The Aloha Music Series Presents Uncle Benny Uyetake’s Kanikapila featuring musician Mitch Kepa and Hula by Wailani
Uncle Benny Uyetake’s Kanikapila in Wailea on April 30th featuring special guest musician Mitch Kepa, with hula by Wailani Mulvihill.
This show is gonna be a Kanikapila jam 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.
Doors/Check-in starts as early as 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.
Mitch Kepa
Born and raised in Hawaii, Kepa knew music was going to be a big part of his life when he saw a TV commercial featuring the late Gabby Pahinui playing beautiful Hawaiian slack key guitar. “The rest was history for me. Hawaiian music started my journey as an artist,” he said. Kepa has been performing for more than 30 years, concentrating on vocals first and guitar second.
Mitch Kekoa Kepa, mixes R&B traditions with island vibes, offering a laid-back and funky groove that appeals to all generations. Considered one of the few remaining original Hawaiian Renaissance artists, Kepa found his musical style through a range of influences including local Hawaiian hit artists Gabby Pahinini and Cecilio & Kapono, Motown greats like Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and Steve Wonder, and the soulful jazz and blues genius of George Benson. “Music is my first love,” says Kepa. “What it means to me? It comes before everything. It’s food for the soul.” From a young age, Kepa had a keen ear for music which sprung out of his Hawaiian family beginnings. The second of nine children, Kepa grew up listening to the ukulele and Hawaiian folk songs of his mother, Nani “Barbara” Kepa and extended family which played music during regular family gatherings. Nani inspired a new generation of musicians who included Kepa’s five brothers—John, Milton, Ama, Alika, and Tony—all of whom grew up playing music together.
Upon leaving home to attend college at the University of Hawaii Manoa, Kepa quickly developed his distinct sound and found himself playing among the likes of Joe Cano, an internationally recognized guitar virtuoso who played with George Benson, and Hawaiian legends Henry Kapono, John Cruz, and other iconic R&B and jazz musicians. For twenty-plus years, Kepa has captured the hearts of local Hawaiian culture and the appreciation of crowds across Hawaii. He played with Iao Stream Band for close to a decade, and today performs solo and duo contemporary arrangements with local music greats including jazz saxophonist Rock Hendricks.
Wailani Mulvihill – Polynesian Dancer & Cultural Ambassador
Born and raised on the island of Oʻahu, Wailani Mulvihill began her hula journey at the tender age of three. With nearly six decades of dance experience, her love and dedication to the art of hula and Polynesian dance have taken her across the world — from the shores of Kaʻanapali and Wailea to the stages of Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, and throughout the United States.
Wailani’s professional career began at the Royal Lahaina Hotel, where she performed with groups such as Phase 7, Zulu, and the renowned Lūʻau Show. She has since graced the stages of countless resort hotels and conventions, sharing the spirit of aloha and the stories of her ancestors through dance.
While her heart beats strongest for Hula ʻAuana, Wailani is also trained in Hula Kahiko and a wide range of Polynesian dances — including those of Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand. Her personal favorite is the powerful and expressive Māori dance of Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Although not formally recognized as a Kumu Hula, Wailani has shared her mana‘o by teaching hula and Polynesian dance throughout her career. One of her proudest accomplishments has been blending her passion for culture with her calling as an educator. Now in her 26th year of teaching — currently at Waiheʻe Elementary and formerly at Kalama Intermediate in Hawaiian Immersion — she has nurtured generations of keiki both in the classroom and on stage. Her students have performed at venues like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm alongside the talented Benny Uyetake’s ʻukulele ensemble.
Wailani has also performed as an international dancer abroad and has had the honor of dancing as a soloist for celebrated musicians, including HAPA and Benny Uyetake, among many others.
A true cultural ambassador, Wailani Mulvihill continues to inspire with every sway of her hips, every graceful motion of her hands, and every story shared through dance.
Benny Photo Credit: Bruce Forrester
