The Maui News

The Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha’iha’i Falsetto Contest is seeking contestants for this year’s event, which is scheduled for April 8 at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua’s Celebration of the Arts, organizers announced Monday.

Conventionally a kane, or male, competition, the female falsetto contest held on Maui last year was billed as the first in the state. Lahela Lee Park of Hana was named the winner of the inaugural competition.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria: vocals/music — vocal quality, vocal technique, vocal aesthetics and musicianship, whether they provide their own accompaniment or are accompanied by house musicians.

They will also be evaluated on Hawaiian language — mele background, pronunciation/enunciation, technique and overall presentation.

In addition to awards and prizes, the first-place winner will receive $600 in cash, the second-place finisher will earn $400 and the third-place finisher will receive $300. Contestants are heavily judged on ‘Olelo Hawai’i, and a special award will be given for Hawaiian Language. The grand prize is a professional recording opportunity with Napua Greig and Pihana Productions.

Doors for the event open at 5:30 p.m.

The falsetto contest is named for Carmen Hulu Lindsey, who has represented Maui as an Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee since January 2012 and currently chairs the Board of Trustees. She is also a professional entertainer and recording artist who won the 2014 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Female Vocalist of the Year title.

The annual Celebration of the Arts features artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers and entertainers, who will present hands-on art, demonstrations, films, cultural panels, music and dance during the event.

For more information about the falsetto contest or to enter, visit festivalsofaloha.com/haihai.

To view last year’s contest, visit facebook.com/FestivalsofAloha/videos/505253517850688.