Outrigger Resorts presents “Celebrate Kani Ka Pila” on March 13
RELEASE NUMBER 22/15
WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII – Outrigger Resorts is paying tribute to Hawaiian music with a special benefit for The Grammy Museum® and MusiCares on March 13. “Celebrate Kani Ka Pila” will be held under the stars from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Kani Ka Pila Grille at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Ticket price is $50 per person.
The star-studded evening will feature all Hawaii Grammy® winners and nominees on not one, but two stages, with scheduled performances by Cyril Pahinui, Amy Hanaialii, Hookena, Raiatea Helm and Kamaka Kukona. Other musicians set to make special appearances – kani ka pila style – include George Kahumoku, Charles Brotman, Mike Kaawa, Sean Naauao, Chris Lau, Del Beazley, Kawika Kahiapo and Milton Lau.
In addition to enjoying some of Hawaii’s most noted musical artists, the evening’s festivities will include a celebratory welcome drink and a grazing menu of delectable island cuisine from an array of food stations and passed pupu. The Kani Ka Pila experience is being expanded with cocktail tables and lounge seating poolside for what is certain to be an unforgettable night of Hawaii’s musical best. To purchase tickets for “Celebrate Kani Ka Pila,” click here or visit outrigger.com/music.
As a company with proud local roots, we feel a deep responsibility to continue to share the unique cultural traditions of Hawaii with both visitors and kamaaina,” said Bitsy Kelley, vice president of corporate communications for Outrigger Enterprises Group.
“By joining us for “Celebrate Kani Ka Pila,” not only will you experience a concert of a lifetime, but you will be supporting our wonderful island musicians in addition to MusiCares, an amazing organization that provides support to musicians and other industry people who may need a little help getting back on their feet, as well as The Grammy Museum,” Kelley added.
E Mele Ana
“Celebrate Kani Ka Pila” is just one of the many celebrations of Hawaiian music that Outrigger hosts throughout the year. At the event, Outrigger Resorts will also celebrate the launch of its new music program, Outrigger E Mele Ana, meaning “to perpetuate Hawaiian music.”
The company has long supported Hawaiian music and culture, including the Waikiki Aquarium’s Ke Kani O Ke Kai music series and the Hawaii Academy of Recording Artists’ Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, and Mele Mei and hosts live music at its various properties, including Kani Ka Pila Grille and Waikiki Beach Walk’s Na Mele No Na Pua Sunday Showcase. Two permanent exhibits also are on display at Waikiki Beach Walk® that celebrate Hawaii’s musical heritage – a 50-foot long, glass-encased timeline of Hawaiian music as well as an exhibit that pays tribute to the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
According to Kelley, “For visitors, enjoying, celebrating, and immersing themselves in the beauty of the islands – as well as the Hawaiian culture – is one of the top reasons they choose to travel to Hawaii. This also can be said of our local residents who often are looking for memorable experiences right in their own back yard. With the launch of Outrigger E Mele Ana, Outrigger Resorts is reigniting its commitment to Hawaiian music in a big way, and all of the company’s musical events will be part of the Outrigger E Mele Ana program.”
Here’s the current Outrigger Resorts’ E Mele Ana lineup for the remainder of 2015:
Na Mele No Na Pua Sunday Showcase, twice a month throughout 2015, 5-6 p.m.
Waikiki Beach Walk®, Hawaii’s most exciting entertainment complex to shop, dine, play and stay, has expanded its popular Na Mele concert series to include two concerts a month in 2015. Free concerts are held on designated Sundays at the Waikiki Beach Walk® Plaza Stage.
Mar 15, Huewa and Mar 29, Del Beazley
Apr 12, Hookena and Apr 26, Jeff Rasmussen
May 10, Del Beazley and May 24, Eric Lee
Jun 7, Jeff Rasmussen and Jun 21, Kapena
July 12 and 26, To be announced
Aug 9 and 23, To be announced
Sep 6 and 20, To be announced
Oct 4 and 18, To be announced
Nov 8 and 22, To be announced
Dec 13 and 27, To be announced
Mele Mei, Month of May
Mele Mei is a month-long celebration of Hawaii’s music, hula and culture that culminates with the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, Hawaii’s version of the Grammys. Outrigger celebrates Mele Mei with nightly entertainment at Kani Ka Pila Grille, Duke’s Waikiki, Hula Grill, and special concerts at Waikiki Beach Walk®. As an added treat, each Sunday during the month of May, Kani Ka Pila Grille will expand its musical offerings to include not one, but two great Hawaiian groups on stage from 5-9 p.m.
May 3 – Kaiao and Kuana Torres Kahele
May 10 – Huewa and Mailani
May 17 – Lehua Kalima and Shawn Pimental plus Nathan Aweau
May 24 – Kupaoa and Mark Yamanaka
May 31 – Kuuipo Kumukahi and Maunalua
Waikiki SPAM® Jam presented by Outrigger Resorts, May 2, 2015
The annual Waikiki SPAM® Jam is rated as one of the top annual food festivals in Hawaii, featuring fabulous food and entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere. Local residents and visitors alike head to Kalakaua Avenue to sample SPAM® dishes served by some of Honolulu’s finest restaurants. In addition to the delicious food offerings, Outrigger Resorts sponsors the Hawaiian music stage fronting the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. This year, attendees can look forward to the musical stylings of Ka Hehena, Brother Noland and Sean Naauao.
Waikiki Aquarium “Ke Kani O Ke Kai” 2015 Summer Concert Series, June-Aug. 2015
The popular “Ke Kani O Ke Kai” summer concert series hosted by the Waikiki Aquarium offers visitors and locals an evening of live entertainment and food under the stars. Guests are also encouraged to explore the Aquarium galleries that remain open throughout the evening. Outrigger Resorts is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this entertaining summer event.
Waikiki Steel Guitar Festival, July 18, 2015
The 6th Annual Waikiki Steel Guitar Festival is held in partnership with Outrigger Resorts, Waikiki Beach Walk® and the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association with support from Ke Kula Mele Hawaii. Festival-goers can enjoy the lilting sounds of the Hawaiian steel guitar played by legendary steel guitarists and up-and-coming student artists at Waikiki Beach Walk®.
45th Annual Ukulele Festival, July 19, 2015
Every July, the ukulele is celebrated with a day-long festival at Kapiolani Park. In addition to the entertainment, there are food booths, displays and more. Outrigger’s affiliated property, Ala Moana Hotel, is proud to be the Official Hotel Sponsor of the 45th Annual Ukulele Festival.
Kani Ka Pila Grille Slack Key Jam, Aug. 14, 6-9 p.m.
It’s called ki hoalu in Hawaiian and it means “loosen the [tuning] key.” Lovers of ki hoalu, or slack key, will want to stop by in August for the Kani Ka Pila Slack Key Jam where guests will be serenaded by the sounds of the slack key guitar while enjoying great local food.
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, Aug. 16
The 33rd Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival takes place at the Queen Kapiolani Park and Bandstand from 12 to 6 p.m. Outrigger Resorts is proud to lend its support as a sponsor to the celebration that will include performances throughout the day by some of Hawaii’s greatest “ki hoalu” players, as well as Hawaii’s next generation of slack key guitarists. Admission is free.
Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search Finals, Made In Hawaii Festival, Aug. 22, 2015
Each year, Kani Ka Pila Grille invites up-and-coming artists and new groups to participate in the Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search contest. Five finalists are chosen to perform before a panel of distinguished judges at the Made In Hawaii Festival in August, with the winning group securing a one-month paid contract to perform at Kani Ka Pila Grille.
Aloha Festivals, September 2015
Aloha Festivals is the largest festival and the only statewide celebration in the nation showcasing Hawaiian music, dance and history. Outrigger Resorts is proud to host the Aloha Festivals Royal Court in special appearances at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and at Waikiki Beach Walk® where they are treated to a special musical tribute in their honor.
For more information on Outrigger Resorts’ commitment to Hawaiian music and Outrigger E Mele Ana, log on to outrigger.com/music.
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