The Shedd Institute is pleased to present 2017 Grammy Award-winning Hawai'ian music singer-sonwriter Kalani Pe'a in his first stop at Jaqua Concert Hall. He is on tour in support his debut CD, for which he received the Grammy, E Walea.
A native of Pana'ewa, Hilo who currently resides on Maui, Kalani Pe'a released E Walea -- which means "come together like birds, be elated, exuberant and enjoy" -- with seven haku mele (Hawai'ian original music compositions) and five of his favorite classics. On August 5th 2016 "E Walea" hit number 1 on the iTunes world music charts and on August 15th 2016 hit number 12 on the Billboard world albums charts. On February 12th 2017 the album won the Grammy Award for "Best Regional Roots Music Album" making history by being the first Hawaiian Recording Artist to ever win in the category. On May 20th 2017 it received the Na Hoku Hanohano Award (Hawaii's version of the Grammys) for "Contemporary Album Of The Year". In addition, in 2017, the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives issued an official proclamation: “It is vital that Native Hawaiian culture and the arts be perpetuated for future generations: Kalani Pe’a is a tourchbearer and we recognize his accolades, accomplishments, and continued work on behalf of Native Hawaiians."