One of the greatest joys of performing Hawaiian music is seeing how it transforms a space. On Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of providing live music for Sunset Social: Urban Luau, a summer celebration hosted by Deborah Miller Catering & Events at the spectacular Glasshouse Chelsea in New York City.
Perched on the 21st floor with sweeping views of Manhattan, Glasshouse Chelsea provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening inspired by the warmth and hospitality of the Hawaiian Islands.
Guests enjoyed an incredible culinary experience featuring a whole roasted pig, fresh poke, shrimp, an assortment of beautifully prepared passed hors d’oeuvres, tropical piña coladas, and a variety of other handcrafted cocktails and refreshments. Every detail reflected Deborah Miller Catering & Events’ reputation for exceptional hospitality and creative presentation. More than 200 guests gathered to celebrate summer while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking skyline views.
As guests mingled, I performed a selection of Hawaiian classics and island favorites on acoustic guitar, creating a soundtrack that complemented the evening’s tropical theme. Live Hawaiian music has a unique ability to encourage conversation while transporting listeners, even if only for a few hours, to the beaches and sunsets of Hawaiʻi.
The event also showcased the creativity and event production expertise of Deborah Miller Catering & Events, with outstanding contributions from an exceptional team of partners, including Broadway Party Rental, Overland Entertainment, Julian Ribinik Studios, Lettered By Riha, Flux Photo Booth Company, and the staff at Glasshouse Chelsea.
A few days after the event, Emmanuelle Heyman, Head of Marketing and Brand Communications at Deborah Miller Catering & Events, shared this message with all of the event partners:
Thank you all so much for an incredible evening! It was such a pleasure to collaborate with you all. We hope you all had as much fun as we did; we couldn’t have done it without the professionalism, creativity, and positivity you all brought.
It was an honor to be part of such a talented team and to help create an evening that celebrated great food, beautiful scenery, and meaningful connections.
If you’re planning a corporate event, cocktail reception, luau, or Hawaiian-themed celebration, live Hawaiian music creates an inviting atmosphere that helps guests relax, connect, and enjoy the experience. Whether performing during cocktails, dinner, or a reception, my goal is always to bring the spirit of aloha to every event.
Mahalo to Emmanuelle Heyman and everyone at Deborah Miller Catering & Events for the opportunity. I look forward to bringing the music and spirit of Hawaiʻi to many more events in the future.











