It was an unforgettable baby lū’au in the heart of New York City! The celebration, held at the beautiful Chez Zou inside the Pendry Hotel building at Manhattan West, brought a slice of aloha to the Big Apple.
From 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, the venue was filled with laughter, music, and the spirit of ‘ohana. With around 25 keiki (kids) and 45 adults in attendance, the party was a perfect blend of joy, energy, and community.
I had the pleasure of playing three hours of live music, setting the tone for an event filled with vibrant cultural experiences.
Guests enjoyed:
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Live Hula Performance and Class – The amazing Luana Haraguchi of Hālau Hula O Nā Mele ‘Āina O Hawai’i, who has been teaching hula in NYC since 1968, led an interactive session where both kids and adults learned traditional hula moves. Her presence and expertise brought true island vibes to Manhattan.
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Face Painting & Ukulele Decorating – The kids had a blast with colorful face art and a hands-on “decorate your own ‘ukulele” station, adding creativity and fun to the day.
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Delicious Food & Drinks – The catering was top-notch, offering guests a taste of the islands with beautifully curated flavors.
The event was a wonderful reminder that with the right team, even a first birthday party can feel like a moment out of paradise. Kudos again to Anne Ligeard Murat of Clafoutis Events—your attention to detail and dedication to joy made this celebration one to remember.
