When beloved Hawaiian musician and singer-songwriter Anuhea thinks back on where it all began for her, she says her auntie is first to come to mind.
“I always have to give credit to my dad’s sister, Auntie Nalani; she was in the band Nā Leo Pilimehana; they just celebrated the 40th anniversary of their band this year,” Anuhea remembers. “It was always cool to watch my auntie on T.V. and when she would have concerts at the MACC or anyplace on Maui — I was so proud to have an auntie who did music and it gave me the idea that it was even possible to have a career in music.”
Now Anuhea is set to mark her own career milestone of 15 years in music, with the release of her highly anticipated, fourth full-length studio album, Lotus. It chronicles Anuhea’s personal and musical journey over the past 15 years, weaving together themes of resilience, growth and self-discovery. The title track, released earlier this year, quickly became a comeback anthem for fans navigating life’s highs and lows.
“The lotus flower holds a special place in my heart, symbolizing the strength and resilience we all possess, even when faced with the toughest challenges,” she shares.
The album also features “Maui Rain,” which Anuhea wrote for the people of Maui in the aftermath of the August 2023 fires.
Anuhea Revisits her Upcountry Roots
Anuhea, originally from Makawao, will be celebrating with the Maui community with a special sold-out farm dinner at OCEAN Organic Farm and Distillery in Kula on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
With a world-class band and special guest performer, Maui’s own Jason Arcilla, the gathering will offer fans a unique and intimate opportunity to experience the magic of Anuhea’s music live under the stars, alongside amazing food and craft cocktails. The menu includes a signature drink called the Lotus Cocktail, a vibrant combination of OCEAN Organic Vodka, lychee juice with lavender syrup, fresh-squeezed lime juice from the property’s citrus grove, housemade lemongrass syrup, honey and farm-grown dragonfruit!
The special night honors one of Maui’s own, as she shares music that means a lot to her.
“It’s a really emotional, personal album for me,” says Anuhea. “I took a really big role in the production, the mixing of the music, the designing of the cover and all the insides; more than ever before, so it’s going to be a very personal representation and I can’t wait to share!”
Anuhea also sat down with OCEAN owner Shay Smith on a recent visit to the farm; learn more about both of them in this “Cocktail Corner” talk story session.
A Holiday Soirée in West Maui
For those who can’t make the November performance, don’t worry! You’ll still have a chance to see Anuhea perform live on Maui in 2023. Here are the details:
Saturday, December 28th, 2024
The Ritz-Carlton – A Holiday Soirée
1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Kapalua, HI 96761
Doors: 5:30 PM | Show: 7:00 PM
All Ages Welcome!
Prices:
$36 – General Admission
$28 – Standing Room Only
$80 – VIP Seating
$800 – VIP Table (seats up to 6 people)
Get tickets here.
Anuhea tells us that music not only helps her express emotions and appreciate island life, it also encompasses her other passions, like art, ‘ohana, video and creative storytelling.
“I love art, I love designing my own album covers, I love making silly videos with friends and promo stuff, and now I do that with my son,” she explains. “With music I get to sing about my feelings, and the beauty of Hawai‘i, and stupid boys, and all the things I need to get out!”
More Music on Maui
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for more live tunes on the Valley Isle, be on the lookout for future farm dinners at OCEAN Organic Farm & Distillery, where local musicians regularly jam as folks enjoy their food.
There’s a community connection, too. For instance, the first Sunday of each month at OCEAN is known as Sunset Sunday, a fundraiser to support Mana‘o Radio. Every second Sunday is Paniolo Night, with a variety of Maui musicians and a portion of proceeds donated to Maui Paddling Hui. For the third Sunday of the month, OCEAN hosts Rock & Roll Night and partners with 100 Women Who Care Maui.
Speaking of the local community, check out our blog on an all-volunteer nonprofit that’s been active on Maui for 100+ years in our blog, Turning the Page: MFOL Opens Kīhei Bookstore After Losing Lāhainā Location.
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