Benny Uyetake’s Kanikapila

Uncle Benny Uyetake’s Kanikapila Featuring Kala’e Camarillo

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 both upcoming artists and some of Hawaiʻi’s legends.

For this special evening, on June 26th, Kala’e Camarillo will join Benny for an intimate jam session in South Maui! Click here or the Buy Tickets button below for more information and secure your table!

Check-in is between 5:00 and 5:30 pm. 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.

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.

About Uncle Benny‘s Guest, Kala‘e Camarillo

KALA‘E’S FAMILY HISTORY

Born and raised in Kihei, Maui, Kala’e Camarillo comes from a family of music educators and entertainers. His grandfather, George Camarillo, started the first ʻukulele band in Hawai’i public schools at Waiakea Intermediate. His father, Rama, followed in his footsteps by becoming an ʻukulele teacher. His mother, Cora, is the sister of Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award Winner, Lehua Kalima of Nā Leo Pilimehana.

KALA‘E’S MUSICAL JOURNEY

At the age of seven, Kala’e’s father taught him to play the ‘ukulele, which led to him picking up other instruments like the guitar, bass, and piano. By the age of 12, he began gigging weekly with his father at the Maui Coast Hotel. While a senior at Kamehameha Schools Maui, Kala’e and his cousin, Dane Lum Ho, won the statewide competition, “Band Champ,” a Tom Moffat Production. Upon winning, they were awarded the opportunity to open for two major acts: America and The Stylistics.

In 2009, Kala’e moved to O’ahu to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he played on the men’s volleyball team and graduated with a degree in Elementary & Special Education. His education and passion for music led him to become a third-generation music teacher and professional musician. Both he and his brother, Kamaka, entered the local music scene together as the Camarillo Brothers. After they enjoyed some time performing together, they began to focus on solo careers.

In 2017, Kala’e released his debut album entitled “Working Man,” which garnered him a nomination at the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawai’i’s Version of the Grammy’s), recognizing him as one of Hawai’i’s “Most Promising Artists.”

In 2019, he followed that up with his sophomore album, “Feel at Home,” produced by Dave Tucciarone, Hawaii’s three-time Grammy Award Winning Producer. “Feel at Home” gave Kala’e his first Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Contemporary Acoustic Album of the Year.

In 2021, he released a song he wrote for his Mom, “Be Like You,” which garnered nominations for Song of The Year & Single of The Year. Kala’e’s third project, a 6 track EP entitled “Child of These Islands,” was engineered and produced by Grammy-nominated producer, Imua Garza (Zeo Music). This led to a big 2023 for Kala’e as he garnered five nominations at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in the following categories: EP of The Year, Christmas Single of The Year, Favorite Entertainer of The Year, Song of The Year (Old Kihei), and Male Vocalist of the Year. Of these five nominations, he received two awards, for EP and Christmas Single.

Check-in is between 5:00 and 5:30 pm. 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.

Click here or the Buy Tickets button below for more information and secure your table!

Mahalo to the show sponsor, Great Rentals on Maui!

*There are a limited number of tables in the music box that are ADA / wheelchair accessible. They are available on a first come first served basis by anyone. Should there be a need to move guests to make room for someone with a wheelchair, management may ask to move a patron to accommodate said guest.

Benny Photo Credit: Bruce Forrester

MAHALO TO THE SHOW SPONSOR