LaBenz
LaBenz
Solo Musician for your Wedding, Private Events, Dinner Under the Stars, Family Dining, Cocktail Events, anything and everything in between!
Ask about Hula with Nikole
Got Questions?
Just ask, fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible
The Artist
I have always had a passion for sharing music with everyone. My journey began in 2002 when I taught myself how to play the guitar and started singing the lyrics along with the songs. As a San Jose State University sophomore, I decided to purchase my first guitar and dive deeper into my love of music.
The difficult part of being self-taught came from the first five years of practice; I was determined to succeed. Although I have had times where I felt like playing music wouldn’t be my end game, I never gave up. As time passed, I found myself living on the beautiful Garden Isle, of Kaua’i. Being raised on the island of Oahu, I welcomed the slow-paced living and the powerful sense of Aloha.
I started performing regularly in 2013 and never looked back. It took me to a whole new level when I first stepped onto the stage. A nervousness I couldn’t imagine, yet at the same time, a rush of adrenaline like I’d never felt before. I do my best to share that feeling while on stage with all who come to listen. Sticking to what I love the most has made me into the musician I am today.
Traditional and Contemporary Hawaiian music has always been my first love, but I enjoy playing all genres, including alternative, country, folk, classic rock, and reggae, to name a few. When people ask me what my favorite song is, my reply to them is, “My favorite song is being able to play my rendition of your favorite song.” When they tell me they enjoyed it, I have done my job. Connecting with people through sharing my love of music means the world to me.
I recently made a cover album with songs like Moloka’i Woman, Pretty Good at Drinking Beer, Lean on Me, and a few more. Let me know if you want a copy of your own. I look forward to providing music for you and your Ohana (family). It has been an honor to share my story and passion with you.
Warmest Aloha,
Kyle J LaBenz
Ukulele/Guitarist
Musician/Instructor
Notary Public
Wedding Officiant
Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a hula dancer. I was born and raised on the island of Kaua’i, where I began dancing hula at the age of seven. I joined a halau (hula school) under the direction of Aunty Ku’ulei Punua. I learned hula, Tahitian, and other Polynesian dances from Aunty Ku’ulei and her son, Uncle Wallis. During those years, I was fortunate to compete and win awards in the Kaua’i Tahiti Fete in the solo and group competitions. I traveled to the mainland with the mayor of Kaua’i to share the hula. I was an honor to perform for the opening night of the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival.
I continued to dance hula in my teenage years at the Smith’s Tropical Paradise luau show. I later moved to O’ahu for college where I continued to dance hula on a dinner boat cruise. During this time, I was also able to travel to countries in Europe, where we performed for the military troops. After college I moved to the Big Island. I performed at some of the resorts at night, while being an elementary school teacher by day.
There’s no place like home, and I eventually found my way back to Kaua’i. I have been back since 2008. Hula continues to be a passion of mine. I currently perform at various restaurants and resorts and around the island. I also provide hula lessons and lei making classes.
It brings me great joy to share the Hawaiian culture and aloha spirit through hula. I love telling stories about our beautiful islands through dance. It is an honor for me to help make your special occasion a memorable one by sharing a piece of my heart.
The Hula Artist
Type of Bookings…
-
Officiant Services - with Live Music upon request
Small Ceremonies
Big Ceremonies
Elopements
Vow Renewals
Price $500.00Live Music Services
Sound System
Set up and break down
Price $300.00 per hour -
Special Events
Family gatherings
Birthday Parties
Private Events
Weddings (ask about officiant services also)
Elopements
Vow Renewals
Sound System
Set up and break down
Price $300.00 per hour -
Practice Music Sheets
1:1 Lessons
Small Group Lessons
Can provide (during practice only) Ukulele
Requires Payment Prior to Lesson -
Cocktail Hour $300.00per hour
Hula Dancer $150.00per hour
Learn a New Song $75.00per song