Kani Ka Pila Grille Seeks Fresh Island Talent for Annual Talent Search

Held in conjunction with this year’s Made in Hawaii Festival, the winner will receive a month-long run at Kani Ka Pila Grille

WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, OAHU –A strong proponent of the perpetuation of Hawaii’s unique cultural and musical heritage, Outrigger Reef on the Beach is continuing its tradition of supporting local entertainers with its fourth annual Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search. This year, the contest finals are being held in partnership with the Made in Hawaii Festival at the Neal Blaisdell Center’s Pikake Room, on Saturday, August 18, 2012, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Outrigger Reef welcomes both traditional and contemporary Hawaiian musicians to enter the talent search by submitting a music sample on DVD or by providing a link to an online performance. Submissions can also be emailed to luana.maitland@outrigger.com or mailed to Luana Maitland, Kani Ka Pila Grille, c/o Outrigger Reef on the Beach, 2169 Kaila Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815. All entries must be received between June 30 and July 18, 2012, and must include the artist or group name, contact person, email and phone number. For more information, www.outrigger.com/kkpgtalentsearch

The winning performer or group will receive a one-month paid contract with Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, which includes four Thursday evening performances throughout the month of September (September 6, 13, 20, 27). In addition, the winners will receive studio time at the Honolulu Community College’s Mike Curb MELE (The Music & Entertainment Learning Experience) Studios, which includes tracking and mixing sessions.

Five finalists will be selected and announced July 25, 2012. These solo artists and groups will be invited to perform live at this year’s Made in Hawaii Festival on August 18, in front of a panel of judges that will include:

• Cyril Pahinui, Grammy-nominated and Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning slack key guitar master
• Keala Chock, program coordinator for MELE at Honolulu Community College
• Jason Genegabus, entertainment and online editor at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and HonoluluPulse.com
• Luana Maitland, events and activities manager at the Outrigger Reef and music director at Kani Ka Pila Grille

“Participating in last year’s talent search was a terrific opportunity that opened doors and our eyes to what we could accomplish with our music,” said Leilani Vakauta of Ke Oahu, winner of the 2011 Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search. “We still can’t believe that we were selected from so many talented musicians, and are incredibly grateful to the Outrigger Reef and Kani Ka Pila Grille for helping make our dreams a reality! Today we are close to wrapping up a four-song compilation recording at the MELE studios and can’t wait to continue to share our joy of music with others.”

The Kani Ka Pila Grille is a casual poolside restaurant that offers delicious all-day dining in a relaxed and open dining atmosphere. The musical fun begins each evening at 6 p.m. with a regular line-up of notable Hawaiian artists performing, including Sean Naauao (Monday), Weldon Kekauapo (Tuesday), Cyril Pahinui (Wednesday), Kawika Kahiapo and friends (Thursday), Kaukahi (Friday), and Manoa DNA (Saturday). Sunday evening are reserved for a revolving selection of award-winning island artists. Previous guest performers have included Waipuna, Hi`ikua, Na Palapalai, Kupaoa, Mark Yamanaka, Hoku Zuttermeister, Mike Kaawa, Ledward Kaapana, Mailani, and Brother Noland to name a few. Kani Ka Pila Grille is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.  For reservation or restaurant information, call (808) 924-4990. 

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About Outrigger Reef on the Beach

The oceanfront anchor of Waikiki Beach Walk®, the Outrigger Reef on the Beach is ideally situated between beautiful Waikiki Beach and
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