On Thursday, September 26th, I had the honor of performing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for a high-level reception hosted by the museum’s Director and the Government Affairs department. The event welcomed diplomats, ambassadors, and UN delegates attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. These guests, representing the Pacific, Africa, and the Americas, gathered at The Met for an evening filled with culture, art, and music.
My Hawaiian slack key guitar and ‘ukulele were the perfect instruments to welcome guests as they entered the Great Hall. The beautiful, resonant strings of the slack key guitar and the bright, melodic tones of the ‘ukulele provided a warm and inviting backdrop as guests arrived.
Hawaiian music is deeply rooted in tradition, storytelling, and the connection between people and place. For me, bringing this music to such a prestigious place felt like an opportunity to share a piece of Hawai’i’s heart with the world.
The guests had the opportunity to preview the new galleries of art that The Met is preparing to open in Spring 2025. Parts of the new exhibit will showcase ancient Polynesian voyagers who navigated the Pacific without any modern day instruments.
The evening wasn’t just about the art on display or the music that filled the air—it was about the gathering of people from across the globe, all connected through shared experiences of diplomacy, culture, and community. It was a privilege to be part of such an extraordinary event, using the power of music to help set the tone for a night of cultural appreciation and global unity.
As I reflect on this performance, I am reminded of the incredible power that music has to transcend borders, bringing people together no matter where they are from. It was an unforgettable experience, one that I will carry with me for a long time to come. Mahalo to The Met, the Government Affairs team, and the wonderful guests who allowed me to share this moment with them.
