Kamakakehau Fernandez Wins 4th Annual Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search

AIKIKI, HONOLULU, OAHU – A stunning display of talent by island musician Kamakakehau Fernandez has earned him the winning title of this year’s 4^th annual Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search. The five finalists were initially selected based on a sample music performance submitted by DVD or online link, and later evaluated by their final performances on Saturday, August 18, 2012, at the Made in Hawaii Festival. Fernandez receives a one-month paid contract to perform weekly this September at Kani Ka Pila Grille, located poolside Outrigger Reef on the Beach, as well as complimentary studio time at Honolulu Community College’s Mike Curb MELE Studios.

“Kamakakehau’s traditional Hawaiian songs and smooth falsetto voice impressed the judges and wowed the crowd at this year’s Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search,” said Luana Maitland, ambassador of aloha and music director at Kani Ka Pila Grille. “We can’t wait to introduce him to our guests in September – his music will definitely be a special treat for our patrons.”

Fernandez will be performing at Kani Ka Pila Grille every Thursday night throughout the month of September and at Waikiki Beach Walk on October 30. Additionally, the four remaining finalists from the talent search will perform for one night each per week at both Kani Ka Pila Grille and Waikiki Beach

Walk throughout the month of October. All Kani Ka Pila performances are 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Waikiki Beach Walk performances are 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. A complete schedule of appearances includes:

• Kamakakehau Fernandez: Kani Ka Pila Grille, September 6, 13, 20, 27; and Waikiki Beach Walk, October 30

• Simply Sedd: Kani Ka Pila Grille, October 4; and Waikiki Beach Walk, October 2

• K.B. Riley: Kani Ka Pila Grille, October 11; and Waikiki Beach Walk, October 9

• Halawa: Kani Ka Pila Grille, October 18; and Waikiki Beach Walk, October 16

• Coyne Street: Kani Ka Pila Grille, October 25; and Waikiki Beach Walk, October 23

Fernandez is often described as having a “Hawaiian heart and soul.” He was born in Arkansas, adopted at six-weeks-old, and raised on the island of Maui. He has studied Hawaiian culture and is proud to be a fluent Hawaiian language speaker. Fernandez credits his family and home for their integral role in shaping him into the singer and musician he is today.

Kani Ka Pila Grille is a casual restaurant that offers inspired island-fusion dishes in a relaxed and open dining atmosphere. The fun begins each evening at 6 p.m. with live musical entertainment that includes a regular line-up of legendary Hawaiian artists such as Cyril Pahinui, Kawika Kahiapo, Weldon Kekauoha and Sean Naauao, as well as other luminaries including Waipuna, Amy Hanaialii, Kuana Torres-Kahele, Kupaoa, Mark Yamanaka, Brother Noland, Ledward Kaapana, Hoku Zuttermeister, and Mailani Makainai, to nam
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