The famous Samoan band, Punialavaa from New Zealand, is here this week to help make memories for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia related illnesses.
The band is holding a concert at the Lee Auditorium Wednesday evening and a free concert on Friday at Utulei Beach, drawing to a close Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
Shortly after they arrived yesterday, the family band, led by Rev. Lale Peteru and faletua Vini, held a press conference at Cecilia’s Restaurant.
Elinor McMoore Lutu of the Agency for Better Living Endeavors (ABLE) and Chuck Leota, CEO of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA)—the main sponsor of the Punialavaa tour—welcomed the group.
Play Audio: Punialavaa-elinor
Play Audio: Punialaa-astca
Leota also announced ASTCA’s Text to Donate platform, where subscribers can text the word “ABLE” to the short code 555 to donate $1. ASTCA will match every dollar donated towards the ABLE cause.
Punialavaa started as a string band in 1968 by Rev. Lale and some friends. Mrs Peteru came onto the scene in 1980 when she wedded the band master, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Other than recordings by Radio 2AP, the band’s early recordings of what was then a duet of husband and wife, were at the DayStar Recording Studio in Vaitogi.
Eventually the couple left Samoa and moved to New Zealand and the band grew with their children.
They have been awarded for their contributions to the Pacific Music scene in New Zealand.
Rev. Lale and Faletua Vini said, most of their compositions are based on real life experiences. For example, in one of their most famous songs, Le Taelega i Petesa, the reverend reminisced about his grandmother who became blind at 60.
Vini likened a lyricist to a journalist recording events or experiences.
For tickets or corporate tables for the Punialavaa Concert tomorrow night, call ABLE at 733-5888.
