The Power of Music

Music starts in your heart. And for a specific and blessed community, you end up in a room that allows you to express yourself. And for a few people than that, others will enjoy and are willing to listen to what started in your heart. And then for even fewer, you get recognized in front of your friends, family and community…that what started in your heart, people desire to hear and internalize.

On July 1, 2023…I had the amazing honor to witness the celebration of a community who helps shape and define what starts in our heart and helps others to internalize.

The event was the annual Na Hoku Hanahano Awards.

Shockingly, it was my very first time attending in person. It was also the first year in-person since the outbreak of COVID. And it was the first time the awards were held in the iconic Hawaii Theatre. Lots of firsts.

One cool observation I made while being their and experiencing all of the electrifying energy was the way the entire community celebrates each other. Every time someone was awarded as the winner, everyone genuinely celebrated for them.

Why does that stick out to me?

Because unlike the infamous Hawaii parable of the ‘ama’ama crab, where no crab can escape the bucket because each crab will pull down the crab, closest to escape…this night was about elevating one another to their fullest potential. Acknowledging it. Honoring it. Celebrating it.

This picture is so much of why I want to serve this musical community. It embodies so much of what I believe in and how we should treat and love one another.