All throughout the Hawaiian Islands, music is an important aspect of everyday life. Music, albeit a source for countless hours of entertainment, is a way to express the innermost feelings of the human soul, inspiring millions and relieves the tension
All throughout the Hawaiian Islands, music is an important aspect of everyday life. Music, albeit a source for countless hours of entertainment, is a way to express the innermost feelings of the human soul, inspiring millions and relieves the tension of our daily lives.
This year, the Kaua‘i Music Festival will celebrate its 10th year of existence. The KMF is a nonprofit organization that promotes, sustains and develops education in the musical arts across all genres including traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music.
The goal of the KMF is accomplished through a series of educational, networking and showcase events held throughout the year, culminating in a four-day songwriter conference held annually in July on Kaua’i.
This year, the KMF songwriter conference runs Wednesday to Saturday at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort in Lihu‘e.
At the KMF songwriter conference, musicians of all levels will learn songwriting, and will refine their skills through interaction with some of the best professional songwriters in America.
Throughout the conference, the music of participants attending the event will be heard by people in the music industry.
Through one-on-one meetings, small group sessions, workshops, panel discussions, open mic activities and more, participants will be able to consult and get feedback directly from Grammy, Emmy and Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning songwriters, producers, TV and film music supervisors and other music industry people in attendance.
Katherine Brocklehurst, who runs the event along with her husband Jerry, said she is honored and privileged to hold this event every year.
“This is the tenth year, so it’s really big year for us,“ Brocklehurst said. “This year we have two concert nights that will run July 13 and 14. Aside from the four- day songwriter conference, we really want to focus on the two concerts.”
The concerts on Friday and Saturday will feature artists and songwriters such as Robert Schwartzman of the band Rooney, Ross Golan (a songwriter for Nicki Minaj, Cee Lo Green, Maroon 5 and others), HAPA, Paula Fuga and more.
“It will be a blend of different talents and genres,” Brocklehurst pointed out. “Last year, three of the concert winners were Hawai’i songwriters. It was amazing.”
Brocklehurst said that youth from all over the island are invited to attend the songwriter conference, which will allow them to further their musical talents.
Also attending the event will be Liza Richardson, music supervisor for the popular television show “Hawai’i 5-0.”
“While Liza was here last year, she did a deal for Kapa’a High School student Terry Low,” Brocklehurst explained, “and he got a minute and a half of his music placed in the season opener of the show ‘Parenthood.’”
Other local talent who have had their music featured in television because of the KMF are John Cruz and Aldrine Guerrero. Both have had their music placed in “Hawai’i 5-0.”
The KMF songwriter conference will be held at Kaua‘i Beach Resort at 4331 Kaua‘i Beach Drive in Lihu‘e.
Attendance will be limited to only 200 people in order to maintain a high-quality event. You can choose to attend the four-day conference for $150, or you can choose to attend both the conference and the two evening concerts for $175.
If you choose to only attend the concert, admission is $25 for the concert or $40 for both concerts when purchased in advance. Seniors (60 and over) pay $20 for the concert or $35 both concert nights. Tickets are $30 at the door.
For more information visit kauaimusicfestival.weebly.com/index.html.
