3rd Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha’iha’i Falsetto Contest call for entries

Now in its third year, the c Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha’iha’i Falsetto Contest will be held on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Doors to the Ballroom open at 5:30 p.m., and the contest will commence at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

The event is recognized as the first female falsetto contest in Hawai‘i. Traditionally a kāne (male) competition, Maui has led the way in establishing this new tradition that highlights another beautiful facet of Hawaiian music.

To enter apply at: https://forms.gle/CP91KUMKtQwmcm9Q9 or festivalsofaloha.com

Contestants will be judged on the following criteria:

• Vocals/Music: Vocal Quality (Balance, Intonation, Strength); Vocal Technique (Control, Ha‘i (up/down), Glissando, Vibrato); Vocal Aesthetics (Dynamics/Expression, Individuality, Phrasing); Musicianship (Accompanied by house musicians); Musicianship (Contestant accompanies self)
• Hawaiian Language: Mele Background (Composer, moʻolelo; manaʻo/inspiration; amount and accuracy of moʻolelo Hawai‘i); Pronunciation/Enunciation (Articulation and command of the Hawaiian Language, Kahakō); Technique (Haʻi/grace note in appropriate places; comfort/ease in moʻolelo delivery)
• Overall Presentation: Grooming; Stage presence; Posture; Communication (Accurate, Enlightening, Entertaining); Delivery; Emotion

The past Champions include:

• 2023 – Teressa Deneen Welolani Noury, Lahaina, Maui
• 2022 – Lahela Lee Park, Kawaipapa, Hāna, Maui

Carmen Hulu Lindsey has represented Maui as an OHA trustee since January 2012 and is a long-time member of the ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu and the Central Maui Hawaiian Civic Club. A professional entertainer and recording artist, “Hulu” won the 2014 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards Female Vocalist of the Year for Hulu Lindsey, A He Leo Wale No E (Kahulu). She has also been featured on many projects and compilations, most recently on the album Lei Nāhonoapi‘ilani, where she recorded the song “Ka Wai ʻO Eleile.”

The Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha’iha’i Falsetto Contest is made possible through support from: the Hawaii Tourism Authority, County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Kilohana by CNHA, Festivals of Aloha, Papa Ola Lokahi, Nā Pu‘uwai, Hui No Ke Ola Pono, Pacific Media Group, KPOA 93.5 FM and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.

Event Parking is complimentary and will begin service at 4:30 p.m. The Off-site parking with roundtrip shuttle service will be available at Wailea Event Parking, located across Monkeypod off of Wailea Ike Drive.

“We’re thrilled to host this year’s Carmen Hulu Lindsey Falsetto Contest,” said Director of Hawaiian Programs, Wendy Tuivaioge. “It’s a fantastic addition to our already impressive weekend lineup. We invite everyone to enjoy all our complimentary events at Four Seasons Resort Maui, including the highly anticipated ‘Hula is the Heartbeat’ on Saturday, Oct. 26.”

Hula is the Heartbeat is a vibrant celebration of Hawaiian music and hula featuring four of Maui’s most prestigious hālau (hula schools). This special event will take place in the Ballroom, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the show starting at 6 p.m. To close the weekend, Sounds of the Sea takes place on Sunday, Oct. 27. This is a free evening of Hawaiian music. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 6 p.m.

For more information visit festivalsofaloha.com