Five musical groups named finalists in Kani Ka Pila Grille talent search

Release Number: 74/14

 

 

 

 

 

WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII – The results are in and five finalists have been selected in this year’s Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search. Drumroll, please…the finalists are Simply Sedd, Meleuhane, Sean Robbins, Kaiao, and Hawaiki. The finalists will put their talent on display Saturday, August 16, at the Made in Hawaii Festival where a grand prizewinner will be announced.

“This year’s show is one to watch with such an incredibly talented group of finalists,” said Luana Maitland, ambassador of aloha and music director at Kani Ka Pila Grille. “We’re honored to be able to discover such gifted local artists and provide them a chance to perform on the same stage as some of the island’s most celebrated artists.”

This year’s Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search finals night will showcase both traditional and contemporary musicians with varying years of experience who entered the talent search by submitting a music sample on DVD or link to an online performance. The lineup includes:

Simply Sedd

A contemporary Hawaiian musical group that started with three friends that met while performing in the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Hawaiian Ensemble. The band’s newest member Kamaka Camarillo recently joined the group, which also includes brother Kalae Camarillo, Christian Taum and Olu Campbell.

Meleuhane

Keikilani and Leokani Lindsey, a father-and-son duo, introduce a new flair in traditional Hawaiian storytelling, blending the poetic beauty of olelo Hawaii with contemporary island melodies. The duo has developed a fan base in Hawaii and beyond covering songs from many popular Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian artists alike.

Sean Robbins

Born and raised in Puna on the island of Hawaii, Sean Robbins is an up-and-coming Hawaiian musical artist best known for his ki hoalu (slack-key) and falsetto performances. In addition to his music career, he studies Hawaiian language at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Kaiao

Kaiao first began as a duo in October 2011 with Ku Souza and Liki Tavete. Soon after, Ekolu Chang made it a trio to round out the sound they desired. All three members began their music careers in high school.

Hawaiki

Gordan Alfapada, Hiilani Ho, Gordan Freitis and Eric Wahilani make up the foursome of Hawaiki. While the group performs “all kine” music, their love for traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music is where it all began. The group can often be found playing music at parties, community events and neighborhood clubs.

The finalists will take the stage on Saturday, August 16, 2014, from 4:30 to 8 p.m., with musical performances starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center’s Pikake Room during the Made in Hawaii Festival. In front of friends, families and fans, each group will showcase their diverse musical talents in the hopes of securing the grand prize of a one-month paid contract to perform weekly at Kani Ka Pila Grille, located poolside at Outrigger Reef on the Beach. The prize also includes complimentary studio sessions at Honolulu Community College’s Mike Curb MELE Studios.

This year’s distinguished panel of judges includes:

• Cyril Pahinui, Grammy-nominated slack key guitar master
• Wendell Ching, producer/owner Studio One Recording Services
• Luana Maitland, musical director at Kani Ka Pila Grille
• John Vierra, program coordinator at MELE Studios, Honolulu Community College

For more information about this year’s Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search, visit www.outrigger.com/kkpgtalentsearch.

Every night of the week from 6 to 9 p.m., some of the island’s most notable Hawaiian musicians take the stage at Kani Ka Pila Grille. Headliners include Cyril Pahinui, Weldon Kekauoha, Kawika Kahiapo, Sean Naauao and a selection of other award-winning Hawaii artists. Located poolside at Outrigger Reef on the

Beach, Kani Ka Pila Grille is open daily for dining from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservation or restaurant information, call (808) 924-4990.

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