The Downey Theatre is saying aloha to Christmas with a one-night holiday concert that will be filled with the musical spirit of the Hawaiian Islands when three-time Grammy-winning singer Kalani Pe‘a comes to the city on Saturday, Dec. 14 with his Hawaiian Christmas Tour 2024.
“I just want people to enjoy it and smile and connect with me and my Hawaiian culture,” said the singer, who will be sharing the stage with guests musicians Kumu Hula Chase Keoki Wang and Hālau Nā Mamo O Pana’ewa.
Pe’a is known for singing classical music, ballads, R&B, soul plus traditional and original Hawaiian music in his native language as well as in bilingual arrangements. The set for the Downey concert will include a mix of Hawaiian Christmas songs, classic songs, original music, Motown classics and more.
“This is all going to be music that defines the people and places I love in Hawaii,” said Pe’a, who started singing at the age 4 when he was diagnosed with a speech impediment and his mother introduced him to music to help him pronounce his words.
The Downey Theatre is saying aloha to Christmas with a one night holiday concert by three-time Grammy-winning singer Kalani Pe’a on Dec. 14 (Photo By: Antonio Agosto)
“My life changed from that point. It gave me confidence to be comfortable in my own skin and to know that it’s OK to be different and be your authentic self. Music saved my life,” he said.
By the age of 8 he was winning numerous talent competitions and went on to win a 2017 Grammy and a Na Hoku Award, Hawaii’s top musical award, for his debut album “E Walea.” His second Grammy came in 2019 for his second album “No ‘Ane’i,” while his third award was for his most recent release “Kau Ka Pe’a,” which won for Best Regional Roots Music Album in 2022.
Pe’a said he not only hopes to bring some holiday joy to Downey with his Christmas show but to also share his Hawaiian culture with local audiences.
“It’s about spreading the Hawaiian language and music all over the world and to be a vessel for the native Hawaiian community,” he said.
Hawaiian Christmas Tour 2024
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Downey Theatre, 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey
Tickets: $40-$65
Information: downeytheatre.org