CEO MESSAGE

Nā Mele 25, PBS Hawai‘i’s yearlong celebration showcasing the rich history and diversity of Hawaiian music, is receiving approval, appreciation and commendation from across the globe, and the best thing about this pa‘ina: it’s just getting started.

The silver jubilee continues in March with several giants, including Genoa Keawe & Family, which premiered in 2001, featuring Aunty Genoa singing the famous long note from “‘Ālika” with her granddaughter Pōmaika‘i (Keawe) Lyman.

Also in March, an appearance by slack key artist George Kahumoku Jr., who learned to play guitar while growing up on Hawai‘i Island. “My great grandfather played, my great grandmother, my grandparents played, my dad, uncles, everybody played, even my mom.”

Another Hawai‘i Island entertainer, Ledward Kaapana, started his journey in Kalapana. “The music I learned there is from my ‘ohana, my family and one thing about that, I had all the different uncles play different style so I put it all together. I put it into music, and here I am,” he said.

Maui takes center stage when the all-wāhine group Ahumanu, featuring Liz Morales, Kekai Robinson and Marja Apisaloma, shares its Valley Isle style. “Music can be your best friend,” says Morales. “And when everything else falls away and no one else wants to hang out with you, it’s okay, if you got your ‘ukulele you got a best friend for life.”

Speaking of friends, in 1984, four seniors from Kamehameha Schools won the “Brown Bags to Stardom” music contest with their hit, “Local Boys.” I’m not sure if “blue eyes and blonde hair (still) don’t thrill them,” but I do know, 40 years later, Nā Leo Pilimehana, which means “voices blending together in warmth,” is still packing houses everywhere.

On March 12, PBS Hawai‘i is going high-tech with a livestream performance by Nā Leo Pilimehana from Halekulani’s House Without A Key. The Waikīkī event is private but everyone can enjoy the live pledge show on PBS Hawai‘i’s YouTube page starting at 6:30 pm.

Please visit us at pbshawaii.org to learn more about Nā Mele 25, including news on virtual screenings, live interviews and performances.
In the meantime, we’re flooding the airwaves and social media with the best in Hawaiian music, so pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage and get ready to sing along with your favorite artists.

With gratitude and aloha,

Ron Mizutani and the PBS Hawai‘i ‘ohana