The New York Times calls Hapa "the most successful Hawaiian music troupe in recent history." Often styled the "Sound of Maui", the music created by Hapa evokes a place that many critics have referred to as heavenly. The overriding quality of their music is one of beauty and serenity, found in the majestic tones of the oli (chant), mele (song), the elegant movements of the sacred dance known as hula, and the exhilarating innovative sounds of virtuoso slack key guitar.
Barry Flanagan returns to The Shedd by popular demand for Hapa's 6th appearance, joined by Ron Kuala`au, Barry's original Hapa partner back in the 1980s. "Ron was one of my first Hawaiian music teachers and one of the main influences on the "Hapa sound" that we found in the 1980s," says Barry. "His harmony and guitar arrangements left an indelible mark on me and that inspiration can certainly be heard on our first self-titled Hapa release."