Keiki invited to participate in second annual Youth Music Showcase

Hawaiʻi Island keiki ages 5 to 18 years old are invited to showcase their musical talents during the 2nd annual Hawaiʻi Island Police Activities League Youth Music Showcase.

The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sept. 5 in ʻOhana Court at University of the Nations campus, located at 75-5851 Kuakini Highway, in Kailua-Kona.

Participation is limited to the first 15 performances, with a maximum of three performances in each category. Each performance is limited to 3 minutes.

Registration deadline is Aug. 22.

Contact Sgt. Leonard Warren via email at leonard.warren@hawaiipolice.gov to register and get a Hawaiʻi Island Police Activities League waiver and release form.

Participants should submit the titles of two songs they plan to perform when registering. Rehearsals with Grammy-nominated local musician LT Smooth and his band will be scheduled prior to the event.

The free event is presented by the Hawaiʻi Police Department Kona Community Policing Section and Hawaiʻi Island Police Activities League in partnership with LT Smooth, Hearo Foundation Inc. and University of the Nations.

It provides young musicians with a unique opportunity to perform alongside LT Smooth and his live band, giving participants the experience of performing with live accompaniment rather than a prerecorded track.

“We are excited to once again offer this one-of-a-kind event for our island keiki,” said Warren in a police department release about the upcoming showcase. “The Youth Music Showcase provides young performers with an opportunity to share their talents, build confidence on stage and gain valuable experience in front of a live audience. We encourage aspiring musicians from across Hawaiʻi Island to participate.”

Last year’s overall winners Nā Leo Kū earned a spot on the preliminary ballot for the 2026 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards with their original song “Kona Embrace.”

Participants can compete as individuals, duos, groups or bands. Individual performers will compete in the following age divisions:

• Ages 5-8.
• Ages 9-12.
• Ages 13-15.
• Ages 16-18.

Duos, groups and bands will compete in a separate division.

Kona Community Policing Section is also seeking volunteer judges for the showcase.

Local musicians interested in serving as judges are encouraged to contact Warren for additional information.