Uncle Benny Uyetake’s Kanikapila with Anthony Pfluke, and Lopaka Colon
Uncle Benny Uyetake’s Kanikapila is back in Wailea on October 30th with special guests, rising star Anthony Pfluke, and legendary percussionist Lopaka Colon. Get ready for a Kanikapila jam session like no other!
Kanikapila, gathering together to play music, has been a well-loved traditional Hawaiian pastime. It’s these types of impromptu jam sessions that create an exceptionally rare evening on the islands. Maui’s musical treasure, Uncle Benny Uyetake, re-imagines Kanikapila evenings in Wailea with storytelling, and world-class music. Through the Aloha Music Series, Uncle Benny will introduce you to the new sounds from the islands and transport you to old Hawaiʻi as he hosts upcoming artists and Hawaiʻi’s legends. You never know who is gonna show up and kanikapila!!
Benny has played with some of the world’s finest musicians on Maui and while touring. Over the years Benny has shared the stage with some of Hawaiʻi’s greatest trailblazers like Uncle Willie K and Barry Flanagan of HAPA, as well as the world’s most talented jazz players Les McCann, Russel Malone, and Donald Harrison. His versatility comes from his years of musical study in different genres with mentors in classical, jazz, Hawaiian, Blues, and rock.
ANTHONY PFLUKE
Born and raised in Maui, Anthony has been rooted in Hawaiian music from an early age, forging an original path perpetuating the music of his home. Writing and performing Hawaiian, contemporary, and reggae-influenced music on the ‘Ukulele, and 12 & 6 string Kīho‘alu (Slack key Guitar), he is continuing his education in Hawaiian Studies at UH Hilo while following music wherever it takes him.
Anthony has entertained across the State of Hawai‘i, the west coast, and Japan, playing with some of Hawai‘i’s most iconic musicians. Anthonyʻs latest single “Lahaina Strong” is In dedication to those affected by the Lahaina fire, with hopes of a brighter future for Maui. This Nā Hōkū Hanohano finalist is a rising star in the islands and definitely one to watch!
LOPAKA COLON
Born in Hawaii, Lopaka Colón Jr. is an established percussionist and multi “Na Hoku Hanohano” award winner (Hawaii’s version of the Grammy’s). He’s the son of the famous percussionist Augie Colón, and has since a young age followed in his father steps – he attended the University of Hawaii for 6 years majoring in Ethnomusicology.
In the late 90’s, Lopaka was part of the successful Pure Heart band, rated in the top-50 Musical Groups of All Times of Hawaii and also one of Hawaii’s youngest musical groups ever to take the local music scene by storm in such a short period. The group later evolved into Colón (named in honor of Lopakaʻs father). Both bands won the People’s Choice award at the Hokuʻs as Favorite Entertainers of the Year for 2 years in a row. He has collaborated with majority of Hawaii’s top-notch musicians either doing studio work, live performances, or just having fun “Kanikapila”(musical jam).
Lopaka is a member of the Waitiki Exotica Septet, in which he performs percussion and exotic birds and animals sounds, and he is also a key component in the success of several local bands like the Grammy-nominated Wild Hawaiian (a project with the Henry Kapono band), Po & the 4Fathers, the Barefoot Natives, the Makana trio, The Mana Maoli Collective, Don Tiki, to name a few. He has performed with many other Hawaii’s top musicians, including Mick Fleetwood’s Island Rumours Band and Michael McDonald.
Doors/Check-in starts at 5:00pm
Show Starts at 6:30pm
Food and drinks are available for purchase throughout the evening
Please arrive early and enjoy the views, have a drink, and have some food!! If you arrive during showtime we will get you to your seat in between songs.
Sponsored by Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Maui Chamber of Commerce
Benny Photo Credit: Bruce Forrester
