Na Mele O Maui to celebrate Emma Veary’s legacy

This year’s theme, “Ka Ho‘oilina Leo a Emma Veary,” will showcase the work of Emma Veary.
KAHULUI — The 38th annual Na Mele O Maui Song & Art Competition will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
Sponsored by Kaanapali Beach Resort Association, Maui’s only countywide Hawaiian song and art competition is dedicated to cultural preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian mele, language and arts.
This year’s theme, “Ka Ho’oilina Leo a Emma Veary,” will showcase the vocal legacy of Maui’s beloved Emma Veary.
Artwork will be inspired by the events, stories and places Veary sings about.
The event is free. Donations will be accepted at the door.
More than 22 classes from kindergarten to grade 12 will participate in this year’s song competition.
Each class is required to perform two songs in Hawaiian. The first is the Contest Song chosen by the committee to fit the theme. There is a different song for each grade division. The second song is a Choice Song selected by participating classes to reflect the theme.
Classroom choirs are judged on musical competence, language proficiency and interpretation, stage presence and all-around enthusiasm.
New this year is a Legacy Award to be presented by this year’s Legacy Judge and honoree, Veary.
Established in 1972 for the youth of Maui County, Na Mele O Maui strives to foster education and enlightenment of Hawaii’s heritage.
Na Mele O Maui helps instill pride in our youth by providing a rare opportunity for many of them to perform in public and compete for excellence with the support of the community.
For more information, call Kaanapali Beach Resort Association at 661-3271 or visit www.kaanapaliresort.com.