PACIFIC HEARTBEAT, now in its third season, provides a glimpse of the real Pacific — its people, cultures, languages, music, and contemporary issues. From revealing exposés to rousing musical performances, the anthology series features a diverse array of programs that draw viewers into the heart and soul of Pacific Island culture.
This season, legendary musicians Robert and Roland Cazimero perform an enchanting array of original compositions and island standards; scientists race to find the cure for a rare disease found on one remote Pacific island; participants prepare for the annual Merrie Monarch cultural festival; and a master in Hawaiian tattooing offers a glimpse into an ancient practice.
"Hula: The Merrie Monarch's Golden Celebration" airs Friday, May 16 at 10 p.m. - This episode takes a behind-the-scenes look at preparations for the 50th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. The Festival is Hawaiʻi's most significant cultural event and showcases the ancient art of hula for a global audience. This program highlights the hard work, dedication and spirit of the Festival participants.
"Nā Loea: The Masters" airs Tuesday, May 20 at 11 p.m. - "Nā Loea: The Masters" beautifully depicts the lives of those who are considered masters in Hawaiian culture. This episode includes two stories: Ancestral Ink features Keone Nunes, a kumu hula (teacher of hula) and master of traditional kākau (tattooing), and The Great Heart of Waiokāne features Ed Wendt, a pioneer in the taro restoration movement who has helped to re-establish the water rights for all traditional farmers in east Maui.
"Pure Caz: Music of the Brothers Cazimero" airs Friday, May 23 at 10 p.m. - Legendary musicians Robert and Roland Cazimero of The Brothers Cazimero perform an enchanting array of original compositions and island standards. Also featured are reflections from the brothers and their friends on their childhood, their illustrious careers, and their perspectives on Hawaiian music from the past to the present.
"The Illness And The Odyssey" airs Tuesday, May 27 at 11 p.m. - A cure for Alzheimer’s. A Nobel Prize. An honored place in medical history. All of this hangs in the balance as scientists race to find the cure for a rare disease found on one remote Pacific island. This episode tells the story of a deadly, mind-wasting disease that could, potentially, hold the key to solving the riddle of so many other neurological nightmares.
The film features the renowned neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks and as well as many other luminaries in the field of neuroscience. Based on the book "The Island of the Colorblind" by Dr. Sacks, the film traces the struggle to solve a medical mystery plaguing a native population living on Guam.
This series is co-produced by Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) and PBS Hawaii.
PACIFIC HEARTBEAT is on Facebook. The Merrie Monarch Festival is on Facebook. The Brothers Cazimero are on Facebook.
