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2010 HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS HAWAII'S ENTERTAINERS LIGHT UP THE BIG STAGE               (Mon., Nov. 29, 2010)—After the Honolulu City Lights' tree-lighting and the Electric Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 4, settle in on the Civic Center grounds for two hours of great entertainment featuring Kapono, Afatia, Mailani, Jordan Segundo, Ciana Pelekai and EMKE.  This year's free concert, which starts at 7:30 p.m., is presented by Hawaii's own Cha Thompson of Tihati Productions.                                       Headlining the concert will be Hawaii's acclaimed Kapono.  The award-winning Grammy-nominated songwriter/singer Henry Kapono Ka'aihue is the recipient of numerous Na Hoku Hanohano awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year.  The Wild Hawaiian is also the author of a celebrated children's book, A Beautiful Hawaiian Day, and has appeared in the films Damien and Waterworld.                  The product of local entertainment giants, Jack Tihati and Cha Thompson of Tihati Productions, the charismatic and talented Afatia Thompson joins the exciting cast of performers on the big stage.  Named Hawaii's R&B Artist of the Year at the 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano awards, Afatia has recorded tracks for some of the industry's most respected writers and producers, including Mario Wainans, Jack Night and Walter Millsap.   Afatia opened for hip-hop icon 50 Cent and G-Unit Live in 2008, electrifying the fan-packed arena with his Pacific fusion R&B style, and continues to perform across the globe.  He has performed for such luminaries as President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Smokey Robinson, Sergio Mendez and Gladys Knight.                  2010 Na Hoku Hanohano Female Vocalist of the Year, Mailani Makainai, steps into the Honolulu City Lights spotlight displaying her sweet, distinctive voice and honest emotions that are portrayed in every song, making her one of Hawaii's most listened-to and beloved rising stars.  Prior to going solo, Mailani was best known as one half of the Na Hoku Hanohano award winning Keahiwai, and more recently the trio Mighty J.                As a solo artist, Mailani has proven the depth of her talents, presenting an innovative yet respectful interpretation of Hawaiian standards, blending contemporary and traditional in her own distinctive style.  Her own compositions reflect her strong beliefs in 'ohana, community and the Hawaiian traditions.                           EMKE burst onto the Honolulu pop music scene in 2005, performing classic cover tunes from bands like Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi, and since then, has graduated from small, intimate venues to huge concert crowds.  The product of Hawaii MusicWorks (local version of School of Rock), the group has gained recognition for their vocal abilities and musicianship.  The young and talented group has opened for notables such as Billy Ray Cyrus, the legendary rock band, Kansas and Journey's Neal Schon at the 2010 NAMM Show.   Their addictive combination of "power pop" and "classic rock" is sure to bring the Honolulu City Lights audience to their feet.               Ten-year-old Ciana Pelekai is a show-stopping singer and actress.  The grand champion of the "Al Waterson and You" 2009 Keiki Singing Competition at Don Ho's Island Grill, she was also the first person from Hawaii selected to perform on the nationally televised show, "America's Got Talent".  Since the show aired, her popularity has skyrocketed across the nation.  This year she was invited to perform on the Maury Povich Show.  She also is a principal actor in the 2010 "Gamestop" television commercial, and is often invited to perform in major events locally and nationally.                Jordan Segundo was the first singer from Hawaii selected to be on season two of American Idol.  Since then, he has performed with the Honolulu Symphony, Richard Chamberlain in "The King And I", Kenny Loggins, Jim Brickman; in the Pro Bowl and Pacific Rim Jazz Festival; and toured across the country.  Jordan is also a professional actor, appearing in numerous commercials, and has hosted television shows.  He is the spokesperson for "Adult Friends for Youth" and performs for thousands of students each year.  Jordan is an extremely talented singer and actor who has gained a reputation of being an excellent performer.             Honolulu City Lights' emcee Al Waterson is a professional singer, emcee, actor and recording artist.  A featured singer with an extensive background, Al has performed with big bands and orchestras under legendary bandleaders.  As an actor, he has had many roles in the Hawaii-based television shows, "Hawaii Five-0", "Magnum P.I." and "North Shore," and numerous parts in commercials, television and radio voice-over, and has emceed national conventions, the Governor's Inauguration and Inaugural Ball, celebrity events, The Smooth Jazz Concerts and Pacific Rim Jazz Festival.  Al entertains every Thursday and Sunday evenings at Don Ho's Island Grill at The Aloha Tower Marketplace.  His incredible vocal ability, humor and professional style create an overall entertainer who appeals to people of all ages.               The Honolulu Madrigal Quartet will perform three holiday numbers on the Mayor's stage during the tree lighting ceremony, which starts at 6 p.m.   -30-       For more information contact:  Patti Kimoto, 768-3498