There's been a lot of buzz about Roman De Peralta, the heart and soul behind the esteemed Hawaiian recording group Kolohe Kai, after Iam Tongi sang his song "Cool Down" at the "American Idol" finale.

Amid all the buzz, De Peralta has also recently released a fresh new track titled “Hope,” in a time when the world could use it the most.

The song is a poignant commentary on the issues plaguing society today, such as hate crimes and gun violence. Yet, it also emanates a sense of unity and peace, encapsulated in the powerful image of a family enjoying a tranquil sunset together.

In this episode, Billy V talks to De Peralta about the new song as well as what it was like hearing Iam Tongi singing his song on "American Idol." Plus, you'll even get to hear De Peralta perform "Hope" and "Cool Down" in this episode!

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It's been quite the year for Lauren Teruya, who represented the state as Miss Hawaii 2022!

Under her platform "Arts for All," Teruya spent much of the year traveling to the Neighbor Islands, the mainland and Japan — working with students and teachers on ways to incorporate arts and culture into schools' curriculum. 

But one of the biggest moments of her time as Miss Hawaii was competing in the Miss America pageant.

As she passes her crown to a new Miss Hawaii, she looks back at the past year with immense gratitude, saying it changed her life. 

Hear more from Teruya as Billy V sits down with her in this episode of Island Beat!

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Kenny Tagavilla is a truck driver and hot rod enthusiast. But he's also a recording artist. 

Born and raised on Hawaii Island, the Honaunau native is making a new EP. 

One of his latest songs, "Kona Grown," is a nostalgic look back at the community and how fast things seem to be changing. 

In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V spoke with Tagavilla about his upbringing on Hawaii Island and what making music means to him.

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Radio and television personality Mele Apana is gearing up for her 14th annual Mother’s Day show, featuring a host of local entertainers.

The show first started back in May of 2006 and has been going strong since.

In the years since, Apana has donated many of the proceeds from her Mother’s Day show to children who are sick, some of them with cancer.

In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V chats with Apana about why she continues to put on her Mother’s Day show every year as well as what else she’s been up to, including recording new music.

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The biggest-selling comedy recording artist of all time is bringing his talents to Hawaii, but he doesn’t have to travel too far.

“Weird Al” Yankovic is performing at the Blaisdell Concert Hall on Oahu on March 25 and Castle Theater on Maui on March 26 as part of his “Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour." The show will feature his non-parody material, rather than focus on the hits from his career.

But here’s something you might not know: He’s a part-time Hawaii resident.

In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V chats with Weird Al about what it's like splitting his time between Hawaii and Los Angeles and what to expect during his upcoming shows. 

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Na Hoku Hano Hano Award-winning artist Josh Tatofi recently came back from being on tour in Australia and Aotearoa. He was only supposed to do a couple of gigs that would be small just to test the waters. A couple hundred swelled to 700, then 1,200-seat venues. 

The 1,200-seat venue sold out in about an hour.

Overall, Tatofi wound up doing seven sold-out shows.

In the latest episode of “Island Beat,” Tatofi shares more details about his recent concert experiences in Australia and Aotearoa, as well as how he’s preparing to play at the Blaisdell Concert Hall for Valentine's Day. 

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Candice Hatakeyama always knew she wanted to be on stage. But she never imagined she’d realize her dream of being on Broadway soon after graduating from college.

Just last month, the Honolulu native and Punahou School graduate made her Broadway debut with the cast of “Funny Girl,” alongside former “Glee” actress Lea Michele.

In this episode of Island Beat, Hatakeyama talks about how her upbringing in Hawaii led her to pursuing musical theater and her road to Broadway. 

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The Hawaiian music group Walea wrapped up 2022 with a big achievement: winning several Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

The group -- comprised of Koanui-Souza, David “Kekoa” Woodward and Kings Kalohelani -- won Hoku Awards for “most promising artist of the year,” “hoku mele of the year” and “liner notes of the year.”

Heading into 2023, Walea has some exciting plans, including trips to Japan and even more music.

In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V sits down with the three members of Walea for an in-depth chat about their Hoku Award experience and what’s next for the group.

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One of Broadway’s biggest musicals made its debut in Hawaii last month, proving to be a huge hit.

DeAundré Woods plays the title role of Alexander Hamilton, and Morgan Anita Wood plays Eliza Hamilton.

In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V chats with the two main stars of "Hamilton" to find out what it's like to perform in such a huge show.

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In a surprise announcement made on the “Tamron Hall Show,” a Hawaii-based nonprofit program learned Monday that it won a prestigious national music award.

The Lewis Prize for Music presented Hawaii’s Mana Maoli with a $500,000 Accelerator Award.

Founded in 1999, Mana Maoli is a collective of educators, artists, musicians and more who share a common goal of community empowerment. In 2013, the Mana Mele Project began.

In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V sits down and talks to Pomaikai Keawe, a kumu with Mana Maoli, and Dalouge Smith, who’s the CEO of the Lewis Prize for Music, about the program and award. 

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