When Robert and Roland Cazimero perform on Kaua‘i, it’s usually for a worthy cause. “We try to give back as much as possible,” Robert said. Tonight is no different, as The Brothers Cazimero take to the stage to raise funds
When Robert and Roland Cazimero perform on Kaua‘i, it’s usually for a worthy cause.
“We try to give back as much as possible,” Robert said.
Tonight is no different, as The Brothers Cazimero take to the stage to raise funds for Kaua‘i Hospice. Accompanying them will be singer/songwriter Amy Hanaiali‘i.
There will be no shortage of talent during the Kaua‘i Hospice 30th Anniversary Concert, which begins at 7 p.m. at Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center in Puhi.
Laurie Miller, executive director of Kaua‘i Hospice, said this is the first time the brothers have performed as a duo on Kaua‘i since 2002.
“It’s in celebration of 30 years of caring for one another,” she said. “We are extraordinarily delighted that The Brothers Cazimero and Amy Hanaiali‘i are going to provide this amazing concert.”
The Brothers Cazimero’s talent, longevity and success over the last four decades has placed them in a league of their own. The two have combined for nearly 40 recordings and three DVDs, have earned more than 20 Na Hoku Hanohano awards and were nominated for a Grammy Award in 2005 for Best Hawaiian Music Album. In 2006, the men took things one step further with an induction into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
For years, Robert said he and his brother played what they considered contemporary Hawaiian music. Now, their music is often referred to as traditional Hawaiian, which Robert said came as a surprise to both them and their fans.
“(It’s) our own version of contemporized Hawaiian music,” he said. “Remembering and being a part of what was, in the crossroads of today, and hoping that it will carry through until tomorrow.”
Today, Robert said he and his brother are in a sort of semi-retired, transitional period. Instead of putting together a new album, Robert joked that he has been “working selfishly” on his own side projects, including his traveling hula halau.
For that reason, he said he is looking forward to tonight’s Kaua‘i gig. Any excuse to come to Kaua‘i is good enough for the Cazimeros. Giving back to an organization like Kaua‘i Hospice is just an added bonus.
“Whenever we do have the opportunity, we try to go,” Robert said.
Joining the Cazimeros on stage tonight is Maui native Hanaiali‘i, a four-time Grammy nominee and 18-time Na Hoku Hanohano award recipient. Miller said the benefit concert will allow Kaua‘i Hospice to continue its mission of providing the highest level of care for individuals facing terminal or life-threatening illnesses. General admission tickets start at $80 per person. For more information visit www.kauaihospice.org.
