Winners of Ka Leo Hano music awards announced

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

The celebration will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. June 30 at Castle Theatre, Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Balloting among music industry professionals was conducted in January, with nominees logging at least 25 years in the business. One category, Ka Lei Hiwa Award, will be decided by public voting and kept secret until awards night. A ballot with 12 candidates will be available soon throughout the state, including major music outlets.

Ka Leo Hano honors musicians, vocalists and songwriters who are pioneers in Hawai'i's recording industry and contributed significantly to its success. The award name, coined by kumu Hokulani Holt-Padilla, means "all birds naturally sing, creating their own music."

"All of the birds whose names we remember in this award were once plentiful on all the Hawaiian Islands," Holt-Padilla said. "Some remain plentiful and some have become even rarer. So it is with some of our 'honored' voices. Some remain to give continued joy, and some have become rare indeed."

Pahinui was noted for his inimitable vocal style and guitar wizardry, expressed best on his classic, "Hi'ilawe." He also was the patriarch of a prolific performing family.

Keawe, Hawai'i's first lady of song, is cherished for her falsetto dexterity and a legacy of recordings, from pre-statehood to her once-a-week gig at a Waikiki hotel.

Robert and Roland Cazimero are a vital bridge between the island music of yesteryear and today with their fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds.

De Mello recorded numerous albums showcasing the sounds of Hawai'i as well as popular collections with a galaxy of singers. He is retired and lives in Las Vegas.

Ticket details will be announced later. Information: Karey Oura, (808) 572-5730.