MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame is searching for contestants to participate in the 27th Annual Ka Himeni Ana Hawaiian music competition Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu.

Deadline to submit applications is July 29.

Ka Himeni Ana, founded by Richard M. Towill, features Hawaiian music groups performing in the nahenahe style, the distinctive Hawaiian music form characterized by sweet vocal harmony supported by unamplified acoustic instruments.

Applications and recordings will be reviewed by the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame and contestants selected from the applications received on or before July 29.

Ka Himeni Ana rules:

* Competition is open to Hawaiian music groups containing 2 – 5 members (no solo acts).

* At least half of the group must perform with and play an instrument.

* Instruments shall be acoustic no electric or amplified instruments except Hawaiian steel guitar may be electric and use a small amplifier.

* No microphones are allowed for instruments or vocals.

* Contestants will be judged on the quality of their vocal harmony, use of Hawaiian language, and overall musicianship.

* Song selections must be restricted to compositions authored prior to 1945, or if post 1945 or new original composition, shall be in the nahenahe style.

Although First Place winning groups may not enter subsequent contests individual singers may participate as members of other groups.

Contestants vie for six cash prizes ranging from $200 to $1,200.

To apply as a contestant, groups (no solo acts) with 2-5 members must submit a Ka Himeni Ana contestant information form and a cassette tape or CD recording to:

P.O. Box 30337, Honolulu, HI 96820

or dropped off at:

1221 Kapiolani Blvd, Roof Deck Suite #6A-1, Honolulu, HI 96814.

Mark it: Attention: Ka Himeni Ana 2011.

Contestant application can be downloaded at:
www.hmhof.org/media/KHA2010ContestApplicForm.pdf

For questions or more information, email chimaine@hawaiipacificentertainment.com or debbie@hawaiipacificentertainment.com