A Tribute to Irmgard Farden Aluli who was born 100 years ago on October 7, 1911
Good Morning, God!
Last night’s tribute to the late Auntie Irmgard, a local legend in Hawaiian music, was like going back in time. Back to a family time — back to a slower time — when entertainment was something we did together, not something we watched.
A niece of Auntie Irmgard invited me to the tribute, held 100 years and a day after her date of birth. Kit and I bought tickets and sat up close. Song after song poured over us, taking us back to the Old Hawaii, the Hawaii of sharing — sharing songs and hulas and laughter.
For the last number people were invited to “dance in the aisles” and some did. Oh, I would have loved to have joined them! How wonderful to be raised so that doing the hula is like giving a hug — giving a gift of love.
Auntie Irmgard
The friend who invited me was up on the stage at the end and at first she looked just a little uncomfortable. But as she danced she relaxed and began to smile and exude happiness. Her body, the music and the movements set her free. What a gift — to be free of self-consciousness — free to be.
I loved seeing women in their late 80’s and early 90’s up on stage singing and dancing. They were a delightful reminder that while our bodies age, our spirits can stay young.
Surely dancing and singing together protect us from many of the worries and fears that age us. Thank You, God, for music.
Story teller,
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