I was fortunate enough to play my first solo on stage thanks to Hotel Molokai and Mo Bettah band. I have to give many mahalos to Uncle Lyndon, Uncle Earl and Aunty Tanya who gave me the encouragement and confidence to calm my nerves.
One other person that needs thanking is of course Mum, my brother and sisters, Aunty Gloria, but Uncle Alika and also Steve from Orange County who helped contribute to my fundraising efforts.
My Mum and I have raised over $500 so far... The money will be going to my Venice Trip which is all about singing in January.....
Then there is Uncle Jay who helped fixed my guitar and I am trying to raise money for an all out custom, made on Molokai Guitar by Uncle Jay.....who knows maybe next year I may have some Hawaiian songs under my belt. But in the meantime I am creating my own style.....
One other Mahalo that I must not forget and that is Lono who gave me the talk a year a go and the words stay firm in my heart and I hope that his words will always stay with me...
Will be back with some more updates and progress as I move forward in my direction..trying to remain grounded and focused......
Kalawai
A few weeks ago, I, and a few other fortunate souls, had the lucky opportunity to see and hear this beautifully, talented young woman perform at the Hotel Molokai. It was her 1st on-stage, solo appearance. In the future, we who were there will someday get a chance to say that we were the first to see her perform as "KALAWAI-LIVE AND IN PERSON".
ReplyDeleteAs can be expected, she was a little nervous and apprehensive at first. But once she was settled in, there shone an obvious star in the making.
She started with a vocal number while playing a piano, then performed two more vocal pieces while playing a guitar. I later heard nearby audience comments comparing her to Nora Jones. I don't think they meant she sounded like Nora Jones, but rather that she had a unique voice with the velvety-smooth comfort that Nora Jones' gives her listeners.
The excitement of hearing Kalawai for the 1st time brought tears of pride to my eyes. My thoughts were, "Finally, we the people of Molokai have the potential of giving the world a talented, international superstar.
U-GO-GURL...IMUA MOLOKAI
Comments taken from Kalawai's guest book from those that have helped donate to her music.
ReplyDeleteDate: 8/22/2009, 6:27 pm, GMT -10
Name: Uncle Steve
Email: sleonelli@ca.rr.com
Number: 10
Aloha, Kayla! When you become famous, I'm going to brag that I saw your debut performance! I want all your guestbook readers to know that you have incredible talent, and I think you're great. Have a fun school year in da UK. k?
Date: 8/21/2009, 2:10 am, GMT -10
Name: Adam Mc.
Email: ldlj@live.com
Number: 9
Aloha and thank you for the wonderful stay. Kalawai was away at one of her concerts while I stayed but I was able to meet her younger sister and brother. I had a wonderful stay and I was so grateful that there was a place to stay that was more personable and less hotel-ish in feel. Mahalo so much again and the best to you, your musical career, your sweet mother and darling younger siblings.
Date: 8/15/2009, 2:59 pm, GMT -10
Name: Don and Kathy
Number: 8
Excellent! We will be visiting Molokai next month. Maybe we'll see you and hear some of your music.
Date: 8/15/2009, 10:11 am, GMT -10
Name: Kulia
Email: kuliaola2000@yahoo.com
Web: http://www.myartprofile.com/Kulia
Number: 7
I enjoyed Kalawai's room with television reception, Claire and her kids' uplifting attitude, the use of the kitchen, rental car and close proximity to some great live music at Hotel Molokai and Kauakakai. It's a great location to go anywhere on Molokai because it's so central. Oh yes, and my son loved the clubhouse!!! Hope to do it again soon and catch some more shows.
Kulia
Date: 8/14/2009, 6:07 pm, GMT -10
Name: Clare Mawae
Email: clare.mawae@gmail.com
Web: http://kalawai.com
Number: 6
Sorry an update
Mahalo to all that came to Kalawai’s room.
Meg from Maui.
Erik and Amy, where Erik proposed on Kalaupapa Trail. We even got to go to the wedding, triathlon and all on their wedding day!
Stoney from Florida and he is off adventuring around the world.
Kulia and her son from Hana, Maui. Steve from Orange County who got to be at Kalawai’s first gig at Hotel Molokai.
The latest is Adam from Utah.
Mahalo everyone
Date: 8/14/2009, 6:06 pm, GMT -10
Name: Kalawai
Email: clare.mawae@gmail.com
Web: http://www.kalawai.com
Number: 5
Mahalo to all that came to Kalawai’s room.
Meg from Maui.
Erik and Amy, where Erik proposed on Kalaupapa Trail. We even got to go to the wedding, triathlon and all on their wedding day!
Stoney from Florida and he is off adventuring around the world.
Steve from Orange County who got to be at Kalawai’s first gig at Hotel Molokai.
The latest is Adam from Utah.
Mahalo everyone