Keiki encouraged to sign up for inaugural Hawai‘i Isle Police Activities League Youth Music Showcase

Could the next Bruno Mars, Kalani Pe‘a, Iam Tongi or Israel Kamakawiwoʻole be growing up on the Big Island right now and just need that one event — that one moment to shine — for their talent to get noticed?

Hawai‘i Isle Police Activities League and Hawai‘i Police Department Kona Community Policing Section have an upcoming opportunity for island kids to have at least 3 minutes in the spotlight.

Keiki ages 5 to 18 years old are encouraged to sign up to show off their musical talents during the inaugural Hawai‘i Isle Police Activities League Youth Music Showcase in August.

The free musical showcase is being offered in collaboration with Grammy-nominated local musician LT Smooth, the Hearo Foundation and University of the Nations.

Competition is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 9 at the ‘Ohana Court on University of the Nations campus, located at 75-5851 Kuakini Highway, in Kailua-Kona. Doors open at 6 p.m.

LT Smooth and his band will also provide live music for contestants during the showcase instead of them having to perform with a pre-recorded track.

Winners receive an incredible opportunity to record a single. They also receive a custom-made ‘ukulele provided by the Hearo Foundation.

“We are really excited to organize and offer this one-of-a-kind event for our island ckeiki,” said Kona Community Policing Officer Leonard Warren in an announcement about the event. “We encourage kids across Hawai‘i Island to sign up. It’s an exciting opportunity for them to showcase their musical talent and possibly take the first step toward launching their music career!”

How to participate

Keiki can enter the showcase as a duet, group, band or an individual. 

Duets, groups and bands will compete in their own category. Individuals will be divided by age groups:

• 5 to 8 years old.
• 9 to 12 years old.
• 13 to 15 years old.
• 16 to 18 years old.

Sign-up details:

• Sign-ups are on a first come, first served basis.
• There is a maximum of 25 performances — or 5 per category — so sign up early.
• Each performance is limited to 3 minutes.
• Deadline to sign up is July 1.

Those who plan to participate also are asked to submit the song they plan to perform during the competition. Hawai‘i Police Department and Hawai‘i Isle Police Activities League will arrange a rehearsal with LT Smooth.

Contact Warren at leonard.warren@hawaiicounty.gov to sign up and receive the Hawai‘i Isle Police Activities League release/waiver form.

Kona Community Policing Section is also seeking judges for the competition.

Big Island musicians willing to volunteer their time are encouraged to contact Officer Warren using the above email address.