UH Hilo Performing Arts Center Tickets

With a career spanning 24 years, the critically acclaimed all-female Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea specializes in providing professional mariachi music for live concerts, commercials, television, and film recordings. A two-time GRAMMY Award winner, with eight GRAMMY nominations and three Latin GRAMMY nominations, the ensemble continues to expand the scope of mariachi music, delighting audiences from around the world.

Founded in 1999 by musical director and trumpet player Cindy Shea, Mariachi Divas is celebrated for its innovative and eclectic array of music ranging from mariachi classics to jazz and pop. Mariachi Divas is known for its sophisticated, smooth, and refined, elegant musical style. Since 2003, Mariachi Divas has been the official all-female mariachi of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, performing year-round at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California. The group is also the official mariachi for Disney Pixar’s Coco inspired show at Plaza de La Familia/Día de Los Muertos celebration at Disney California Adventure. Mariachi Divas is often sought after to appear in various television, film, and music video projects. They have performed,

Black Grace is New Zealand's leading contemporary dance company.

Founded by Neil Ieremia (ONZM*) in 1995, one of New Zealand’s most
accomplished choreographers, a creative entrepreneur and inspirational leader. Ieremia draws from his Samoan and New Zealand roots to create innovative dance works that reach across social, cultural and generational barriers. The work itself is highly physical, rich in the story telling traditions of the South Pacific and expressed with raw finesse, unique beauty and power. Born in Wellington and of Samoan heritage, Ieremia was raised in a tough working-class neighborhood in a country focused more on sporting prowess and agriculture rather than creative expression. At the age of nineteen and with no formal training, Mr Ieremia resigned from his banking job, left home, enrolled in a full time dance program and broke his parents’ hearts.

As a freelance professional dancer, Ieremia worked with many leading New Zealand choreographers as well as creating a number of commissioned works before founding Black Grace in 1995.

The Company features some of New Zealand’s finest dancers and has toured internationally to Europe, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Australia and New Caledonia. In 2004 Black Grace made its USA debut, performing a sold-out season at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, with a subsequent return to the Festival in 2005. Since then, the Company has performed regularly throughout North America earning audience and critical acclaim.

This event is a coproduction with Tim Bostock Productions.

Māori singer/songwriter Maisey Rika (Ngati Awa, Te Arawa, Ngai Tuhoe, Te Whānau a Apanui) has one of Aotearoa’s (New Zealand’s) most impressive voices, creating music that expresses her honest, thought-provoking mediations on life and Māori culture. A mix of Māori, folk, acoustic and soul, her musical palette is vibrant with elements of roots and deep culture. Some have described her sound similar to Tracey Chapman or Sade.

Her original songs have become emotional and cultural touchstones in her native New Zealand, yet their universal themes and emotions grown of hardship, happiness, sorrow, and love resonate with deeply international audiences. Her honey-smooth vocals unflinchingly take on such issues as domestic violence, Māori displacement, at-risk youth, the environment, and social justice, as well as warmly embrace life’s joys — family, children, home.

Maisey consistently wins Māori Music Awards whenever she releases a new album. She produced her album recorded during the pandemic, in collaboration with some of Aotearoa’s leading talents and inspired by the 9 stars of the Matariki, the star cluster that appear at the beginning of the Māori New Year. Her stunning voice and fusion of English and Māori (Te Reo) lyrics illuminate her staunch pride in her Maori roots while engaging audiences of all backgrounds.

Touring with her band Hoea

“Heartfelt music and song showcasing what I believe to be one of the most arresting and beautiful voices to emerge from New Zealand, ever.” –Paul Mclaney of Mushroom Music
“…extraordinarily moving work…” –Jon Woodhouse, The Maui News

This event is a coproduction with Tim Bostock Productions.