Free Concert Series Kicks-Off UH, Fairmont Partnership

Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, Maui. Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

By Sonia Isotov

The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui will kick-off its new long-term partnership with the University of Hawaii, Maui College’s Institute of Hawaiian Music (IHM) with a free 8-week concert series.

“Aloha Friday Summer Concert Series” begins Friday, July 6 and runs every Friday through August 31 featuring students from the IHM. Students will perform in the hotel lobby between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. The concerts are free and open to all.

IHM is dedicated to the perpetuation and preservation of Hawaiian music and offers students the unique opportunity to form a musical mentorship with professional Hawaiian musicians, one of which includes four-time Grammy Award winner George Kahumoku, Jr.

George Kahumoku, flanked by his students, receiving a Grammy Award. Photo courtesy of UHMC.

Beyond the summer concert series, The Fairmont Kea Lani will continue to support IHM’s fundraising efforts and act as a venue for students to practice performing skills.

“We couldn’t be more proud to showcase the talented students of the Institute of Hawaiian Music,” said Charles Head, the general manager of The Fairmont Kea Lani, Charles Head.

“The institute provides students with the education and support they need to graduate and be successful in the music industry. It is incredible to see young, talented musicians at the beginning of their careers. Plus, it’s a real treat to hear them perform.

The curriculum takes students from the beginning of their musical training to their career debut, offering classes in guitar, ukulele, singing, keyboard, composition, music theory, repertoire development, dance, music industry business and marketing, and recording.

Students are also required to complete courses in Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian language to understand the cultural roots of their art.

“Graduates of The Institute of Hawaiian Music will be the future performing artists of Hawai’i, trained in playing Hawaiian instruments, knowing the history of the art and the ability to communicate this art to an audience,” says mentor George Kahumoku, Jr.  “Students will graduate with the skills to produce their first album ready for commercial release.”