The Kona HI-PAL/Community Policing program recently hosted the 1st Annual Kona HI-PAL Youth Music Showcase, featuring 10 talented contestants which included six individuals and four groups/bands.
During the event, which drew a crowd of about 200 attendees, showcase opened with a performance by the Kealakehe High School Polynesian Club, featuring a variety of traditional Polynesian dances and closing their segment with a fire knife dance.
The event’s top prize was an incredible opportunity for the winner to record a single with Grammy-nominated artist LT Smooth. The Best Overall Performance winner also received a custom-made ukulele from the Hearo Foundation, plus the chance to record with LT Smooth.
Award winners were:
· Best Individual (5–10): London West
· Best Individual (11–16): Lily Malapit
· Best Group/Band: Iron Pigz
· Best Overall Performance: Na Leo Kū! who took home the special ukulele and recording opportunity.
Special guest judges Kenny Tagavilla and Isaiah Tavares played a vital role in selecting the winners and also performed live— Kenny with his song “Kona Grown” and Isaiah with “Yessah Blessah.”
HPD Photo
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