HAWAIIAN MUSIC HALL OF FAME PRESENTS THE 28TH ANNUAL KA HIMENI ANA HAWAIIAN MUSIC COMPETITION
HONOLULU, HAWAII (May 22, 2012) The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame is proud to announce the 28th Annual Ka Himeni Ana Hawaiian music competition, to be held on Saturday, August 25 at 7 p.m. at the historic Hawaii Theatre.
Ka Himeni Ana, founded by Richard M. Towill, features amateur Hawaiian music groups performing in the “nahenahe” style, the distinctive Hawaiian music form that features sweet vocal harmony supported by unamplified acoustic instruments. In the past, Ka Himeni Ana has served as a proving ground for artists who went on to become some of the most well-known names in contemporary Hawaiian music, including Holunape, Ho’okena, Pilioha, Ku’uipo Kumukahi, Kanilau and many others.
For those interested in competing at this year’s event, submissions are now being accepted. Applications and recordings will be reviewed by the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame, and the final contestants selected from applications received on or before July 13.
Ka Himeni Ana rules:
1. Competition is open to amateur Hawaiian music groups containing 2 – 5 members (no solo acts).
2. At least half of the group must perform with and play an instrument.
3. Instruments shall be “acoustic.” No electric or amplified instruments except the Hawaiian steel guitar, which may be electric and use a small amplifier.
4. No microphones are allowed for instruments or vocals.
5. Contestants will be judged on the quality of their vocal harmony, use of Hawaiian language, and overall musicianship.
6. Song selections must be restricted to compositions authored prior to 1945, or if post 1945 or new original composition, shall be in the “nahenahe” style.
7. Although First Place winning groups may not enter subsequent contests, individual singers may participate as members of other groups.
Contestants vie for cash prizes ranging from $200 to $1,200.
