About the Show
Kanikapila, gathering together to play music, has been a well-loved traditional Hawaiian pastime. It’s these types of impromptu jam sessions that create an exceptionally rare evening on the islands. Maui’s musical treasure, Uncle Benny Uyetake, re-imagines Kanikapila evenings in Wailea with storytelling, and world-class music. Through the Aloha Music Series, Uncle Benny will introduce you to the new sounds from the islands and transport you to old Hawaiʻi as he hosts upcoming artists and Hawaiʻi’s legends. You never know who is gonna show up and kanikapila!
About the Artists
– BENNY UYETAKE –
Benny has played with some of the world’s finest musicians on Maui and while touring. Over the years Benny has shared the stage with some of Hawaiʻi’s greatest trailblazers like Uncle Willie K and Barry Flanagan of HAPA, as well as the world’s most talented jazz players Les McCann, Russel Malone, and Donald Harrison. His versatility comes from his years of musical study in different genres with mentors in classical, jazz, Hawaiian, Blues, and rock.
– MITCH KEPA –
Born and raised in Hawaii, Kepa knew music was going to be a big part of his life when he saw a TV commercial featuring the late Gabby Pahinui playing beautiful Hawaiian slack key guitar. “The rest was history for me. Hawaiian music started my journey as an artist,” he said. Kepa has been performing for more than 30 years, concentrating on vocals first and guitar second.
Mitch Kekoa Kepa, mixes R&B traditions with island vibes, offering a laid-back and funky groove that appeals to all generations. Considered one of the few remaining original Hawaiian Renaissance artists, Kepa found his musical style through a range of influences including local Hawaiian hit artists Gabby Pahinini and Cecilio & Kapono, Motown greats like Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and Steve Wonder, and the soulful jazz and blues genius of George Benson. “Music is my first love,” says Kepa. “What it means to me? It comes before everything. It’s food for the soul.” From a young age, Kepa had a keen ear for music which sprung out of his Hawaiian family beginnings. The second of nine children, Kepa grew up listening to the ukulele and Hawaiian folk songs of his mother, Nani “Barbara” Kepa and extended family which played music during regular family gatherings. Nani inspired a new generation of musicians who included Kepa’s five brothers—John, Milton, Ama, Alika, and Tony—all of whom grew up playing music together.
Upon leaving home to attend college at the University of Hawaii Manoa, Kepa quickly developed his distinct sound and found himself playing among the likes of Joe Cano, an internationally recognized guitar virtuoso who played with George Benson, and Hawaiian legends Henry Kapono, John Cruz, and other iconic R&B and jazz musicians. For twenty-plus years, Kepa has captured the hearts of local Hawaiian culture and the appreciation of crowds across Hawaii. He played with Iao Stream Band for close to a decade, and today performs solo and duo contemporary arrangements with local music greats including jazz saxophonist Rock Hendricks.
