RELEASE NUMBER 33|24
OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels and Henry Kapono Foundation Unite to Launch “ON THE RISE” at Kani Ka Pila Grille
Expansion of Henry Kapono Foundation’s ON THE RISE program presents new opportunities for Hawai‘i musicians
HONOLULU, HI – OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels and the Henry Kapono Foundation (HKF) are proud to announce the expansion of the transformative “ON THE RISE” musician program, set to launch September 3, 2024. This initiative is designed to nurture the next generation of Hawai‘i’s musical talent, providing invaluable mentorship, high-profile performance opportunities and a robust support network that equips emerging artists with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive music industry.
The ON THE RISE program’s expansion includes a significant new venue – Kani Ka Pila Grille at newly transformed OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort – offering emerging artists the chance to perform at one of Honolulu’s premier live music venues. Renowned as Waikiki’s home for Hawaiian music, the recently upgraded Kani Ka Pila Grille will now serve as a launchpad for the careers of up-and-coming artists, offering them a unique platform to display their talents to both local audiences and international visitors. The name “Kani Ka Pila” translates from Hawaiian to mean “Let’s Play Music” and was bestowed on the venue by legendary slack-key guitarist Cyril Pahinui – who performed there regularly.
“We are honored to collaborate with the Henry Kapono Foundation to bring the ON THE RISE Program to life at Kani Ka Pila Grille,” said OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Manager, Tomo Hikichi. “Our commitment to fostering the local music community is at the heart of this initiative. By supporting the next generation of Hawaii’s musicians, we are not only preserving the rich traditions of our islands, but also inspiring innovation and creativity that will carry this cultural legacy forward.”
The Henry Kapono Foundation has long been a cornerstone in the development and success of local musicians, providing them with the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive. This collaboration with OUTRIGGER marks a significant expansion of HKF’s mission, allowing for even greater impact within the music community. The program’s inclusion of workshops and seminars covering critical aspects of the music industry—such as songwriting, marketing, self-promotion, stage presence and performance skills—ensures that participating artists are well prepared to navigate the complexities of a professional music career.
Henry Kapono, an icon in Hawaii’s music scene and founder of the Henry Kapono Foundation, shares a deep and personal connection with OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort. His iconic “Duke’s on Sundays” concerts have become a beloved tradition, drawing both locals and visitors to celebrate the Aloha spirit through music.
“Mahalo to OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels for always supporting everything Hawai‘i,” said Henry Kapono, Founder of the Henry Kapono Foundation. “OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort has been a big part of my life since I was a kid and for the last 30 years of my concert on the beach at Duke’s on Sunday. It’s truly a place where locals and visitors gather to share the Aloha and the music of Hawai‘i. I’m excited to see the ON THE RISE Program flourish at Kani Ka Pila Grille, providing a platform for the next wave of Hawai‘i’s musical talent.”
The evolution of the ON THE RISE Program to include OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels and Kani Ka Pila Grille marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to support and elevate Hawai‘i’s music community. This collaboration not only provides musicians with an esteemed venue to hone their craft but also ensures that the vibrant musical traditions of Hawai‘i continue to thrive for generations to come.
ON THE RISE Artists Performing at Kani Ka Pila Grille (First Tuesday of each Month from 5-7pm)
- September 3, 2024 – Anthony Pfluke
- October 1, 2024 – Nick La’a
- November 5, 2024 – Kosuke
- December 3, 2024 – Ninamarie Bell
For Reservations Call 808-924-4990 | Kani Ka Pila Grille | 2169 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
For more information about the ON THE RISE Program, including how to participate, please visit www.henrykaponofoundation.org/on-the-rise. Follow along on social media at @KaniKaPilaGrille and @HenryKaponoFoundation
2024 ON THE RISE Artists: Anthony Pfluke, Connor Johnson, Dominic Carlos, Drew Henmi, Duva, Gabriel Goes, Jacob Staron, J.Lyn, Jenny Yim, Kailua Moon, Kaiona, Kosuke, Lovejack, Matt Krahula, Nick Laʻa, Ninamarie Bell, Noelani Love, Rebecca James, Rickey Kamai, Ryan Hooley, Ryan Pérez and Sienna Souza.
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