Merry Christmas to You With Henry Kapono

Native Hawaiian Henry Kapono is a Grammy-nominated and multi-award-winning singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and captivating performances. Rising to fame in the '70s as one half of the iconic duo Cecilio & Kapono (C&K), Kapono continues to inspire sold-out audiences worldwide. Heading Kapono Inc., a premier entertainment company, he remains a leading figure in Hawai'i's music scene, releasing new music and playing to loyal fans across the globe. With a career spanning decades, he has expanded his roles to include film producer, music director, and community leader. In 2018, he established The Henry Kapono Foundation to support Hawaiʻi's music industry through programs, grants, education, and resources. 

A multi–Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning percussionist, Lopaka Colón carries on the legacy of his father, the legendary “Sophisticated Savage” Augie Colón of Martin Denny’s Exotic Sounds. A founding member of the award-winning group Pure Heart, hailed among Hawai‘i’s top 50 musical acts.  Lopaka has since become one of Hawai‘i’s most sought-after percussionists, collaborating with the islands’ top artists in studios, on stage, and in spontaneous kanikapila jams.  

A multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning drummer, Wendell Ching is one of Hawai‘i’s most accomplished studio and live performers. Since joining Henry Kapono’s band in 2021, he’s brought his dynamic style to stages and recordings alongside legends like Kalapana, Mackey Feary, Nohelani Cypriano, and C&K. With deep versatility spanning jazz, rock, funk, R&B, reggae, and Hawaiian music, Wendell’s signature sound can be heard on hundreds of acclaimed recordings across the islands.  

A gifted multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Oʻahu, Wil Tafolo brings soulful depth and an unmistakable island groove to every performance. A core member of the Henry Kapono Band, he has toured and recorded with many of Hawai‘i’s top artists, including Jared Ming, Tavana, Herb Ohta Jr., and Kailua Moon. Known for his versatility on bass, guitar, and ʻukulele, Wil continues to shape Hawai‘i’s contemporary sound with his rich musicianship and effortless style.

Since moving to Oʻahu in 2014, multi-instrumentalist Jacob Staron has become a standout in Honolulu’s music scene. Known for his artistry on cello, guitar, violin, and ʻukulele, Jacob blends classical roots with contemporary flair. He fronts the folk-Americana band Hook and Line and performs with the world music group Jungle Ferns, captivating audiences with his rich, layered sound and soulful performances that bridge genres and generations.  

Singer-songwriter and ʻukulele artist Ryan Perez brings a fresh blend of reggae, soul, R&B, and island contemporary sounds to every performance. Based in Kailua, his uplifting lyrics and feel-good energy have made him a rising favorite across Oʻahu. A former U.S. Coast Guard member and accomplished athlete, Ryan now channels his life experiences into conscious music that inspires positivity, gratitude, and connection.  

Erin Smith is an alternative pop singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for her powerhouse vocals and irresistibly catchy songs. A three-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominee, Erin has been recognized both for her solo work and as the frontwoman of Maui-based band The Throwdowns. Over the years, she has shared the stage with major acts including Panic! At The Disco, Train, Bad Brains, and The Fray. Currently, Erin is working on her next album, featuring standout tracks such as “Hit Like a Girl” and “Main Street USA”—a bold collection of pop and alt anthems that showcase her signature blend of grit, heart, and melody.

At just 13, Genevieve Sendrey is already making waves as the lead singer of Kailua Music School’s band Out of the Blue. She recently wowed audiences at Capitol Modern’s First Friday event, the Henry Kapono Foundation's In the Key of Aloha Gala, and as a featured guest of Henry's at Duke's on Sunday. Genevieve is featured on Kailua Music School’s upcoming album, a collection of original and cover songs spanning rock, pop, and alternative styles.

Kai Montoya is a student of Kailua Music School since early 2025 and is a dedicated guitar player who loves to practice and perform. He has recently started to work on original songs, and is in a band from Kailua Music School’s Icon Academy called “Warriors of Dirt.” His band has appeared at Ala Moana Centerstage and Keiki to Legends with Henry Kapono.  

Meilia Perez has been a student with Kailua Music School since she was very young. She takes after her dad, musician Ryan Perez, and is a powerful vocalist. Meilia is the front girl of Kailua Music School’s Icon Academy band “Bittersweet”. Meilia has recently been writing several original songs and her band’s original song will be featured on an upcoming Kailua Music School album.