LAHAINA – Mele Mei shares the culturally rich heritage of Hawaiian music with residents and visitors throughout Hawaii. The annual event has been expanded to include events in June and on Maui for the very first time.

Mele Mei, which translates to “May Hawaiian Music Month” in Hawaiian, includes special events and performances by multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning and Grammy-nominated artists. Maui events kick off at the Lahaina Second Friday Town Party on May 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Campbell Park.

Opening the evening will be Lahaina’s own Maui Jam, followed by award-winning recording artist Nathan Aweau. Spend the rest of the weekend (May 13-14) under the Lahaina Banyan Tree celebrating Hawaii’s music from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with entertainment by Chad Takatsugi, Kupaoa, IZIK, Reiko Fukino, Kulewa and special guests. Check www.visitlahaina.com for an up-to-date lineup. For more information on Mele Mei, visit www.melemei.com.

The Maui events were made possible through the efforts of the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts, Mele Mei, Island Air, Smythe Fujiwara Design, LahainaTown Action Committee and the Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club.