Looking akin to a molecular model, spokes with small, circular end caps radiate at uneven lengths and non-uniform directions from a central, hexagonal hub.

Hilo Trad Songs

I went to Hilo’s website and got a song stuck in my head!

Sign up for broadcasts from Hilo Station to get the latest info on Hilo’s travels and (very occasional) other shenanigans. And also to find out about any gigs either Laura or Lissa may have separately.

About

Hilo is an unaccompanied folk duo with tight harmonies & loose sci-fi shtick. We make it our mission to bring “ancient” songs of human rights, human stories, and human work into the future. Our songs are traditional, but our vibe, banter, & arrangements aren’t.

On Earth, Laura Ciporen and Lissa Michalak can be found in New York City. In space, they can usually be found on Hilo station, using ancient songs to help coordinate their work on the engineering crew.

Their colleagues have compared them to a giant can of space worms.

(But affectionately.)

Sample set from Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival, 2025

Non-Hilo performance as part of the Folk Music Society of NY’s stage at Porch Stomp! 2025

Gigs

Date & TimeLocationMore info
Nov. 14, 2026; 8:00 pmPeoples’ Voice Café; 239 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012A Cappella Vocal Night with Justin A. Weisler Perry. Entry by donation.
Aug. 22, 2026; 12:45 – 3:00 pm (Check in begins at 12 and ends at 12:45, when boarding begins)Chantey Sing and Sail South Street Seaport Museum, Pier 16LIMITED AVAILABILITY! Tickets must be purchased ahead of time. Join Hilo and the Ranzo Boys on the ship Pioneer as we sail around NY harbor hoisting sail to authentic work songs of the sea!
June 20, 2026; 2 – 3:00 pmPorch Stomp! (Peoples’ Voice Café stage); Governors Island, NYCPart of a full day of FREE folk and trad fun!
April 25, 2026;
4:30 – 5:20 pm
NEFFA (New England Folk Festival Association)“Shantying Space Sailors at Work.”
One day in the life of space sailors and engineers just trying to keep Hilo Station functioning, as told through traditional (ancient to us!) work songs and some shtick.
Feb. 13, 2026; 6 pmBoskone (Boston-area Scifi convention)A new set for 2026!
Sept. 27 & 28, 2025; various timesPortsmouth Maritime Folk FestivalSolo sets, sets with fellow performers, helping the demonstration crew, etc.
Feb. 14, 2026; 6 pmBoskone (Boston-area Scifi convention)Introducing Hilo, space sailors and the most tuneful members of the Hilo Space Station engineering crew.