PBS Hawaii VP of Development, Becky Dunning and co-host, Harry B. Soria, Jr. invite viewers to call in their pledges at the 1st Na Mele Treasures telecast in March of 2006. Harry B. was also able to interview the performers gathered around Robert Cazimero's piano that evening: Nina Kealiiwahamana, Iwalani Kahalewai, Emma Veary, and Bill Kaiwa. The studio band led by Kawika Trask featured Keao Costa and Alden Levi. The memorable gathering of Hawaiian music legends has since been rebroadcast several times on PBS Hawaii.
Pekelo Cosma and Harry B. Soria, Jr. at the 30th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, held on June 20, 2007, at the Hawaii Convention Center. Pekelo won the Hoku Award for 'Hawaiian Album of the Year'. [Harry B.'s crown flower lei made by Gail Harimoto] (Photo: Milton Lau)
Sam Kapu, Karl "KP" Lorch, Harry B., & "Bruddah" Wade Faildo at the 30th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards on June 20, 2007. Sam is the known as the "Menehune of the Microphone" on Hawaiian 105 KINE FM, while Wade is known as "Bruddah Wade". Karl Lorch was a standout athlete at Kamehameha Schools who later starred in the NFL with the Washington Redskins. [Harry B.'s crown flower lei made by Gail Harimoto] (Photo: H. Soria)
Harry B. Soria, Jr. and Karen Keawehawaii share stories at the 30th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards show on June 20, 2007. Harry B. presented the Liner Notes of the Year Award, while Karen presented the Most Promising Artist of the Year Award.
[Harry B.'s crown flower lei made by Gail Harimoto]
Multiple Hoku winner Raiatea Helm at the 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards show with Guy Sibilla, and Harry B. Soria, Jr., another multiple Hoku winner. [Harry B.'s crown flower lei made by Gail Harimoto]
In the lobby of Cox Radio Hawaii, located on Fort Street Mall in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii, there is a display case filled with awards earned over several decades. The early awards were made to 1420 AM KCCN, Station Aloha, and the later awards made made to Hawaiian 105 KINE FM, the Hawaiian Music Station. Territorial Airwaves has been carried on both stations during its history as the longest continuously running radio program in the Hawaiian islands.
Harry B. Soria, Jr. broadcasting on Hawaiian 105 KINE. Harry B. has been broadcasting continuously on Hawaiian radio since June 13, 1979.
(Photo: Justin Lopez)
Karen Keawehawaii cuts up her co-host, Harry B. Soria, Jr., during the 2006 Aloha Festivals Hawaiian Falsetto Contest at the Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki. Each year, some of the finest amateur male vocalists of the Hawaiian falsetto style compete for cash & prizes, including a recording contract with Hula Records. [Karen and Harry B.'s crown flower leis made by Gail Harimoto] (Photo: Kathleen Walling Fry)
Longtime Hawaiian musician, singer, and comedian Richard Wells has written some of the memorable jingles for the Territorial Airwaves radio show, with his sons James & Edward backing him on the recordings. Pictured after a performance at Kaimuki Auditorium are James Wells, Harry B. Soria, Jr., Richard Wells, and Edward Wells.
Harry B. Soria, Sr., Mildred Mitchell Soria, and their 3 children pose for a Christmas portrait.
Harry B. Jr., Camille Amy, and Patrick Guy celebrate Patrick's first Christmas.
Mildred Mitchell Soria and Harry Browning Soria, Sr. celebrate Christmas with their first born child, Harry B. Soria, Jr.
Harry B. & Kimo Kahoano got together at the annual U'ilani Japan Merrie Monarch reception on the Monday evening immediately following the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Harry B. emceed the event, and at one point, asked the crowd for a moment of silence in memory of the legendary entertainer Don Ho, who passed away 2 days prior, on Saturday, April 14, 2007. As the audience all closed their eyes in silence, Kimo snuck up to the microphone. Harry B. suggested to the audience laden with Hawaiian entertainers, many of whom had worked with Don Ho through the years, to conjure up their favorite memories of Don Ho. Suddenly Kimo Kahoano launched into his Don Ho impression, and brought the house down!
Of all of the panels in the 50 foot long historical walk, Na Mele No Na Pua, this area is the most personal for Harry B. In the Technology Finds Hawaii section, 2 photos of Harry B.'s father are prominently displayed. In the top left photo, Harry B. Soria, Sr. works his show, "Going To Town With Harry Soria" on Hawaii's 1st radio station, KGU. In the 4th photo (counterclockwise) Harry B. Soria, Sr. works his show, "Voice Of Hawaii" with Alvin Kaleolani Isaacsc & his Royal Polynesians, carried via KGU on the NBC Red Network to the United States and Canada. Several pieces from the Territorial Airwaves record archives are displayed in Na Mele No Na Pua as well. (Photo: Harry B. Soria, Jr.)
The Na Mele No Na Pua permanent exhibit at Embassy Suites of Waikiki Beachwalk formerly opened on Saturday, April 28, 2007. Na Mele No Na Pua (Music For The Generations) traces the evolution of Hawaii's musical expression from pre-contact to today and beyond. Harry B. was excited to be part of the Na Mele No Na Pua creative team and contribute to the 50 foot long mural.
At the launch of the Na Mele No Na Pua concert series on 4/28/07, friends gathered at the stage where Eddie Kamae & the Sons of Hawaii had just performed. Co-Emcees of the evening were Kimo Kahoano (Far Left) and Brickwood Galuteria (2nd from left). Members of the Na Mele No Na Pua historical hall creative team include (left to right from 2nd from left) Brickwood Galuteria, Pila Kikuchi, Eric Masutomi, and Harry B. Soria, Jr.
