HKF at MVT | Manoa Valley Theatre

NEXT PERFORMANCE:

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026 AT 7PM
PERFORMERS ARE TO BE ANNOUNCED

PREVIOUS HEADLINERS:

KALA'E + KALENA PARISH

Kala'e Parish and Kalenaku, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, are both highly regarded in Hawai'i, each having won multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. With deep roots in the islands, they bring a wealth of experience and passion to the stage. Together as Kala'e + Kalena, they captivate audiences with their infectious energy, stunning harmonies, and a collection of original songs that resonate with listeners worldwide.

Over the past year, they’ve had the honor of opening for country music stars like Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts and LeAnn Rimes. Their performances offer a lively mix of high-energy country classics, soul-stirring originals, powerful ballads, and rich Hawaiian tradition.

Jerry Santos

Best known for his work in the musical group Olomana, Jerry Santos has maintained an influential presence on the Hawai`i music scene for over four decades. Born and raised on the windward side of O‘ahu and a graduate of The Kamehameha Schools, Jerry established himself early on as one of Hawai‘i’s most prolific songwriters. As a founding member and lead singer of the legendary group, Olomana, Jerry helped create a unique and easily recognizable musical style, blending Hawaiian music with contemporary rhythms. Jerry has performed worldwide, and the Hawai‘i musical community has recognized his work with numerous Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, including the prestigious Moe Keale “Aloha Is” award for his charitable work in the community. Additionally, the Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs recognized him for his commitment to Hawaiian culture through music. He is the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts and was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. Whether performing as a soloist or with his group Olomana, Jerry remains firmly rooted as one of Hawaii’s most beloved and iconic recording artists who generates music from the heart with Aloha!

Henry Kapono (The Wave)

Henry Kapono is a GRAMMY® nominated, multi-award-winning Native Hawaiian singer-songwriter celebrated for his soulful voice and electrifying performances. He gained prominence in the 1970s as part of the legendary duo Cecilio & Kapono (C&K), whose timeless music defined a generation. With a
career spanning decades, Kapono has evolved into a leading figure in Hawai'i's music scene, heading Kapono Inc., a premier entertainment company, and expanding his impact as a producer, music director,
and community advocate. In 2018, he founded The Henry Kapono Foundation, dedicated to empowering
Hawai'i's music industry through programs, grants, education, and resources.

Tavana (The Wave)

Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-nominated singer-songwriter Tavana is a mesmerizing multi-instrumentalist
from Honolulu, HI, whose soulful voice and island-inspired fusion of rock and blues captivate audiences worldwide. Known for his one-man-band mastery, Tavana layers grooves with his feet while skillfully
playing guitar, banjo, lap steel, or ukulele, creating a sound that is as captivating as it is hauntingly beautiful. Tavana has shared the stage with renowned acts like Alabama Shakes, Shakey Graves, Xavier
Rudd, and Jenny Lewis. In a career highlight, Eddie Vedder personally invited him to perform "Hawai‘i
78" at the Hawai‘i Theatre. He has toured the U.S., Japan, and Canada and collaborated with iconic musicians such as Henry Kapono, John Cruz, Willie K, The Doobie Brothers, Lily Meola, and Leon Mobley.
Tavana’s electrifying performances leave audiences spellbound, making him a true force in Hawai‘i’s music scene.

Anthony Pfluke (The Wave)

Born in Maui, this Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-nominated HKF On the Rise artist is recognized for his passionate compositions on ‘ukulele and kīho‘alu slack key guitar, accompanied by heartfelt vocals.
Known for his powerful music, he was commissioned to compose a song for the launch of Mo‘okiha O
Pi‘ilani, Maui’s traditional voyaging canoe, and two of his original works, ‘Kuʻu Lei Aloha’ and ‘We Will
Rise,’ have traveled the globe with the Lei of Aloha for World Peace. Please welcome, HKF OTR Anthony Pfluke

Danny Carvalho (The Wave)

Grammy and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards nominee Danny Carvalho began his slack key guitar journey at age 10 under the mentorship of Ozzie Kotani. Emerging as one of the leading voices and guitar player in a new generation of slack key artists, Danny’s artistry goes beyond his exceptional skills as a singer and guitarist—he’s also a highly regarded engineer and producer, shaping the sound of Hawai‘i’s music
scene. Known for blending tradition with innovation, Danny performs solo with some of Hawai‘i’s most
iconic artists and as one half of the celebrated duo Kailua Moon, where he creates beautiful harmonies with his wife, Nani Carvalho.

Ryan Perez

Ryan Perez is an HKF On the Rise talent dedicated to creating music that uplifts the mind, body, and soul, striving to inspire both himself and his listeners to be their best selves. Raised between North Carolina and Hawaiʻi, Ryan’s love for music began unexpectedly through a friend and grew during his eight years in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he performed at gigs wherever he was stationed. Now captivating audiences statewide, Ryan is making his mark with his signature blend of Reggae, Soul, and R&B, spreading positive energy and a healing message through his music.

Honolulu Jazz Quartet

The 2023 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award Winner for Jazz Album of the Year, the Honolulu Jazz Quartet celebrates its 23rd year together. The HJQ was founded in 2001 by local bassist John Kolivas with the intent of bringing four like-minded musicians together to create a consistent, indelible sound. The group, including Kolivas on bass, Tim Tsukiyama on sax, Dan Del Negro on piano, and Noel Okimoto on drums, has four critically acclaimed recordings and has performed original compositions and creative cover arrangements with the Hawai’i Symphony and the finest jazz venues in Hawaii, California, and Seattle.

MānoaDNA

MānoaDNA is a talented family band that brings intense harmonies, inherent good looks, and a wide repertoire of music to the party. Yes, the “DNA” in MānoaDNA means it is all in the genes! “Dad” (Lloyd) has almost forty years of professional entertaining experience, and often draws from personal history and friendships as he showcases the music of MānoaDNA. His son, Alx, is not only a good looking “hapa boy” but he is musically talented and vocally unsurpassed in the islands as well. Together they offer traditional Hawaiian music, soft rock, and high-energy dance music, all in flawless harmony. This is no ordinary local band. With six worldwide releases that have garnered eleven Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominations, and winner of Hawaii Music Award’s album of the year, ManoaDNA’s music appeals to a wide range of audiences. MānoaDNA creates a distinctive sound that has wowed audiences from one side of the Pacific Ocean to the other - from Japan to Las Vegas and everywhere in between.

PREVIOUS ON THE RISE ARTISTS :

REBECCA JAMES

Born and raised on the island of Oʻahu, Rebecca James is a soulful singer/songwriter whose music blends the warmth of acoustic rhythms with jazzy undertones—drawing comparisons to artists like Norah Jones while reflecting the influence of Fleetwood Mac, Eva Cassidy, James Taylor, and Jack Johnson.

Rebecca’s musical journey began when she taught herself guitar at just 11 years old, developing a raw, heartfelt style that continues to evolve. Whether serenading intimate weddings or captivating audiences at Hawai‘i’s favorite venues, her performances are marked by emotional depth and a sincere connection with listeners. She’s had the honor of opening for iconic artists such as Hawaiian Style Band and Tavana, earning praise for her authenticity and magnetic stage presence.

Now stepping into the spotlight with her original music, Rebecca is embracing her voice as a storyteller. Her songs reflect a deep sense of place, personal growth, and artistic independence. With new music on the horizon and a passion for creating meaningful moments through song, Rebecca James is steadily carving out her place in Hawai‘i’s next generation of music makers.

Ninamarie Bell

As a singer-songwriter based in Kona, Hawai’i, Ninamarie Bell pens songs best described as dreamy, drifty folk made for gently stirring the heart, or perhaps as a soundtrack to moments under a soft ray of golden sunlight.

She recalls her mom saying she was singing in her car seat at six weeks old. It was clearly music and none of her six siblings had done that, and that was a sign. Her dad, a keyboard player, was her earliest mentor in her music journey, and she sang songs with him at the piano. Early on she became inspired by the music of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Cosby Stills Nash and Young, Billie Holiday, Sinatra, Etta James, Erykah Badu, and Jack Johnson.

As a young adult, she drew inspiration from artists like Corinne Bailey Rae, Bon Iver, and Ray LaMontagne, shaping her unique sound.

Ninamarie Bell is rapidly gaining recognition for her captivating songwriting and soulful vocals, making her a sought-after talent in the worlds of advertising, film, and TV licensing and can be found on Disco. Her unique sound and emotive storytelling resonate across screens, leaving a lasting impression.

She shares music as healing medicine, transmuting deep emotions with her emotive sound. Her main influences are the yellow birds outside her window, the longing created by the pace of modern life, and the turquoise blues stretching beyond the jagged coastline of home on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Music is available on all digital platforms.

Ryan Hooley

Ryan Hooley's musical journey began at the age of 9 when his church leader encouraged him to learn the ukulele, sparking a lifelong passion for music. Inspired by Phillip Phillips' rendition of "Home" at the Olympics, Ryan taught himself guitar, driven by the desire to evoke the same emotions in others.
Growing up in the local music industry and guided by mentors like renowned musician Brother Noland, Ryan honed his skills and found inspiration in the beauty of Hawaiʻi’s land and ocean. In 2024, Ryan released his first self titled album. With his infectious passion for music and dedication to his craft, Ryan's professional musical journey is just beginning.

J.Lyn

J.Lyn is a singer/songwriter based in Hawai’i and specializes in writing toplines for various artists in the R&B, Pop, Lo-fi/Hip-Hop, Alternative, Indie, and EDM genres. As a performer, she has been featured in various events such as the 2017 Honolulu Ekiden and Music Festival and played in world-renown venues such as the Troubadour in Los Angeles and the Blue Note Hawaiʻi in Waikiki with ukulele virtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro.

J.Lyn was a co-writer for the self-titled debut EP of alternative-pop band, Kennedy Taylor & the Electric Pancakes, which was nominated for “Alternative Album of the Year” at the 2022 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. Her biggest project was penning the EDM hit “Make Me Forget” by Chinese-Pop Singer, Ann-E1, which gained over 250,000 streams on NetEase Cloudmusic, reaching #23 on the Cloudmusic Soaring Chart and #6 on China’s Global Song Chart. J.Lyn also partnered with TikTok for their Creative Learning Fund, sharing songwriting and music business tips on the platform.

Kosuke

Kosuke is a singer-songwriter based in Honolulu, HI. With a talent for vocals cultivated since childhood, Kosuke began performing solo at various events, spanning from elementary school to college. His musical journey took him to Japan in 2014, where he gained recognition as a finalist in a nationwide talent search for Watanabe Entertainment. During his time in Japan, Kosuke fronted the acclaimed group "The HYKE," reaching the finals of an AMUSE entertainment audition and appearing on SoFar Sounds Japan in 2017.

Returning to Hawaiߵi in 2019, Kosuke pursued his passion for music by immersing himself in studio engineering at Honolulu Community College's MELE program, graduating in 2022. His dedication led to internships at Blue Planet Studios and opportunities to work alongside Grammy-nominated producer Shawn Pimental, recording with esteemed Hawaiߵi artists like Justin Young, Jake Shimabukuro, Johnny Helm, Del Beazley, and Paula Fuga.

Today, Kosuke remains deeply involved in Hawaiߵi's music scene, whether performing his R&B-infused pop solo releases or the soulful sounds of the four member R&B group, soLUXE, Kosuke continues to captivate audiences with his distinctive musical style and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Sienna Souza

Sienna’s musical journey began with a deep love for the arts, writing songs on the spot and taking singing lessons in fourth grade. Her passion solidified when she received her first guitar as a teenager and landed her first gig at 16, opening for Hawaiߵi’s top artists like Kimie and Irie Love.

Mentored by her music teacher and inspired by her grandfather's love for music, Sienna’s style is influenced by female artists in Hawaiߵi’s industry like Anuhea and Kimie, as well as mainstream icons such as Demi Lovato and Mariah Carey.

Currently pursuing a Music Business Degree at Honolulu Community College's MELE Program, Sienna actively gigs and works on recording her music with the goal of becoming an independent recording artist/songwriter. You can catch her performances at Monkeypod Kitchen in Ko Olina on Mondays, Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki on Fridays, and at various venues in Kapolei and Waikiki.

Sienna’s music fuses island reggae, R&B, and pop, with four singles recognized by Hawaiߵi radio stations and audiences worldwide. She's also a featured artist in Legends in Concert Rock-A-Hula and has shared the stage with notable artists like Anuhea and J Boog. Excited to continue spreading her music, Sienna is optimistic about reaching audiences globally.

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ABOUT THE HENRY KAPONO FOUNDATION

MELE PROGRAM

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The ON THE RISE (OTR) Program is committed to uplifting emerging musicians in Hawaiʻi as they embark on their journeys as professional entertainers. By fostering community partnerships and leveraging resources, this program delivers mentorship, meaningful employment, and performance opportunities to budding artists.

In its expansion slated for 2024, the program will introduce workshops and seminars aimed at cultivating a comprehensive understanding of diverse facets of music and business. This includes areas such as songwriting, marketing, self-promotion, stage presence, and performance skills.

ALX KAWAKAMI

Hosted By

Alx Kawakami has made his way around the world, playing music for audiences who have continued to support him as his professional career approaches the 15-year mark. Alx has made a name for himself with his songwriting and energetic live performances, along with his ability to compose and sing catchy jingles and theme songs for such companies as McDonald's, Forever Living (Japan), Suntory Premium Malts Beer (Japan), the Hawai`i Tourism Authority, and Waiola Coconut Water, leading to nominations for various awards for his songwriting and studio engineering.

While living in Los Angeles from 2014-2016, Alx had the chance to work with Grammy Award-winning producer Ken Caillat (Fleetwood Mac), who likened Alx's voice to James Taylor and began to call him the "Hawaiian James Taylor." Along with Taylor, Alx associates his music with many artists like John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Crosby Stills and Nash, and The Eagles, to name a few. Alx prides himself on always being a professional and adapting to any situation to make sure his audience has a great time.

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About HKF Founder, Mentor, & Legendary Musician

HENRY
KAPONO

Henry Kapono rose to immense popularity with the phenomenon of Cecilio & Kapono (aka C&K) as half of the duo with Cecilio Rodriguez. They helped forge the sound of ‘70s Island music with laid-back contemporary rock that voiced the feelings of an entire generation in Hawai‛i. Today, he is one of Hawai‘i’s most popular recording artists and presides over Kapono Inc, one of Hawai`i's top multi-function entertainment companies. Kapono is equally known for his community support and philanthropic endeavors, launching the Henry Kapono Foundation in 2018, whose mission is to "Support the music and arts community and by giving with AlohaTo Support and Empower Hawai'i's Music Industry to Thrive Through Programs, Grants, Education & Resources.” Native Hawaiian Kapono is a Grammy-nominated, multiple award-winning singer and songwriter and the winner of 21 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawai‛i’s “Grammy's"). He has been honored with the public vote of the 2021 Favorite Entertainer of the Year.

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