Three-time Grammy winner and four-time Na Hoku Hanohano award-winner Kalani Pe‘a returns to the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea for a special “Purple Hawaiian Christmas” concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15.
The concert will feature special guests Na Hoku Hanohano award-winners Lorna Lim and Wailau Ryder and hula performances throughout the show. Pe‘a is celebrating the release of his latest holiday album, “Purple Hawaiian Christmas.”
Pe‘a is a singer, songwriter and producer of Hawaiian contemporary and soul music. Born and raised in Hilo and now living on Maui, he is a proud Hawaiian immersion graduate, praised for his Hawaiian language fluency, songwriting and commitment to his Hawaiian roots, according to a press release.
His musical range runs from traditional chant to Hawaiian classics to original songs, from show tunes to R&B.
Honored as Hawaii’s 2022 male vocalist of the year, he was the first (and only) Hawaiian artist presented by Lincoln Center’s American Songbook in his sold-out New York debut.
Prior to becoming a full-time touring musician and sharing his passion for music worldwide, Kalani spent 10 years teaching Hawaiian language, music and culture, and creating project-based and STEM curriculum for preschool through high school students at Kamehameha Schools, as well as teacher workshops.
Kalani believes music is medicine and that Hawaiian music is essential to Hawaii and its people.
In-person tickets range in price from $40 to $70, and can be purchased at KahiluTheatre.org.
The performance also is available for viewing live on-demand for $19.99 via Kahilu.TV.