Press Releases

KAPA Radio Presents A Big Island Paniolo Song Contest in Celebration of Parker Ranch’s 160th Anniversary.

MEDIA RELEASE-04.23.07
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PARKER RANCH AND KAPA RADIO PARTNER FOR SONG CONTEST
Paniolo Song Contest Salutes Ranch’s 160th Anniversary

Waimea, Hawai`i’s Big Island ~ Song writers, both professional and amateur, local or otherwise, are invited to submit entries for the Parker Ranch, KAPA radio Paniolo Song Contest in celebration of Parker Ranch’s 160th anniversary.

The winning song will be sung and recorded by Ekolu Mea Nui featuring Kevin Kealoha, Kunia Galdera & Grammy Award winner Sonny Lim. The song will make its live debut with Ekolu Mea Nui’s performance at the Annual Parker Ranch Rodeo in Waimea on Wednesday, July 4.

“From two acres in 1847 to thousands of acres acres today, Parker Ranch is a unique part of Hawai‘i’s history,” said Parker Ranch president and CEO Chris Kanazawa. “The saga of the Ranch reads like a well-honed novel and the paniolo legacy is a natural for Hawai‘i’s talented song writers to put to music. Our partnership with KAPA is a great way for this to happen,” he continued.

Contest judges include KAPA DJ and Na Hoku Hanohano Awards co-creator Skylark Rossetti, recording artist and renowned Hawaiian musician Braddah Smitty and the members of Ekolu Mea Nui.

Basic rules are that the song includes only Big Island names and places and that it salutes the Big Island’s paniolo heritage. Songs should be no more than five minutes in length and lyrics may be in English, Hawaiian or a combination of both. Songwriters may submit multiple entries and should include a CD or tape recording of the intended melody. Submissions are due to KAPA radio by May 31, 2007 and may be mailed or dropped off at Pacific Radio Group’s offices in Hilo or Kona. Additional contest rules and information are available at www.KAPAradio.com.

Parker Ranch was founded in 1847 and is celebrating 160 years of Paniolo heritage throughout 2007. The Ranch surrounds the town of Waimea and spreads between the Kohala Mountains and Mauna Kea. For more information about Parker Ranch visit ParkerRanch.com.

For contest rules see:

KAPA Radio Website