“Paradise to Paradise: The Rap Reiplinger Story” will be featured at the Hawaiʻi Book and Music Festival with a talk story session Saturday, May 4 in the Mission Memorial Auditorium at 3:30. I’ll be joined by Rap’s Booga Booga partner and friend, Ed Kaʻahea, Rap’s first manager and record producer Jon de Mello and friend Leon Siu, who knew Rap from high school days when they both played acoustic guitar and sang at local coffeehouses near the University of Hawaiʻi.
We’ll kick things off with a video highlighting some of Rap’s best loved material then we’ll share some of our memories of Rap. That iconic center of the Hawaiian Renaissance, the Territorial Tavern is sure to be discussed as well as the Renaissance itself and Booga Booga’s role in it. All three of the gentlemen who will be joining me are alumni of the Tavern. Jon de Mello can talk about some of his wild experiences managing the Booga Booga trio, and Leon Siu has quite a unique perspective having known Rap for so many years thoughout his life.
There will also be a chance for the audience to ask questions. Should be a lot of fun…hope you’ll join us! I’ll also be at one of the Bess Press booths throughout the weekend, where we’ll have a limited supply of books for sale. Look forward to seeing you there!
Aloha,
Leesa