Our Chorus’ 51st Anniversary!

Aug26

Last week we celebrated Na Leo Lani’s 51st anniversary as a chorus! Congratulations! And to top it all off, we were joined by a very special guest, Zoe Brown, a longtime barbershop signer who first got started about 30 years ago right here in our chorus! She now sings with Diablo Vista Chorus. Last week we also welcomed our newest returning member to our Baritone section, Summer! A million-watt smiles on everyone, and a million more to come as we continue preparing for our next performance at Pohai Nani on Sept 5, and the momentous Pan-Pacific competition happening in October at Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Coaching with Julie Starr

Aug8

We had a fantastic coaching session in early July with Julie Starr, Region 12 Education Coordinator, Director of Bay Area Showcase Chorus, and a Master Director with many years of experience training choruses to turn up and tune up!

After putting us through our paces with bubbling galore and refining songs in our repertoire, Julie led us in a discussion of elements to work on as a chorus and as individual singers.

Julie is a longtime friend of Na Leo Lani. It was a wonderful to see her again and gain from her insights!

Fourth of July theme week and a great coaching session with Julie Starr

Fun-loving and fabulous!

Aug1

Sharing our birthday congratulations and warm wishes to four amazing NLL members — belated, but no less heartfelt: JoAnne and Charley (our May birthday gals) and Arlette and Jojo (June birthday gals)!

JoAnne is now 91 years old!!! Singing really does keep you fun-loving, fit, and fabulous.

Here’s to another healthy, happy, and harmonious year around the sun!

And marking May with three cheers for our Lead Charley and Bass JoAnne!

Thank you and aloha!

Jun14

On May 27, the chorus bid a very warm aloha ‘oe to longtime Na Leo Lani member and former President, Kieko, who is relocating to Australia. They showered her with lei, heartfelt song, and a very thoughtful card and surprise gift. Thank you so much, ladies!!!

I, Kieko (speaking in the first person here 😉 ), will continue to serve as NLL webmistress for the time being, even from afar — so sisters in song, please keep sending me your photos and updates!!

Thanks for more than a decade of friendship, community, and harmony! Love you all! ❤️ 💕 💗!!!

Huge appreciation for NLL director, Chris . . .

And a big hug for current NLL President, Nicole!

. . . until we meet again xo

Sweet Adelines is now SingUnited!

May22

From May 2026 onward, Sweet Adelines International has now become SingUnited International. For more on this exciting step toward expansive and inclusive musicality, visit SingUnited’s announcement and explanation of the story behind the name change.

The new name makes for a new acronym: SUI! Regardless of the switch from SAI to SUI, the organization retains its core principles of bringing harmony, connection and song to the world — and Na Leo Lani is thrilled to be a part of it! Sweet Adelines –> SingUnited = truly SUI generis!

Off to contest!

May14

We had a fabulous experience last weekend performing for friends and family as a final preparation for our Region 12 Contest this weekend in Sparks, Nevada. As you can see from the photos below, a good time was had by all as we sang for our nearest and dearest. Everyone was wonderfully enthusiastic and supportive, which made us in turn sing our best. Thank you!

Special thanks to Mark Conching for his warm and insightful coaching, Adam LeFebvre for serving as our Friends and Family event emcee, Suzanne Chun-Oakland from the Lanakila Senior Center, where the event was held, and also to the marvelous Emma at the Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji, where we rehearse every week.

Our Na Leo Lani singers are currently en route to Nevada for this weekend’s big event. Safe travels, ladies! Break a lip and put on a great show!

Sporting our favorite blue chiffon, we sang like angels!

Coaching is key!

Apr26

We had a super productive coaching session with Mark Conching this week as part of our preparation for our Sweet Adelines International Region 12 contest in Reno next month.

Mark was wearing his Honolulu Marathon finishers shirt, which felt appropriate, because preparing for contest really is a marathon, not a sprint!

Practice, practice, practice is key to getting that blend of barbershop harmony just right. Thank you so much, Mark, for holding us to account and for supporting our director, Chris, with your insights.

And wow, NLL ladies! You worked hard and it shows! 🎶❤️!

Join us for our Friends and Family event!

Apr20

Come on down to the Lanakila Senior Center on Saturday, May 9, as we strut our stuff and showcase our performance package ahead of our departure for the 2026 Sweet Adelines Region 12 Contest in Nevada!

This free event is a fun opportunity to hear barbershop harmonies live and in concert!

What: Na Leo Lani Friends and Family Event

When: Saturday, May 9, 1:00 p.m.

Where: Lanakila Senior Center, 1640 Lanakila Avenue, Honolulu

Parking: free — park in the lot. Street parking also available

We women of Na Leo Lani love an audience, and we can’t wait to sing for you!

Celebrating 50 Years of Song

Mar27

Na Leo Lani marked our fiftieth anniversary in August 2025, and what a joyful day we had!

Now comes a beautifully executed video of the event, filmed by Bruce Wee, audio engineered by Adam Jansen, and edited by Logan Wee! Watch and enjoy it on YouTube.

Heartfelt thanks to Bruce, Adam, and Logan for the video and to everyone who helped us celebrate our Golden Anniversary in style.