Back to Homepage

11th Annual Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search Call for Entries

Posted by Kathy Foley

6/27/2019

RELEASE NUMBER 28|2019

Emcee Bruddah Wade Faildo (left) and Outrigger Resorts’ Luana Maitland (right)
with Ke Olu (center) – the 2018 winners of the Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search

HONOLULU – Outrigger Resorts, a steadfast sponsor of Hawaii’s vibrant arts and culture scene, is continuing its tradition of supporting local island musicians through its 11th annual Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search. The call for entries for this year’s contest is open now through July 10 – with finals taking place during the 2019 Made in Hawaii Festival at Neal Blaisdell Center on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“As a long-time supporter of perpetuating the rich local music and culture of the islands, Outrigger remains committed to cultivating the talent of Hawaii’s aspiring performing artists,” said Luana Maitland, director of cultural programs and music at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. “Through our Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search, emerging artists will have the chance to perform on the same stage as some of the island’s most celebrated artists, at one of the island’s most popular entertainment venues.”

To enter, Outrigger invites aspiring traditional and contemporary Hawaiian musicians to share a DVD music sample or digital link to a past performance. Registration must be completed by July 12, and include the name and high-resolution photo of the artist or group, along with a contact name, address and phone number. Submissions can be sent to luana.maitland@outrigger.com or Luana at Kani Ka Pila Grille, c/o Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, 2169 Kaila Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815. For more information, visit www.outrigger.com/kkpgtalentsearch.

Once the call for entries is closed and the entrants reviewed, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort will announce the five finalists on July 15. The top island musicians will then be invited to perform live at this year’s Made in Hawaii Festival on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in front of a panel of renowned Hawaiian music industry professionals including:

  • Bobby Moderow, Grammy-nominee, Na Hoku Hanohano award winner and Maunalua member
  • Kawika Kahiapo, Na Hoku Hanohano award winner 
  • Jon Ross, MELE Audio Engineering faculty at Honolulu Community College 
  • Luana Maitland, music director for Kani Ka Pila Grille

The grand prize winner will receive a one-month paid contract with Kani Ka Pila Grille that includes five performances every Sunday in September 2019 (1, 8, 15, 22, 29). In addition, the winning artist or band will receive a personalized promotions and marketing plan consisting of a studio recording and electronic press kit at the Honolulu Community College’s Mike Curb, MELE Studios.

Located poolside at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Kani Ka Pila Grille is Honolulu’s hot spot for live Hawaiian music. The restaurant offers delicious dining in a relaxed and opening atmosphere from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The musical fun kicks off each evening at 6 p.m. with a regular line-up of distinguished Hawaiian performers including Nathan Aweau, Sean Naauao, Weldon Kekauoha, Kapena, Kawika Kahiapo, Ka Hehena and Ho‘okena and a rotating selection of other award-winning island artists. For reservations or restaurant information, call (808) 924-4990 or visit www.outrigger.com/events/music/kani-ka-pila-grille.

Click here for a PDF of this release.

# # #