The Aloha Music Series Presents Uncle Benny Uyetake’s Kanikapila featuring musicians Jarret Roback and George Tavoularis with Hula by Wailani
Uncle Benny Uyetake’s Kanikapila in Wailea on May 28th featuring special guest musicians Jarret Roback and George Tavoularis, 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.
Jarret Roback
Born in Oahu, Jarret moved to Maui in 1969. His father was a police man and musician so naturally he followed in his father’s footsteps into civil service and music. He’s been on the Maui Fire Department and entertaining for over 20 years and plans to retire soon to play music full time. His time spent in the Maui music scene has him partnering with some of the finest Maui musicians…you never know who he may have beside him.
George Tavoularis
George Tavoularis is one of Maui’s most in demand keyboardists for shows and recording sessions. After living on the mainland for some years George has returned home and joined the J Krew. Originally from the Bay Area, he has performed with and recorded with many of Hawaii’s top musicians and artists.
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
