pono,
Lani & 'Ohana

Aloha Tula,

Mahalo nui loa for a wonderful evening with Hapa! We all enjoyed it tremendously and can't wait to see the pictures. We can't wait until next year!! I hope your arm is feeling better today.

Much love,
Irene

I just wanted to say thank you so much for our beautiful night with the Makaha Sons and of course Keali'i Reichel.

Just an idea for next year that may or may not make sense. Maybe of course the Makaha Sons with Henry Kapono. Have you heard his Christmas cd, its beautiful. We can't wait for next years concerts.

Thank you again for all you do.

Jim Marabotto

Tula,
...this was our first time seeing the Makaha Sons in person and I'm the big Hawaiian music fan in our house. I had happy tears rolling down my face on their very first song (I'm a cry baby anyway), and this was so worth the wait. They are so awesome, so down to earth and just so darn talented.
It was fun to see Keali'i Reichel too (another first), and his live performance was also exceptional.
I really enjoyed the dancers - all of them. I don't know Hula, but I know the movements tell a story and it's just beautiful to watch.

Oceans of Aloha!
Jonnie Santos and Earl Jackson

Aloha Tula,
Alyce here. I had planned to E you the next day but was just too tired when I got home from work. I just wanted to say Mahalo for all the Aloha the Concert was so AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. It was a little cramped but I didn't notice once the Concert began. I so enjoyed the laughter and music. I have to admit the high light was Keali'i cam on stage. I'm such a big fan of his music and to top it all off he danced AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Beyond my vocabulary, blow the roof off the place. I only wished I could have been up their dancing with him. The seats were great, almost could reach out and touch him. ( Just gave myself shivers thinking about it. I asked you but I think I asked the wrong people they didn't know who you were, It was also so busy and I didn't know if I should sneak back stage or if I would even master that, but I saw you on stage and I even though about shouting out to you but I didn't want to upset my husband so just know I was sending you lots of Aloha from my seat. I didn't get back to Hemet till midnight and had to get up at 5am to get ready for work. I worked till 4pm got off and hour early. Talk about dragging through the day I couldn't even get with it I was still at the concert in my mind. I came home and went to bed slept till 7:30am the next morning, I was tired. Hope you have a Wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours keep in touch and I'm sure are paths will cross again for another event.

Much Love
Alyce Mahalo

Tula,
The concert was awesome. I'm glad it was a sell-out for you. We wanted to thank you for the very nice hotel room at your rate. It was soooo nice & comfy!
Please keep us informed about the possibility of bringing the guys to Houston for a concert. My brother lives there and we might just be able to go to it.

We wish you & your ohana a very nice holiday season.
ke aloha, Ruth & Jim Edens

Congratulations on a great concert!
That was just the best and the Halau thru the years that I have seen them, have just gotten wonderful. They seem a lot more dedicated which translates into better timing and presentation. Truly an emotional experience.
Loved the venue.

Mahalo,
dennis/darren

Aloha Tula!
I had to express my thanks for such a great show, last night at the North Park Theatre. The Makaha Sons were great and, because I know Keali'i through emails to Him and Fred, it was a delight to see him perform.
I'm retired, at age 52, and was wondering if there's any way I could help with any of your productions?
I often visit Hawaii, especially Maui. Some day I'd love to call it "Home"! My two best friends live there and they are constantly telling me I belong on the Islands. Well, that could be a possibility very soon. But, I'd love to get involved in making more people realize how important it is to bring the Hawaiian Culture to the Mainland. Please let me know how I could get involved in helping you with any further productions possible. It would fulfill a Life-Long Dream of mine.

Yours truly,
Doug Langelier

Thank you for an absolutely fabulous time!
The concert was great... Sharing the experience with our Ohana and the great love of my life - PRICELESS... You have an extraordinary website. I was surprised to see that the Makaha Son's photos were already on there.
Thanks for breakfast. It was wonderful to be with family. There was no issues, no drama and everyone was just so happy to be there & share the experience.
Bravo Ms. Striffer... Bravo
(please remind Patsy to send you photos from last night & the breakfast.)

Have a SUPER day
Raenal L. Souza

Aloha Tula,
Mahalo for bringing the Makaha Sons & Keali'i back to San Diego again! I really enjoyed the performance last night - it's amazing how those lovely harmonies make it sound like more than 3 guys! And all the dancers were so beautiful - it was just lovely!
When you have a spare moment (when???) could you let me know who the beautiful solo dancer was? She looks so familiar but I didn't catch her name, and with my age and poor eyesight I'm embarrassed to admit it's probably someone I know.

Happy Holidays to you and all your 'Ohana,
Anne

I've seen Hapa 3 times, twice with your company and once at Humphrey's. I prefer the 'feel' of your shows. I like the non-alcoholic venues. I like the crafts that are for sale. I feel a closer experience. Keep up the great work.

Walton (February 28, 2007)

Rancho Penasquitos

We have been fans of Hapa for many years and the show at the Sherwood Auditorium last Friday was excellent ( we first saw Hapa live nearly 10 years ago at the Escondido Performing Arts Center and we think the Sherwood Auditorium to be more intimate ). We also went to last year's show and brought our two daughters who were 5 and 3 years old then and they both wanted to go again this year. A new generation of Hapa fans live at our house. I made a mistake last year by not buying the Hapa DVD thinking I could pick it up at Tower or Borders but without luck.....finally, I was able to get a copy at this year's show. Please Tula, keep the emails coming about upcoming concerts.

Michael, Susan, Michaela ( age 6 ) and Malia ( age 4 ) M. (February 21, 2007)

HAPA was great, as usual. The place was great. A little less talk and a little more music next time. Keep me on the mailing list. HAPA is a super group!

George (February 21, 2007)

Aloha!

The Hapa concert was the first of 3 music concerts I went to last weekend. It was followed by the Moody Blues on Sat and a classical piano recital on Sun. Hapa was, by far, the most thrilling! Their music makes a spiritual high that carries forward. Mahalo for bringing them again to SD.

Diana (February 21, 2007)

p.s. the theater is a good venue.

This was my first time at a Hapa concert and I had a great time! The venue was the perfect size for this group. It was great being able to talk to the guys after the concert – they were all so nice. My only suggestion would be one of staging – a backdrop of some type (slide show, bamboo curtain, plants etc.) would have made the stage a lot more interesting and better lighting!!

Sandra (February 20, 2007)

This was our second Hapa concert, always fun! As for the venue, well, our first Hapa concert was at Humphrey's, I liked that better. Nathan, Barry, and Charles, they are all awesome. One of the best things we like about Hapa is the fun they have together. Playing great music, awesome talent, no underwear! I actually liked it that photos were allowed, great times remembered and captured. No worries! It was nice to have Tula come out and talk about her daughter, family style is always the best in my life! Keep on keepin' on...

Leslie (February 20, 2007)

The concert was fabulous as always. We would not miss it.

Tom and Kathy (February 20, 2007)

Thanks so much for a great Hapa concert! – the venue in La Jolla was perfect for it, and Nathan, Charles and Barry were great as always. Nathan’s voice was absolutely excellent – along with Hapa “Maui”, I think we’re wearing out “E Apo Mai”! We certainly look forward to more Hawaiian music in and around San Diego. And if you need kokua for future concerts, call us!

Thanks,
Geoff & Beth H (February 19, 2007)

Another HAPA concert, and once again we all left La Jolla singing to the CD's we had just purchased. We attend every year, and enjoy it every time. As was mentioned by some of the other posts, I would love to see a little mix in the music - same sets as last year - There is so much talent in this group that is seems a shame to spend it on the same mele two years in a row. We will be back when HAPA returns!

Kai & Christine (February 19, 2007)

Excellent production. I always enjoy HAPA this time we brought several of our friends who enjoyed it also. They are still talking about it. Please place me on the newsletter so I can learn about the concerts ahead of time. I try to attend as much as I can and try to promote our culture. The chanter was great. My daughter danced at it and you have alot of pictures of her .

Dottie S (February 19, 2007)

Aloha,

My husband and I enjoyed the concert very much. It was a birthday present for my husband. He got everyone's autograph on the slack-key CD as well. Our only complaint was handled at the intermission when you asked people to stop taking flash photos. It was distracting to us and I'm sure the musicians were bothered even more.

We hope they will be back next year so we can enjoy them again!
Ann S (February 19, 2007)

Great show! Three very talented musicians, and a top-notch dancer. I look forward to the next time.

Regards, Fred W (February 19, 2007)

Tula!
Thanks to you and Hapa for putting on such a great show! Those guys really inspire me! Barry, Nathan, and Charles are always ultimately professional, and I greatly appreciate the insight they have given me regarding Hawaiian culture. The Sherwood Theater has been a very good venue, and I look forward to attending more events at the facility.
By the way, congratulations on your greatly improved web site- the technology employed is very effective, and the photos are also very enjoyable. It's about time that Hawaiians have gone High Tech! Have a great day!

Mahalo nui loa! Aloha!
Rolf L (February 19, 2007)

This is our second time (we missed last year) seeing Hapa at this venue. Great venue!! Nathon, Barry and Charles were awesome as usual! I would have like to have heard them play some of their other songs. They have a lot of great songs, like Hei Iti Vaihi (beautiful).
What happened to the vendors this year? Hardly any :( I do love shopping!!!

Mahalo!
Marlys and Steve (February 19, 2007)

Hi all,

First of all, mahalo for bringing the finest of Hawaiian music to San Diego. I don't think I've missed Hapa since the first concert (I think) in Escondido way back when. My only wish would be for some rented palms on the sides and maybe behind the group. A little adds a lot. The best was Escondido with the outrigger and palms.

Thanks again,

Debbie and John C (February 19, 2007)

THIS WAS OUR FIRST HAWAIIAN CONCERT BUT DEFINITELY NOT OUR LAST!! FRIENDLY PEOPLE BOTH STAFF AND OTHER ATTENDEES. DAVE ISH AND HIS WIFE MARYHELEN ARE SURFING BUDDIES, THEY TALKED US INTO GOING AND WE'RE GLAD THEY DID.

SEE YOU NEXT TIME,

RANDY & SHARON N (February 19, 2007)

Mahalo for such a wonderful HAPA concert Friday night! Barry, Nathan and Charles sounded fantastic (as usual) and my wife and I had a great time. The sound quality was excellent and the venue for the concert was perfect, it made for a quaint and personal atmosphere. My wife and I also especially loved shopping from all the vendors prior to the show. I believe we purchased something from nearly every one of them! Please keep up the good work there at Tula Productions and we look forward to seeing your next Hawaiian music concert.

Mahalo,
Darren & Yumi (February 19, 2007)

I was introduced to the music of Hapa at your production in Feb '06. I was instantly inspired by the excellence of their musical ability and the 'positivity' in their music. I have since seen them twice (including the show on 2/16/07) and have had the pleasure of introducing other people to their music. Thanks for the great show!

Walton S (February 18, 2007)

The Hapa concert was wonderful. The sound quality was great for the music and singing, but I couldn't understand a lot of what they were saying when talking because the sound was too loud and distorted. Also I would have loved to have seen the dancer's feet. They were hidden behind the musicians and the decorations on the raised platform in front of her. Other than those small points, it was perfect.

Many thanks for hosting them to San Diego.

Barbara M (February 18, 2007)

Aloha Tula,
Thank you for such a wonderful concert on Friday night. We absolutely LOVED seeing Hapa again (after already seeing them a few months ago at Humphreys)!! We were wondering if you often host performances near La Jolla. Would you be willing to have two more volunteers?
Mahalo nui loa for such a fun Friday night!

Raymond and Irene (February 18, 2007)

Thank you - mahalo - thank you - mahalo!!
Since I'm "hapa" too (chinese, hawaiian, filipino) I am naturally drawn to Hapa's music. The concert at Sherwood's surpassed my expectations and brought a great close to a too-long work week. Thanks Tula for making it happen.

Gail C (February 18, 2007)

We drove across two states to see the Makaha Sons show - was worth it! Wonderful music, beautiful dancing, ono-kine pupus, lots of aloha. Mahalo plenty, Tula!!

Mike and Judy A (December 22, 2006)
Bisbee, AZ

What a wonderful time at the Makaha Sons concert!

It was the shortest 3 1/2 hours I'd ever spent.

Wonderful harmonies!

And the guest singers were fantastic.

Mele Kalikimaka to you all.

Aloha

Alexander DB (December 21, 2006)

The Makaha Sons were awesome as they are every time they come to San Diego. The “Sons” harmony is so tight and the music is dynamic and beautifully written, it’s inevitable that you will get a spectacular show every time. The combination of uncle Jerome’s emcee who is too funny and witty, uncle John who is a “hoot” with great energy on stage and uncle Moon’s mysterious genius gift and talent, keeps you enticed from beginning to end. The dialogue on stage throughout the whole production draws the audience in as if every one in the room was “ohana”. I loved it! All of the artists were great and Darlene Ahuna, Wow!!! She had me in tears during Akaka Falls. “Girl, you Da’Bomb!! This was a great concert and I fully enjoyed every minute of it. The Sons music touched many and it was unforgettable, what better way to bring you and your ohana into the Christmas and Holiday spirit.

The dancers did a fabulous job, by the way… who was the “sole” that danced Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai? Joseph of course! Can I recruit him? J

Tula my friend, you out-do yourself every time I’m never surprised. Mahalo to you sistah for bringing the best of Hawaiian music to us every year. Keep up the great work and God Bless you for your aloha spirit and…. for being who you are. Stay beautiful. You Rock!!!!

taupou
Kiki T (December 11, 2006)

Thanks for a great concert last night – it went by too fast! And oh the talent – why are all the fast and great guitar players in Hawaii named Barry? (or Moon, Jerome…..!). Hoku? Good name as some of the notes you reached were up there…

And Moon, John and Jerome – thanks for sharing na mele for 30 years – we are certainly blessed for that. You all start up out Christmas season – it is very appreciated. Have a happy and safe Christmas and leave some ‘opihi fo’ me, eh?!

Geoff & Beth H (December 10, 2006)