MEDIA RELEASE

Presented by KAPA FM, supported by the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, the County of Hawaii, and Suisan, and stewarded by Kalani Oceanside Retreat, the Fourth Annual Puna Music Festival kicks off with a free, open concert 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 4 at scenic Pohoiki.

Located along Puna’s enchanting conservation coastline, the Pohoiki Open Concert features headline artist and Hawaiian luminary, Paula Fuga, and legendary John Cruz.

Celebrating its fourth year, the Puna Music Festival embodies the vibrant, diverse, and authentically Hawaiian presence that is the hallmark of Puna.

With a week-long program of concerts, events, workshops, and classes May 4-10, the Puna Music Festival has grown to become the second-largest multi-day festival in East Hawaii.

Puna has increasingly attracted a multicultural, artistic, and innovative population, as well as visitors who seek authentic, adventurous experiences.

The Puna Music Festival is a potent expression of the magic available when a growing community comes together to celebrate and share their music and authentic Hawaiian culture.

Returning this year to the Puna Music Festival is the popular and whimsical Kanikapila in Pahoa, presented by Suisan.

At this closing event 5-10 p.m. Saturday, May 10, music is played from balconies, windows, and storefronts throughout the historical town.

More than 40 locations participate each year. Festival-goers are encouraged to dress in green and incorporate nature into jubilant costumes, with prizes awarded to those best expressing this year’s theme, “Celebrate Your Nature.”

Other key events include the Kalapana Night Market Celebration, featuring headline artist Kuana Torres Kahele, on Wednesday, May 7, and an Intimate Evening with Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole, a talk-story style concert to be held at the Kalani EMAX on Friday, May 9.

Hosted by Jaz and Kaea of KAPA FM, the talented and delightful Kaumakaiwa will share stories of the Kanakaole ohana, creating mesmerizing music that has become a voice of the new generation.

Local Hawaiian kupuna have shown strong support for this jubilant event. Born and raised in Opihikao, Auntie Dottie Kyser says, “Over the past four years, we have seen the impact that this festival has made, not only in generating excitement and fostering community, but also in grounding our cultural heritage in music and celebration in Puna.”

Throughout the seven-day festival, more than 100 artists from Puna and beyond will collaborate in performances at different locations throughout the District.

The 2014 Festival features an exceptional roster of artists, including:

* Paula Fuga
* Kuana Torres Kahele
* Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole
* John Cruz
* Jaz Kaiwikoo
* Mike Love
* Hawane Rios
* Sean Robbins
* Uncle Robert’s Awa Band
* Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah
* Kumu Ehulani Stephany and Halau Hula Ka Makani Hali Ala O Puna

In addition to the week’s roster of diverse performances, the Puna Music Festival also presents festival-goers with an opportunity to participate in collaborative, educational experiences with artists including vocalist and Hawaiian cultural ambassador Paula Fuga, who will lead a songwriting workshop 1- a.m.-noon May 5 at Kalani.

Other featured workshops include oli with Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole, and learning to make and play the Ohe Hano Ihu (nose flute) with Manu Josiah.

“There is nothing more wonderful than to see the diverse people of Puna come together to celebrate this beautiful district,” said L.J. Bates, Executive Director at Kalani. “By stewarding this festival, we hope that all will see the richness of the culture here, and the incredible destination it has become.”

For the complete calendar of events and to purchase tickets, visit http://punamusicfestival.com/.

For more information, to lend support to programs, or to request an auxiliary aid or modification, call 965-7828 or email events@kalani.com.