Akakū Maui Community Media will host the screening of the documentary ʻTandy MacKenzie: Hawaiiʻs Greatest Opera Starʻ with its writer, narrator and producer, Wayne Moniz. The event is part of Akakūʻs ongoing speaker series, Akakū Upstairs, and will be held on Thursday May 15, 2025. 

The film traces the life of the Maui born singer, Tandy MacKenzie, from his humble origins in Hāna in 1892 to his tragic death in Los Angeles in 1963. The film covers the Hawaiian singerʻs years at Kamehameha Schools, his discovery by American opera star John McCormick, his training in Canada, and his appearances around the Globe. The film highlights both his personal and professional struggles. “I had no idea who Tandy MacKenzie was. However, like several other projects, my ignorance became a curiosity, my curiosity eventually an obsession. I began my research and learned the life of a native son whose biography read like an operatic libretto.” Wayne says. He produced the documentary with Bob Mistysyn, Guy Gaumont and Maui Film and Research.

Wayne Moniz is a local Maui author, playwright and poet. Wayne has written a number of books, several screenplays, short stories, poetry and lyrics. He has taught writing on all levels and was named Teacher of the Year in 1994. In 2005 he received the Cades Award in Literature, Hawaiiʻs most prestigious writing prize. In 2010, he was the recipient of Ka Palapala Po’okela Readerʻs Choice Book of the Year from the Hawai’i Book Publishers Association for Under Maui Skies and Other Stories.

Akakū Upstairs salons are offered on the third Thursday of each month in Suite 204. The event is free, but registration is required. Doors open at 5:45pm with the salon starting promptly at 6pm and ending at 7:30pm. Seating is limited! Register at https://bit.ly/MaySalonRegistration , https://www.akaku.org or call 808-871-5554.