MELE PROGRAM
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.
PAST OTR ARTISTS:
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.
RICKEY
KAMAI
Rickey Kamai’s musical journey is deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi, where he inherited a passion for music from his family, including ties to the renowned band Hulili and contributions to The Palasades. Influenced by old-school Hawaiian melodies, church hymns, and a diverse range of artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Temptations, Ray Charles, and Prince, Rickey’s style blends Hawaiian, Top 40, R&B, Reggae, and more. His dedication to becoming a successful recording artist and producer has earned him respect in the local music scene, with soulful performances that leave a lasting impression. In August 2024, Rickey was named the Kani Ka Pila Talent Search Winner, further solidifying his path as a rising talent.
DUVA
From a young age, Duva was captivated by music, mastering the ukulele at 6, guitar at 10, and piano at 18, and exploring drum and bass along the way. She reflects, "I can’t remember a time I wasn’t drawn to music—it’s like I was born with it."
Her professional career began in 2015 as a Lead Guitarist in the island music scene, influenced by local acts like Pure Heart, Kapena, and Fiji, as well as bands like Sublime and Red Hot Chili Peppers. These inspirations, combined with elements of Hip Hop, led her to Blues Rock, shaping her unique style.
For Duva, music is more than a career; it’s a reflection of her Aloha spirit, creating melodies that radiate joy and positivity.
Kailua
Moon
DOMINICCARLOS
Recognized for bringing a fusion of Rock, Reggae, Blues, and R&B to his unique melodies, infused harmonies to set every mood, and specializing in the art of live-looping, this performing artist from Kailua is making his mark in the Hawaiʻi Music scene. A 2022 nominee for the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Reggae Album of the Year with the group DNA Muse and recently branching out as a solo artist with his debut single, “Leʻahi,” available on all digital platforms, Dominic Carlos is one to watch!
JACOB
STARON
Kailua
Moon
Since arriving to Oahu in 2014, Jacob has released two albums with his band Hook and Line as well as one solo album and is currently in the process of releasing more new music in 2023. In addition to performing, Jacob is a music educator and owner of The Music Garden where he offers music lessons for string instruments, including violin, cello, bass, guitar, ukulele, mandolin, and more.
LOVEJACK
Kailua
Moon
Lovejack (Brian Webb) is a musical artist that delivers unique and lovely pop songs through gentle vocals and looping instruments. He performs cello standing and has a family-friendly repertoire that's fresh and invigorated through his use of cello, guitar, and ukulele.
As a former member of Streetlight Cadence, he's an Emmy-nominated performer from the KFVE TV show Will Play For Food, 2x Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner, and 3x Billboard-charting artist.
KAILUA
MOON
Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award Nominated duo Kailua Moon was formed in 2016 by Hawaiߵi-born slack key guitarist Danny Carvalho and singer/songwriter-kumu hula, Nani Carvalho from Ventura, California.
Since its inception, They have toured across the United States, sharing Hawaiian music and culture up through 2020, evolving into a full band that fuses contemporary Hawaiian classics with country, Americana, and rock and roll of the ‘70s. Since then, Kailua Moon has created an in-studio livestream that increased their fanbase worldwide. Danny and Nani continue to perform live daily at top venues across Oߵahu.
Kailua
Moon
KAIONA
Brother and sister musical duo Paul and Jasmine Dunlap are from the island of Oʻahu; their family is deeply rooted on the island's east side in a little town called Waimanalo, known as God’s country. Growing up in Waimanalo, they have spent much time immersed in Hawaiian culture, dancing hula and playing Hawaiian music with their dad and his side of the family.
In 2010, with 2015 Miss Aloha Hula Jasmine Kaleihiwa taking the lead on vocals and Paul on Guitar, they launched their musical career as the duo Kaiona, adopting a name from a beautiful, well-known beach in Waimanalo. Committed to continuing their family legacy, they have expanded their repertoire, performing a variety of music to include traditional & contemporary Hawaiian, Country, Reggae, Classic Rock, Pop, and Top 40. They are passionate about music and love to entertain!
Kailua
Moon
JENNY
YIM
Jenny Yim was born and raised in Hawaiʻi, surrounded by music. Her father and his brother played music together, and she became inspired, making up songs immediately as a toddler, writing her first fully formed songs around the age of 6 or 7. Jenny has a full, husky tone to her singing voice that she effortlessly melds with a clear, high falsetto. It’s very much her own subtle indie sound and style.
Feeling blessed to be able to share her music, she has been significantly influenced by stories and things that people go through, their resolutions, and turning them into a song they can relate to…songs about feelings that are difficult to put into words. Her goal in life is to help people through her music and inspire people to be nicer to each other.
MATT KRAHULA
Matt Krahula's musical journey spans from New York City to Oʻahu, where he has thrived in Hawaiʻi's vibrant music scene. Educated at the Purchase Conservatory of Music, Krahula honed his skills as an upright bassist under Timothy Cobb and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Classical Music Performance. As the founder of The Nightmare River Band, he gained recognition as a songwriter and performer, with their album and the single "Mary" receiving acclaim and media features. After moving to Oʻahu, Krahula joined Grammy-Nominated musician Henry Kapono's band and continues to explore his solo career with a unique Alt-Folk Americana style. He collaborates with various artists and works as a studio musician and music consultant, including contributing to the EMMY-Nominated score for HBO's Station 11. Krahula's blend of musical influences and dedication to his craft make him a notable presence in the Hawaiʻi music scene.
Kailua
Moon
RYAN
PEREZ
Ryan Perez is “On the Rise,” creating music dedicated to “elevate the mind, body, spirit, and soul, helping me be the best iteration of myself.” Raised between North Carolina and Hawaiʻi, Ryan’s initial passion was sports, earning some of the highest amateur golf titles in the state of Hawaiʻi, including his most prized title of Hawaiʻi's #1 Amateur Golfer in 2009 and a full golf scholarship at U.H. However, when a friend reached out for help with his company, Ryan found his passion for music and started playing live gigs. Ryan took this new-found passion with him as he served eight years in the U.S. Coast Guard, booking entertainment gigs in each area he was stationed. Performing became addictive, and today, Ryan plays across Oʻahu. Audiences are drawn to the positive energy and healing message in his Reggae, Soul, and R&B musical style.
Kailua
Moon
DREW HENMI
Drew Henmi is a Na Hoku Hano Hano-nominated singer-songwriter and producer from Honolulu, HI. In addition to performing on stages from Hawaii to Japan, his music has been featured on campaigns for brands including Levi’s and Steve Madden and on a wide range of critically acclaimed TV shows across major US networks, including ABC, CBS, and TNT.A singer-songwriter at heart, his sound has been described as hard to constrain within the usual genre categories but strikingly personal and authentic. Drew’s most recent EP, “Begin Again,” is a great example of his sonic vision, marking a unique step forward for this artist, whose sound is becoming increasingly more personal and defined, one release at a time. His music has been featured in multiple publications, including being named Music Insider's "Artist of the Month" in Dec. 2020.
Kailua
Moon
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.
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.
Kailua
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GALLERY
STAGE
All seating at Manoa Valley Theatre is now assigned. Please arrive no later than 10 minutes before the showtime to allow for proper check in.
Welcome back to Manoa Valley Theatre, enjoy the show!