 This week, Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Darren Benitez returns to the Pakele Live! with Tony Solis stage.
Born in Honolulu, Darren began playing music at age 12, receiving much of his early inspiration from his mother and uncle. As his love for Hawaiian music grew, he was heavily influenced by the work of Uncle Johnny Lum Ho, Dennis Pavao, Ledward Kaapana and Ledwardʻs mother, Mama Tina Kaapana.
Renowned for many years as one of Hawaiʻiʻs best falsetto singers, Darren was always too shy to sing in front of people when he was younger. He didn’t realize he had a gift until a visiting neighbor heard him singing in another room to a Hui Ohana album and praised his falsetto. He was a teenager at the time, and didn’t know what falsetto was. He’d always assumed anybody could “sing high!”
Darren released his first solo album (Broken Hearts) in 1995, and was nominated for 5 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, winning the award for Most Promising Artist. He released his second album (Mother of the Sea) in 1998 and received 3 more Na Hōkū nominations. His most recent release, Dear Mama, was released in 2008 and garnered 4 additional Na Hōkū nominations, for a total of 12.
Darren’s music has taken him all over Hawaiʻi, as well as to Japan, Tahiti, California and Las Vegas. He’s been performing at the annual Merrie Monarch hula competition with Uncle Johnny Lum Ho since 1990. He hopes to both record another album and travel and perform more in the continental U.S.
Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! on Thursday, September 15 from 6:30-8:30pm HST at the Willows Restaurant (901 Hausten St., Honolulu). Those who are unable to attend can watch the live stream at www.pakelelive.com. (The show will also be edited for television and shown at a later date on OC16 TV and www.oc16.tv)
Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Doors open at 5:30.) Guests may choose from the full nightly buffet ($34.95) or an a la carte menu created especially for Pakele Live! (and available only during the show), with prices ranging from $5 to $16. Drink specials are also available. Validated valet parking is only $3.
Note: If you watch online, don’t forget to email the show at pakele @ lava.net and let us know you’re watching! Mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!
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Darren Benitez!!! (Pakele Live)
Posted - 09/14/2011 : 9:30:59 PM
