Atherton Concerts - Mele Hawaiʻi Performance Series (2024)
Our HPR Atherton concert series returned in February 2024 with a celebration of Hawaiian music in person at our Honolulu studio for the Mele Hawaiʻi Performance Series with evening and matinee performances at the Atherton Performing Arts Studio. Featuring: Kamahaʻo Haumea-Thronas, Nathan Aweau, The Mākaha Sons, and Ledward Kaapana.
All proceeds from each event support the featured artists.
Featured artists:
Feb. 11 - Kamahaʻo Haumea-Thronas
Instagram
Kamahaʻo was born and raised on the island of Kauaʻi, with his ‘ohana in Olohena, Wailua. Balancing education and performance, Kamahaʻo has performed extensively, creating unforgettable experiences time after time. He has also performed alongside some of the most renowned Hawaiian artists: Nā Palapalai, The Mākaha Sons and Pōmaika’i Keawe, to name a few. Kamahaʻo will be joined by Kapono Lopes and Kings Kalohelani.
Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 - Nathan Aweau
Website | Instagram
Nathan Aweau, known for his hauntingly beautiful vocals, is a multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner. Born into a musical family, Aweau is a multi-instrumentalist. His professional career since college has allowed him to accompany some very well-known performers such as Gabe Baltazar, Henry Kapono, Loyal Garner and Nohelani Cypriano.
Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 - The Mākaha Sons
Website | Instagram
The Mākaha Sons stand proudly as one of the most esteemed Hawaiian musical groups, continuing to nurture and expand the legacy of the traditional Hawaiian sound. Founding member Jerome Koko remains as the frontman, vocalist and 12-string guitarist, along with Kimo Artis on vocals and electric bass, and Hanalē Kaʻanapu on vocals and 6-string guitar. The extremely talented trio vows and adheres to the magic of the classic Mākaha Sons sound, which is a blend of melodic intricacies, syrupy harmonies, and vibrant musical Hawaiian storytelling.
March 2 and March 3 - Ledward Kaapana
Website
Ledward Kaapana's mastery of stringed instruments, particularly slack key guitar, and his extraordinary baritone and leo ki‘eki‘e (falsetto) voices, have made him a musical legend. With easy-going style and kolohe (rascal) charm, he has built a loyal corps of Led Heads from Brussels to his birthplace on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Ledward will be accompanied by Jesse Gregorio on bass guitar.
The Mele Hawaiʻi Performance Series took place on Saturdays and Sundays in February and early March. Evening concerts began at 6 p.m. and matinees began at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 100% of the concert ticket proceeds from each event support the featured artists. Your support allows us to provide thriving broadcast, digital and in-person platforms for Hawaiʻi's artists.
-
Part of the Filipino diaspora met over the summer in Northern California with Indigenous music and dance masters from the Philippines. The three days were a return to sounds and roots. HPR contributor Jia Jung reports on a music camp like no other.
-
A new play celebrating 1930s Hawaiian music and its influence on contemporary Hawaiian music premieres at the University of Hawaiʻi on Friday. The Conversation talked to Tammy Hailiʻōpua Baker to learn more.
-
8RO8 is a rising artist from Hawai‘i who is not afraid to blend reggae, pop, R&B and rap. HPR's Cassie Ordonio reports on his latest EP "Loose Shakas."
-
When the COVID-19 pandemic put the world on lockdown, a group of Hawaiʻi musicians had time to study Queen Liliʻuokalani's songbook and record themselves playing classical instruments. The musicians performed a series of the queen's songs last week. HPR's Cassie Ordonio has more.