The Midpen Media Center is happy to welcome the return of Michael Uhila and his entertaining program Michael Uhila Presents. In the spirit of Tongans and other Pacific Islanders, Michael will be featuring Polynesian artists and musicians for this program of Michael Uhila Presents. We are thrilled that he brought live music and a whole crew back into the Midpen Media Center studio. You can catch this episode of Michael Uhila Presents on Channel 30 Arts, Issues and Lifestyles, or on our YouTube channel.
Michael has produced a range of topics from women’s groups, fine art artists, and health and wellness experts. Michael Laulu Uhila was born in Stanford hospital to a father from the Kingdom of Tonga and a mother from the independent state of Samoa, who were Polynesian dancers in Japan. He is a multi-talented artist who is both creative and resourceful. Michael listened to the music of his uncle’s band Ava and the Hawaiian legend Don Ho starting in infancy. He is a dedicated and vital member of the East Palo community. Recently, he and members of East Palo Alto’s Anamatangi Polynesian Voices worked vigorously gathering supplies to send to their families and members of the island nation of Tonga, which was devastated by Tsunamis caused by an underwater volcanic eruption.
The performers are lively and happy children from Anamatangi Polynesian voices. “Anamatangi singers are a collective of performers who perform an ancient traditional way of singing in Polynesia.” Their voices were in harmony and brought many smiles to the studio audience. Michael chose Jake Shimada because of his dedication to the spirit of Hawaiian music. Jake’s ukulele style is a natural, authentic sound of Hawaii, “unlike the Hawaiin style you hear today.” Chris Nui played an unplugged guitar version of his songs because Michael felt that it is a “good way to introduce the world to raw talent from Polynesian sounds.” In between the entertainment, “the hostess Tonga Victoria was there to take you on a journey by bridging education and entertainment.” She shared stories about global climate change and the effects sea-level rising is having on Polynesian islands.
Michael describes a production as, “The studio goes from a blank canvas to tons of props and wires all over the place. Ten conversations going on at the same time. Talent walking in with props and production assistants dressing the set. Someone asking about a run down and I have to say ‘relax, go get some food. We’ll get there.” He describes his leadership role as producer as, “A producer does it all and ain’t scared to carry a case of water for the crew and sweep the floor after the show. The same producer picks up twelve pizzas and snacks for the crew.” Michael gave a big shout-out to Studio Tech Pedro Arenas, and crew members Nancy Wheeler, Alma Love, Brian Kraker, Jo Appogast, Asa Deggeller, and Asia Dubarenka for audio mixing and arrangement. “Talent is ready, cue talent, wait. How did we get here?”
Thank you to Michael Uhila and his crew for bringing vibrant and uplifting beats to the Midpen Media Center studio. We hope to see Michael and his team again soon, and we hope to see other producers as well. We’ve done a lot to improve the space and encourage everyone to come and check out the new and improved Midpen Media Center. In addition to studio improvements and a new green room, we’ve opened up the second floor to host workshops, discussions, and create a workspace that encourages and promotes creative collaboration by media makers of all types!
