HONOLULU, OAHU, HAWAII - Waikiki Beach Walk's popular Na Mele No Na Pua music series continues to prosper and entertain visitors and residents alike with its calendar of bi-monthly concerts and newly introduced weekly "Sunday Showcase" performances. A collaborative effort between Outrigger Enterprises Group, Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk, the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame and the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts, Na Mele No Na Pua brings the best in island music to Waikiki.
The music continues throughout June, July and August with an exciting line-up that includes legendary entertainers, award-winning artists, traditional Hawaiian hula, contemporary Hawaiian music, slack key stylings, Tahitian dance and more.
NA MELE NO NA PUA KAMA`AINA CONCERT SERIES
Bi-monthly concert series held at the Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk, Grand Lanai, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 pm.
June 29, 2008: Palani Vaughn and the King's Own, along with Halau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine.
Palani Vaughn, a legend in the local music industry, will headline the Na Mele No Na Pua Kama`aina Concert in June. Vaughn will be joined by his support musicians, "The King's Own," and Halau Ka Lehua Tuahine. "The King's Own," named for the personal guards who protected King Kalakaua, have featured many notable musicians over the years, including Cyril Pahinui, Bruce Spencer, Kawika Kahiapo, Dennis Kamakahi and others. Much of Vaughan's music has been founded upon the original song compositions of King Kalakaua and his family - songs like Hawai'i Pono'i, 'Akahi Ho'i, Ku'u Pua Paoakalani, He Inoa no Ka'iulani and many more. During the June performance, Palani Vaughn will present the very first public performance of the Waikiki tribute composition "Na Mele No Na Pua," written by Hawaiian songwriter Kenneth Makuakane and Hawaiian scholar Keola Donaghy.
August 31, 2008: The Brothers Cazimero
The Brothers Cazimero, a legendary duo in the Hawaiian music industry, is comprised of two talented brothers - bassist Robert and guitarist Roland Cazimero. They have been entertaining in the islands and around the world with their soothing, laid back style for more than 25 years. They have recorded over 20 albums and performed for many years at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki. Multi Na Hoku Hanohano winners, 2006 honorees of the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame, and recent recipients of the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts, the Brothers Cazimero have played an essential role in the evolution of modern Hawaiian music. More than a quarter of a century after their debut concerts, the brothers continue to be one of the islands' best-loved and most successful acts.
SUNDAY SHOWCASE
This free weekly program takes place every Sunday afternoon (weather permitting) from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Plaza Stage at Waikiki Beach Walk. **NOTE: Sunday Showcase performances on June 22, July 6 and July 20 will take place an hour earlier, from 4 to 5 pm.
JUNE SUNDAY SHOWCASE
June 1 - Millicent Cummings (Contemporary/Blues/Rock) - 5-6 pm
Millicent Cummings is an award winning singer, songwriter and performer who has been compared to Ani Difranco, Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos and Janis Joplin. She has opened or played on the same stage as Kenny Loggins, Ferron, John Cruz, Makana, Liko Martin and Cindy Combs. Cummings's diverse musical genre includes folk, blues, rock and roll and lyrical slack key. Her first album, "Island Rose," was released in 2005 and is a collection of original songs. She is currently working on releasing her newest CD to be called "Altar Native."
June 8 - Nikki Hines Trio (Hawaiian) - 5-6 pm
One of Hawaii's living musical treasures, Aunty Nikki Hines graces the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza Stage for a special sunset performance of Hawaiian Music. A one of a kind afternoon of Hawaiian music, dance and storytelling you won't want to miss.
June 15 - Moon Kahele (Contemporary Hawaiian) - 5-6 pm
Well seasoned composer/performer and recording artist Moon Kahele celebrates his music once again at Waikiki Beach Walk. In 2007, Moon captured the hearts of those visiting Waikiki Beach Walk during a special Aloha Celebration concert. With four CD's under his belt, Moon currently performs at the Koolina Resort, the Mai Tai Bar Waikiki as well as other venues throughout Hawaii.
June 22 - Pali (Hawaiian Contemporary) - **4-5 pm
Award winning group PALI includes founder and group namesake Pali Tuan W. Ka'aihue, Mark Kawakami, Dwayne Keomaka, and Joey Mokulehua. The group promises to deliver an enjoyable afternoon of contemporary Hawaiian music with songs from their CD's as well as some new island compositions.
June 29 - Hula Ho`olaule`a - 5-7pm (special two hour performance)
Kumu Hula Blaine Kia performs with Kekaniwai and Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie offering both adult and keiki (children) hula dancers in a unique blending of contemporary and traditional elements focusing on island traditions, cultural beliefs, classic hapa haole tunes and historical moments in Hawaii, all told through song and dance.
JULY SUNDAY SHOWCASE
July 6 - Holunape (Hawaiian) - ** 4-5 pm
Group members Kama Hopkins, Kekoa Kaluhiwa and Kanai`a Nakamura have committed themselves to the careful perpetuation of the Hawaiian language and are devoted to the playing of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. This firm foundation makes Holunape a popular band among hula enthusiasts in Hawaii and around the world.
July 13 - Te `E`a o Te Turama (Tahitian Dance & Drums) - 5-6 pm
The drum beats of Te 'E'a o Te Turama beckons you to the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza stage to experience the upbeat and exciting dance and drumming of Tahiti. During select days of the week, you'll also find them at Mana Hawaii located on the second floor of Waikiki Beach Walk.
July 20 - Pilioha (Hawaiian) - **4-5pm
Pilioha is a Hawaiian music trio from the island of Oahu. The group originally started in the early '90's as a duo with first cousins Glenn Mayeda Jr. (bass) and Gary "Kalehua" Krug Jr. (rhythm guitar). Lead guitarist, Kamuela Kimokeo, joined the group in 2001. In 2006, the group won the prestigious Ka Himeni Ana Unamplified Hawaiian Music Contest.
July 27 - Kelekona with special guest Jonah Cummings (Hawaiian Slack Key) - 5-6 pm
Kelekona grew up with strong Hawaiian values as a local boy on Oahu and the Big Island listening to the great sounds of Hawaiian music. Kelekona shares his unique style of Hawaiian Slack Key honoring many of Hawaii's slack key legends. Kelekona's music is also infused with a blend of jazz , blues, rock and flamenco-reflective of his many musical influences. Kelekona is joined by the very talented and versatile musician Jonah Cummings.
AUGUST SUNDAY SHOWCASE
August 3 - PANA featuring Ned Ka'apana (Hawaiian) - 5-6 pm
Hawaiian slack- key virtuoso Ned Ka'apana is the featured performer here with the talented duo Pana. Ka'apana has his own distinctive "nahenahe" style that evokes feelings and images of the past with overtones of the future to come. He draws from his rich musical heritage in creating beautiful solo vocal and guitar arrangements to selected traditional, contemporary and original Hawaiian melodies. Ka'apana brings with him years of musical history as part of the legendary Ka'apana Ohana and Hui Ohana.
August 10 -Island Pray'z Band (Variety) - 5-6 pm
The Island Pray'z Band is a group of talented vocalist and musicians who are very involved in sharing their music throughout our island communities from Kailua to Waianae. These well-seasoned performers bring a variety of music to the Plaza Stage from Contemporary, Country to Hawaiian.
August 17 - Sean Tiwanak (Contemporary/Hawaiian/Island) - 5-6 pm
Music has been a therapeutic element in the life of singer-composer Sean Tiwanak, who was challenged with congestive heart failure but found solace and strength in the 18-month process of recording his debut CD, songs form which he will share songs with at his upcoming Waikiki Beach Walk performance. Tiwanak is an inspiration for others with bumps in their road and shares the value of music for healing and expression.
August 24 -Manoa Voices (Hawaiian) - 5-6 pm
Hula Records presents Manoa Voices, winners of the 2007 Ka Himeni Ana Contest, the prestigious competition featuring Hawaiian language songs performed without amplification at the Historic Hawaii Theatre. These University of Hawaii Music Students present a beautiful style of four part harmony of Hawaiian music in addition to other Hawaiian favorites.
August 31 - Peter Apo & The Rainbow Nation Band (Contemporary Hawaiian) - 5-6 pm
Peter Apo began writing songs in his late twenties. Originally he used his writing as a therapy to escape, vent, cry, and generally as a way of talking to himself. His first album titled Apo & Beazley, produced by Steve Kramer and Dave Toma, brought him a prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano award for most promising new artist in 1985. His newest album just hit the markets.
In keeping with the free line-up of Hawaiian entertainment offered at Waikiki Beach Walk, residents and visitors are welcome to the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza Stage every Tuesday afternoon for the weekly program called Ku Ha'aheo, "To Cherish with Pride." From 4:30 to 6:00 pm, kumu hula and cultural advisor Blaine Kamalani Kia leads his hula halau in a performance featureing both adult and keiki (children) hula dancers, a unique blending of contemporary and traditional elements focusing on island traditions, cultural beliefs, classic hapa haole tunes, and historical moments in Hawaii, all told through song and dance.
Valet parking for up to four hours is available for $6.00 at the Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk (201 Beachwalk) and the Wyndham Vacation Ownership-Waikiki Beach Walk (227 Lewers Street), with any same-day purchase from any Waikiki Beach Walk merchant.
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NOTE TO MEDIA: For assistance with images of entertainers, please contact Kathy Hansberry at kathy.hansberry@outrigger.com or call 808-921-6897.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Nancy Daniels, APR, PR Director
Phone: 808-921-6839
Email: nancy.daniels@outrigger.com
Kathy Hansberry, PR Coordinator
Phone: 808-921-6897
Email: Kathy.hansberry@outrigger.com
About Waikiki Beach Walk®
Outrigger Enterprises Group's Waikiki Beach Walk® is the largest development project ever to be undertaken in Waikiki. The nearly 8-acre area, bordered by Kalakaua Avenue, Lewers Street, Kalia Road, Beach Walk and Saratoga Road, has been completely rebuilt as a vibrant showcase and gathering place in the new Waikiki. With a total cost of $535 million, it features an outdoor entertainment plaza, 40 new retailers, six great restaurants, and four hotels. Incorporating a design theme that celebrates Hawaii's voyaging and ocean heritage and that takes advantage of the island's cooling trade winds and year-round excellent weather, Waikiki Beach Walk is the consummate expression of Hawaii today -- a place where people come to be enlivened with warm hospitality, a rich confluence of cultures, and nature's precious gifts from land and sea. For more information, visit www.waikikibeachwalk.com.
About Outrigger Enterprises Group
Outrigger Enterprises Group is one of the largest and fastest growing privately-held leisure lodging and hospitality companies in the Asia Pacific and Oceania regions and continues to expand its presence throughout the area. A family-owned company with more than 60 years of hospitality experience, Outrigger runs a highly-successful, multi-branded line of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties, including Outrigger® Hotels & Resorts, OHANA® Hotels & Resorts, Outrigger Condominium Collection®, Embassy Suites®, Best Western® and Wyndham Vacation Ownership®. Currently, Outrigger operates and/or has under development 47 properties with close to 12,000 rooms located in Hawaii, Australia, Guam, Fiji, Palau, Bali and Phuket, Thailand. Outrigger Enterprises Group also operates and develops hotel properties and hospitality-related retail and real estate opportunities for partners in Hawaii, the Pacific, the mainland USA and Asia. For on-line information, log on at www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com and www.outrigger.com.
*Embassy Suites is a registered trade mark of Hilton Hotels Corporation.