The heartfelt singing of “Lost Dog Blues” did the trick for Blue Dux, allowing her to walk away with the top award in the professional category at the Kaua‘i Mokihana Festival’s Kaua‘i Composers’ Contest and Concert. Some 21 competitors performed
The heartfelt singing of “Lost Dog Blues” did the trick for Blue Dux, allowing her to walk away with the top award in the professional category at the Kaua‘i Mokihana Festival’s Kaua‘i Composers’ Contest and Concert.
Some 21 competitors performed for cash prizes and trophies Monday evening at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center.
Millicent Cummings turned audience heads with “Stand by Love,” which won the Na Po‘e (The People’s Choice) award.
Hawaiian songwriter Charles Naihe won first place in the Hawaiian category, and third in the contemporary Hawaiian class. Alfred Louis won first place in the contemporary Hawaiian category with “Island Girl,” while Fran Nestel came in second with “Kaua‘i Mango Man.”
Keoni Lake won the special Gabriel I award for Hawaiian language singing, with “Hau‘oli E Ola Hawai‘i.” First place in the open category went to Sylvia Partridge.
The Kaua‘i Mokihana Festival ends this Saturday, Sept. 27, with a ho‘olaulea and free hula competition at Kekaha Neighborhood Center.
Following are the winners of the composers’ contest:
Hawaiian category
1. Charles Naihe
2. Keoni Lake
3. Fran Nestel
Contemporary Hawaiian
1. Alfred Louis
2. Nestel
3. Naihe
Open category
1. Sylvia Partridge
2. Madeleine Brandi
3. Kate Benzler
Professional category
1. Blue Dux
Na Po‘e (The People’s Choice) Award: Millicent Cummings
