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Kani Ka Pila Grille is Calling All Up-and-Coming Island Artists for Annual Talent Search

Release Number: 63/14

Last year, the group Na Pali Trio was named the winner of the 2013 Kani Ka Pila Talent Search. Members of the group include brothers Ikaika and Kaniala Leoiki and good friend Albert Makanani. break into the Hawaiian music scene during a live competition, August 16.
Last year, the group Na Pali Trio was named the winner of the 2013 Kani Ka Pila Talent Search. Members of the group include brothers Ikaika and Kaniala Leoiki and good friend Albert Makanani. break into the Hawaiian music scene during a live competition, August 16.

WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII – Outrigger Hotels and Resorts knows Hawaii’s got talent and will kick off its search for the state’s next rising music star(s) with its sixth annual Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search. The winning artist or group will receive a one-month paid contract with Kani Ka Pila Grille at Outrigger Reef on the Beach and will take the stage for five performances throughout September 2014, plus studio time to record their next hit song. The talent search finals will be held in partnership with the Made in Hawaii Festival at the Neal Blaisdell Center’s Pikake Room on Saturday, August 16, 2014, from 4:30 to 8 p.m., with entertainment beginning at 3 p.m.

“As a long-time supporter of perpetuating the rich local music and culture of the islands, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is committed to helping cultivate the talent of Hawaii’s aspiring performing artists,” said Luana Maitland, events and activities manager at Outrigger Reef on the Beach. “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.”

Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian musicians are encouraged to enter the talent search by submitting a music sample on DVD or by providing a link to an online performance. Submissions can be emailed to luana.maitland@outrigger.com or mailed to Luana Maitland, Kani Ka Pila Grille, c/o Outrigger Reef on the Beach, 2169 Kalia Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815.

All entries must be received by July 18, 2014, and must include:

  • Artist or group name
  • Artist or group photo
  • Contact person
  • Email address
  • Phone number

The winning artist or group will receive a one-month paid contract with Kani Ka Pila Grille at Outrigger Reef on the Beach, which includes five performances throughout September 2014 (September 4, 11, 18, and 25).  In addition, the winning act will receive a personalized promotions and marketing plan consisting of a studio recording and electronic press kit at the Honolulu Community College’s Music & Entertainment Learning Experience (MELE) program.

Five finalists will be selected and announced on July 25, 2014. These artists will then be invited to perform live at this year’s Made in Hawaii Festival in front of a panel of distinguished judges that will include:

  • Cyril Pahinui, Grammy-nominated and Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning slack key guitar master
  • Luana Maitland, events and activities manager at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach and music director at Kani Ka Pila Grille
  • John Viera, MELE program coordinator

For more information about this year’s Kani Ka Pila Grille talent search, log on to 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.