Help Willie K fight cancer
He has stepped up to perform at countless community events and benefits, so it’s time to return the favor.
West Maui’s own Willie K (Kahaialii) is battling lung cancer. Maui Tribe Productions and the ‘Ohana and Friends of Willie K are presenting benefit concerts on three islands to help compensate for his lost income and mounting healthcare expenses.
Here on Maui, the Mahalo Uncle Willie K Benefit Concert is set for Saturday, April 21, at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Gates open at noon, and the show starts at 1 p.m.
This will be a day of celebration jam-packed with great music by the Kahaialii Brothers, KB the Next Generation, Kalani Pe’a, Pono (Kaleo Phillips, Josh Kahula and Pi’ilani Arias), Jesse Tanoue, Ata Demasco, Arlie Asiu, Pound4Pound and some surprise guests, along with ono food and free keiki fun.
Tickets are $25 general admission (not seated), $50 for GA seated and $250 for reserved VIP seats. Keiki five and under will be admitted free. Buy tickets by calling 242-SHOW or visiting www.MauiArts.org.
Attend and help Willie K in his battle against cancer.
Uncle Willie K has been performing at home in Hawaii and across the world for all of his life. Playing alongside some of the industry’s most celebrated artists, the eclectic entertainer has made his mark with a brand of dynamic stage performances and a diverse repertoire of music that span across time, language and continents.
Rick Bartalini explained, “As a lot of you may know, Uncle Willie K was diagnosed with Small Cell Carcinoma Lung Cancer. He has gone through his first round of chemotherapy and has been blessed to have only some side effects. He has to endure three more rounds of chemotherapy and is currently under a 15 day/twice-a-day rounds of radiation.
“A GoFundMe account has been created to help during the rounds of treatment and recovery time. Although SCC lung cancer is a very aggressive cancer, Willie is very positive and optimistic about his condition and recovery,” he continued.
“We appreciate anything you may offer, whether financially or spiritually. If you can or cannot donate, we always appreciate your prayers of strength and healing.”