Event spokeswoman Pip Laufiso explains "Hiva" is "from the Tokelauan language; it means dance or to dance. It's a term we use for social - a time to come together and dance, enjoy our music and company . . . [In Samoan, it's 'Siva'].
"We wanted to target our Pacific communities here in Dunedin because they don't get out to gigs at the Union or the clubs, and it's always too late for them, so the band will start their first set at 8pm."
Ms Laufiso says she's really looking forward to "people celebrating; a cross-section of Dunedin communities, including our parents' generation; they were the Pacific pioneers who made their Pacific socials, fundraisers and gatherings unique cultural events."
Guest include Morehu Solomon, the Tongan Youth group, Dunedin's Tokelauan community and the Tongan Band.
Koile has spent the better part of 2008 working on an album, which should be on the way quite soon. This Hiva is also a fundraiser for the band, to complete the production and promotion.
Lead by long-time Dunedin musician, Rouru Henry, the Island String Band they will bring the classic lilt of the Pacific ukulele and drums to the fore.
Koile's percussionist, Eshan Dean, also plays in this line-up along with his father, Ioaba Dean, in the ensemble.
Tonight's performance will be the last of the year for Koile, but the band plans to regroup in Wellington before they play for the fourth time at Parihaka on January 9, 10, and 11.
There's also a bunch more travel on the band's agenda next year. They've been invited to the Christchurch Pacific Arts Festival in February, and Auckland's legendary Pasifika in March.
If you fancy a lazy Sunday afternoon, Delgirl play at Ironic on Anzac Ave at 3pm.
