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Outrigger Resorts turns up the volume on Hawaiian music with “Outrigger Resorts E Mele Ana”

RELEASE NUMBER 33/15

E Mele Ana

WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII – Outrigger Resorts has launched an expanded music program under the name E Mele Ana, which loosely translated means “come let’s sing.” With the introduction of E Mele Ana, Outrigger builds upon its long-time commitment and support of Hawaiian music and culture with expanded sponsorships of local events and festivals. Also, to bring more exposure to island music and talented musicians, legendary Hawaiian musicians who regularly perform at Outrigger Resort venues are being featured as part of Outrigger’s new print and digital advertising campaign.

Outrigger Resorts E Mele Ana officially launched on March 16, 2015, with a benefit concert marking the sixth anniversary of Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, with proceeds going to the Grammy Museum® and MusiCares®. The evening included an all-Grammy® line-up of Hawaii Grammy winners and nominees, including Cyril Pahinui, Kealii Reichel, Kamaka Kukona, Raiatea Helm, Hookena, Kawika Kahiapo and Amy Hanaialii.

“As a company with proud local roots, we feel it’s our privilege and responsibility to continue the unique cultural traditions of Hawaii with both visitors and local residents,” said Bitsy Kelley, vice president of corporate communications for Outrigger Enterprises Group. “Through E Mele Ana, we are able to provide more experiences for people to be touched by authentic Hawaiian music, dance and culture, and give more incredible Hawaiian talents a place to shine.”

A Hawaii born and bred company, Outrigger has shaped its corporate culture by native Hawaiian culture and values in a process it calls Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a, which translated means The Outrigger Way. The process includes integrating the values of Hawaii’s root culture into all aspects of the company’s operations and services, be it through design, programming and activities. Through E Mele Ana, guests are given a front-row seat to the authentic Hawaiian music for which Hawaii is known.

The “Outrigger Resorts E Mele Ana” lineup for 2015 includes:

Mele Mei

A month-long celebration in May of Hawaii’s music, hula and culture culminating with the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

  • May 1 – May Day Waikiki – Beach Boys, Memories and Music Concert on Waikiki Beach near Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
  • May 3 – HARA Lifetime Achievement Awards Show at Ala Moana Hotel; Hawaiian Idol talent search at Ala Moana Hotel; Kaiao and Kuana Torres Kahele at Kani Ka Pila Grille
  • May 10 – Del Beazley at Waikiki Beach Walk; Huewa and Mailani at Kani Ka Pila Grille
  • May 17 – Lehua Kalima and Shawn Pimental plus Nathan Aweau at Kani Ka Pila Grille
  • May 22 – Slack Key workshop with Master Slack Key artist George Kahumoku and friends at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, with special performance to follow at Kani Ka Pila Grille
  • May 23 – Na Hoku Hanohano Awards at Hawaii Convention Center
  • May 24 – Eric Lee at Waikiki Beach Walk; Kupaoa and Mark Yamanaka at Kani Ka Pila Grille
  • May 31 – Kuuipo Kumukahi and Maunalua at Kani Ka Pila Grille
  • Month of May, Wednesday through Saturday – Island Music at Kani Ka Pila Grille during Happy Hour, 3-5 p.m.

Waikiki SPAM® Jam presented by Outrigger Resorts, May 2, 2015

Outrigger Resorts sponsors the Hawaiian music stage fronting the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort with this year’s artists Ka Hehena, Brother Noland, Germaine’s Luau, Del Beazley & Robi Kahakalau, and Nathan Aweau.

Waikiki Aquarium “Ke Kani O Ke Kai” 2015 Summer Concert Series, Jun-Aug 2015

Outrigger Resorts is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this entertaining summer concert series.

6th Annual Waikiki Steel Guitar Festival, Jul 18, 2015

Held in partnership with Outrigger Resorts, Waikiki Beach Walk® and the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association with support from Ke Kula Mele Hawaii.

45th Annual Ukulele Festival, Jul 19, 2015

Outrigger’s affiliated property, Ala Moana Hotel, is proud to be the Official Hotel Sponsor of this popular festival.

Kani Ka Pila Grille Slack Key Jam, Aug 14, 5-9 p.m.

Artists jam at Kani Ka Pila Grille as a prelude to the annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival.

Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, Aug 16, 2015

Outrigger Resorts is proud to lend its support to the 33rd Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival held at Kapiolani Park.

Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search Finals, Made In Hawaii Festival, Aug 22, 2015

The winning group wins a one-month paid contract to perform at Kani Ka Pila Grille.

Aloha Festivals, Sep 2015

Outrigger Resorts hosts the Aloha Festivals Royal Court in special appearances at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Waikiki Beach Walk®.

Ku Haaheo at Waikiki Beach Walk, every Tuesday, 4:30-6 p.m.

The music of the islands is presented every Tuesday afternoon on the plaza stage at Waikiki Beach Walk®.

O Ke Kai Series, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Mar 14, Jun 13, Sep TBA, Nov 14

Held quarterly in support of the Friends of Hokulea and Hawaiiloa and the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

Na Mele No Na Pua Sunday Showcase at Waikiki Beach Walk®, twice a month throughout 2015, 5-6 p.m

  • Jan 11 – Kuuipo Kumukahi
  • Jan 25 – Kaala Boys
  • Feb 8 – Mailani Makainai
  • Feb 22 – Eric Lee
  • Mar 15 – Huewa
  • Mar 29 – Del Beazley
  • Apr 12 – Hookena
  • Apr 26 – Jeff Rasmussen
  • May 10 – Del Beazley
  • May 24 – Eric Lee
  • Jun 7 – Jeff Rasmussen
  • Jun 21 – Kapena
  • Jul 12 – Lehua Kalima & Shawn Pimental
  • Jul 26 – Sean Naauao
  • Aug 9 – Lehua Kalima & Shawn Pimental
  • Aug 23 – Hookena
  • Sep 6 – Natalie Ai
  • Sep 20 – Kapena
  • Oct 4 & 18 – performers to be announced
  • Nov 8 & 22 – performers to be announced
  • Dec 13 & 27 – performers to be announced

For more information on Outrigger Resorts’ commitment to Hawaiian music and Outrigger E Mele Ana, visit www.outrigger.com/music.

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