Singer, songwriter and guitarist Landon Chung is one of several artists taking the stage at the Pau Hana at Paradise, an inaugural market taking place at the Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Hotel, formerly known as Ohana Waikīkī East, on Saturday, March 15.
The event supports Keu, The Brand, a nonprofit founded by Kahōkū Lindsey-Asing, which promotes uplifting Native Hawaiian creatives through mentorship and community programs.
The performing artists include Laʻamea Paleka at 3:30 p.m., Chung at 4:30 p.m. and Jonah Davis at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature live performances and activities, as well as local artisans.
Chung, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, “always loved music,” he said. He participated in Song Contest and was part of the Hawaiian ensemble. Eventually, he started doing gigs locally around town and in Waikīkī.
Music runs in the family. Chung’s dad was the emcee for the luau at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel for about 30 years, he added. His older brother, Hualālai Chung, has also been involved with Keu, The Brand and is the voice of Moni in Disney’s animated feature film, “Moana 2.”
Chung started with the ʻukelele, “which is probably a very classic, typical thing for kids in Hawaiʻi,” he added. Then, he transitioned to guitar, which was “always the plan.”
He draws inspiration from Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Jason Mraz on how to write and play music. Chung performs at a variety of places, including bars, such as Off the Wall Craft Beer and Wine in South Shore Market and Valor Hawaii in Pearlridge Center, as well as spots such as Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikīkī Beach.
“Keu, The Brand, who's part of putting the market on this week, had reached out,” he said. “They're a nonprofit looking to give space and voices both to people wanting to participate in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, in Hawaiian language, as well as trying to give platforms and voices to Native Hawaiian kids and artists and talent.”
For Chung, it feels like family affair “to represent ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and Native Hawaiians across huge stages like Disney as well as things like this market,” he added.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
