A two-time Grammy-winning musician from Grand Junction will soon make his way to the stage at the Lincoln Center in New York.

Kalani Pe'a, a graduate of Colorado Mesa University, has picked up two Grammy Awards in the Best Regional Roots Album category. At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, he won for the album E Walea. Two years later, at the 62nd annual awards, he won his album No 'Ane'I. Now, his success is taking him to the Big Apple to play one of the most respected venues in the nation.

On Thursday, February 27, Pe'a will for the Lincoln Center's "American Songbook." Accompanying Pe'a will be:

  • Aiau Koa, Guitar
  • Wailau Ryder, BassGuitar
  • N ̄alei Pokipala, Vocals
  • Alex Otey, Piano
  • Special guests Pua Ali’i ’llima Nuioka, Hula

The Lincoln Center's program notes for this performance reads:

The words and music of Hawai‘i make their joyous American Songbook debut with a visit from singer-songwriter Kalani Pe‘a, a two-time Grammy Award winner for Best Regional Roots album. The classically trained tenor with a charming and dynamic onstage presence has won praise for his dedication to Hawaiian language fluency, and a musical range that runs from traditional chant to Hawaiian classics, original songs to R&B. Pe‘a began singing at age four to address a stutter as a child, and his natural talent was subsequently recognized in singing competitions. Pe‘a’s Grammy wins have led to sold-out concerts in Hawai‘i, Japan, and the West Coast. Now American Songbook is proud to invite him to a rare East Coast appearance. For all his sudden success in recent years, Pe‘a remains humble and connected to his roots. As he told Honolulu Magazine: 'From a Hawaiian perspective, we don’t believe in just Kūlia I ka Nu'u—striving for the highest mountain, you get to the top, and that’s the end. We continue to soar and climb.'

I would encourage you to keep an eye on Kalani's career. I remember him well from his music days at CMU. Western Colorado has enjoyed watching his career soar. Stay up to speed with his live shows and recording projects at his official webpage.

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