Many know Henry Kapono for his music, but one of Hawaii’s top musicians is also a busy philanthropist.

The recently established Henry Kapono Foundation was created “to support and strengthen our community through music and the arts, and by giving with Aloha.”

The HKF supports local communities with a primary focus on local arts, culture, and music.

“A friend of ours said maybe it’s time for you to start your own foundation, because you do so much for other foundations,” Kapono said. “It’s a great idea. We can actually know what we’re doing and help others, and that’s basically why we put it together, to help musicians, help the community, help artists, just to either get ahead, move forward, move everything forward.”

The first project for the HKF is “The Songs of C&K” recording project, produced in partnership with First Hawaiian Bank.

Coinciding with C&K’s 45th anniversary, the recording will feature Hawaii’s next generation of local musicians re-imagining timeless classics from Kapono’s career. 

“They all knock it out,” Kapono said. “I’m sitting there as the producer going wow, these kids are really good. They’re really talented.”

Tracks include Sunflower (Alx Kawakami), Railway Stations (Blayne Asing), About You (Josh Tatofi), All In Love Is Fair (Kalani Pea), Highway In The Sun (Kimie Miner), Good Times Together (Landon McNamara), Lifetime Party (Mike Love), Song For Someone (Paula Fuga), You and Me (Starr Kalahiki), and Home (Tavana).

“The Songs of C&K” will be available in July in CD with digital download, and in vinyl format, available for sale exclusively at First Hawaiian Bank branches throughout Hawaii, Guam and Saipan in July 2018. Net proceeds will benefit the Henry Kapono Foundation.

Website: http://henrykapono.com

Kapono will also be participating in two public events this week.

The first is a benefit for Kauai flood victims. Aloha Kauai will take place Thursday, May 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot at Merchant Street and Nuuanu Avenue, across from Murphy’s Bar and Grill.

Website: http://alohakauai.eventbrite.com
 
Kapono is also hosting a new concert series at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. This upcoming installment will feature a talk-story and jam session with Malani Bilyeu on Friday, May 25, at 7:30 p.m. at McCoy Studio Theater.

Website: http://mauiarts.org/event-detail.php?id=657