Duke’s Waikīkī is now auditioning for its annual competition, Duke’s Ukes, which will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, at Kāhala Mall.
Musicians can audition for spots on stage via video submissions through Wednesday, Sept. 10. The competition includes four categories: keiki instrumental, keiki instrumental with vocals, youth instrumental and youth instrumental with vocals. First-place winners for each category take home a koa ʻukulele sponsored by KoAloha ʻUkulele and Kamaka ʻUkulele, as well as a chance to perform at the Duke’s Waikīkī restaurant.
“We’re thrilled to bring Duke’s Ukes back to Kāhala Mall for the third year in a row,” said Drew Crocker, the general manager of Duke’s Waikīkī, in a written statement. “We’re so proud to provide a platform for our young, local musicians to demonstrate their incredible talents, and thankful for the amazing support from KoAloha ʻUkulele, Kamaka ʻUkulele, Kahala Mall and the entire community for helping us to make this event an annual success.”
The final competition is open to the public and takes place at Kahala Mall’s center stage. Contestants who are invited to perform in the contest will be notified on Friday, Sept. 12.
Duke’s Waikīkī also hosts the “Duke’s on Sunday” series which features Henry Kapono Kaʻaihue, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning artist who released new music this summer.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
