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Sunday, October 16, 2005
Kauai Composers Contest 2005 Winners
Press Release
TO: All Media
FROM: Kaua`i Mokihana Festival Email: KMFKauai@msn.com
PO Box 13, Kapaa, HI 96746
Media contact: Carol Bain, 808-246-2111
Lyricist and Poet Keahi Felix wins top awards
PUHI – The profound lyrics of the song, Dynasty of the Sun, brought recognition from judges and the audience at the Kaua`i Mokihana Festival Composer's Contest and Concert Monday night at Community College Performing Arts Center. Heaped with trophies and prizes, poet and songwriter Keahi Felix won the contemporary Hawaiian category and the coveted Na Poe People's Choice award. Music for the song was composed by Edward Machado. The song was performed by a well-rehearsed and talented group that included singer "Lady 'Ipo" Kahaunaele-Ferreira, which received the award for Best Performance. Felix also won the highest score, the Lyrical Content award, and the Commercial Potential award.
David (Waveslide) Wilson's heartfelt musical tribute to his friend Muggs Stump won the first place in the Open Category, backed up by Rick Barnette on guitar and William Rash on trumpet.
Fred Aki won first place in the Professional category with his performance of a tribute to the island of Kaua`i Beauty Within. Lyrics include: Nani o Kaua`i, beauty of Kaua`i; rich and blessed by heaven; beauty oh so rare.
Promoting and recognizing composers on the island, the event is known for its camaraderie, with competing musicians often playing backup for others. Contest judges are last year's Professional category winner, Richard Beach; past Kauai Mokihana Festival board member, Doric Kaleonui Yaris; and KKCR radio host Kilipaki Vaughan. Maka and Evalani Herrod provided auditing services. Sponsors include A&B Foundation, Kukui`ula Development, Hawaii Tourism Authority and the County of Kauai Office of Economic Development.
The 21st annual Kaua`i Composers Contest and Concert is the founding event of the Kauai Mokihana Festival, which continues island-wide throughout this week. Highlights include hula competitions and workshops. Updated schedule can be found http://mokihana.kauai.net or call 821-2267 or 652-1249.
2005 KAUA`I COMPOSERS CONTEST RESULTS BY CATEGORY:
Contemporary Hawaiian:
3rd place – With Aloha byJames Schattauer
2nd place – Hauoli La
Hahau-Aloha, Hawaii's Christmas Gift by Madeline Brandli
1st place -
Dynasty of the Sun by Keahi Felix & Edward Machado
Open:
3rd place – Ke Akua `O Ke Aloha by Sophie Ross
2nd place – Oh,
Kokee by Peter Wood
1st place - Muggs Stump by David (Waveslide)
Wilson
Fred Aki won the Professional category competing with the following: Brett Rouse, Ilima Rivera, Millicent Cummings and Sam Kitsh and Dawn Cantrell.
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