E Kanikapila Kākou Week 6: “Lei Hiwahiwa: A Lei of Tributes” Madison Makanaokukahaku Scott & Kyle La Benz; “Mele & Memory: Alive in Song” Kim Sueoka & Alan Van Zee

Week 6, March 10:  “Lei Hiwahiwa: A Lei of Tributes” Madison Makanaokukahaku Scott & Kyle La Benz; “Mele & Memory: Alive in Song” Kim Sueoka & Alan Van Zee

Makanaokahaku & Kyle La Benz will serenade you with sweet voices, guitar, ʻukulele and piano as they share the warmth of both traditional and original Hawaiian songs. Makanaokahaku means “gift of God”. Without the burden of eyesight, Madison focuses on how to experience

God’s creation through her other heightened senses.  She is a gifted vocalist and pianist, having studied classical and jazz in her hometown of Cambria, California.  Introduced to Hawaiian music in her teens, she took to the language as well.  Her journey is filled with melodies that tell stories, and she can’t wait for you to become a part of it!

 Kyle was raised on O’ahu, and while a student at San Jose University purchased his first guitar and dove deeply into his love of music.  His rich falsetto soars like the ‘io (Hawaiian hawk).  Kyle teaches and performs regularly on the beautiful Garden Isle of Kaua’i, where he loves to enjoy opportunities to fish and hike.  Let Makana and Kyle take you on a musical listening adventure that brings you Aloha.  It’s not just about the notes; it’s about connecting with you through their passion for music, language and culture.

Kim Sueoka & Alan Van Zee

Kim Sueoka and Alan Van Zee lovingly present a collection of songs with deep ties to the hearts and minds of Kauai’s people; featuring beloved music composed by and for the Hawaiian Monarchy, songs to awaken collective memory, and songs that reconnect us to our own precious stories.

Born and raised on Kaua’i, Kim Sueoka grew up among the joyful sounds of family and friends celebrating music, food, and togetherness. With guidance and encouragement from her family and teachers here on Kaua’i, she earned vocal performance degrees in Indiana and Minnesota. She is humbled and grateful to have performed nationally and internationally while building upon her deep interests in Hawaiian music and Participatory Arts. In 2024, she spearheaded the Music & Memories community sing-along series on Kaua’i with the Alzheimer’s Association. She currently serves as Program Director at Kaua’i Adult Day Health Center and continues to share her love of music with others.

Alan Van Zee has been part of the music scene on Kauai since the 1980s, as a singer, accompanist, writer, arranger and director.  Born into a musical family, Alan was active in musical activities at school, church and the community from a very young age. He received a BA in Music Theory; moved to England, where he sang with the BBC Symphony Chorus; and then lived in Japan, where he was involved in a chamber music group, mainly playing harpsichord. Currently Alan directs music at St. Michael’s Church in Līhuʻe and is often seen as musical director for Hawaiʻi Children’s Theatre, as well as pianist with the Sunset Swing Band.