PBS Hawai’i is celebrating 25 years of documenting, preserving, and showcasing the rich history and diversity of the most important Hawaiian music artists of our time.
To commemorate this incredible feat, this year’s Nā Mele Live Pledge event will feature the multi-award-winning music group, Nā Leo Pilimehana (“The Voices Blending in Warmth”). The filming will take place on Tuesday, March 12th at House Without A Key at 6:30 pm.
The connection between PBS Hawai’i and Halekulani started in 2011 when preeminent female vocalist, Emma Veary, “Hawai’i’s Golden Throat” was featured at House Without A Key, nearly 50 years after she first performed at the hotel. The annual event moved locations each year and returned to our iconic poolside restaurant in 2022 with Josh Tatofi. In 2023, the legendary Makaha Sons performed for the first time at Halekulani.
The trio Nā Leo Pilimehana, made up of Nalani Choy, Lehua Kalima, and Angela Morales, is also celebrating a milestone as they first performed together on the local high school talent TV show “Brown Bags to Stardom” in 1984, winning the contest with their original song “Local Boys”. This song remains the #1 selling single in Hawai’i history. They have won 23 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawai’i’s version of the Grammy Awards) for categories such as Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Group of the Year, and Contemporary Album of the Year.
This is the first year that the event will be livestreamed so everyone can watch this live pledge show on PBS Hawai’i’s YouTube page at 6:30 pm.
Visit www.pbshawaii.org to find out more about the year long celebration, featuring artist profiles, special programs, and behind-the-scenes footage / virtual events on their broadcast and digital channels.
