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Sonya Mendez
Exciting...energetic...a beautiful voice. Just a few words that have been
used to describe the singing style of Sonya Mendez!
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, this versatile songstress began her career at the tender age of 17 as a back-up singer with the Carole Kai Show. Her stage charisma and appeal has brought her performances in Acapulco, Hong Kong, Vancouver, Athens, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, in addition to a lucrative six-month contract aboard Princess Cruises.
Sonya Mendez still remains one of Honolulu’s most sought-after singers because of her ability to sing music that ranges from smooth jazz, contemporary pop, rock and roll, Hawaiian favorites and broadway musicals. Rock and roll fans may remember her as the lead singer for Hawaii’s top rock and alternative band, 'Sonya & Revolucion' in the mid 1980's.
While she resided in Atlanta, Georgia from 1994 - 1998, she fronted the original Latin-jazz recording group 'Worldwide Groove'. The group enjoyed a stellar summer of eighty performances during the 1996 Summer Olympics, including performing for the athletes’ closing night party in the Olympic Village.
Sonya sings every Monday and Wednesday in the Shell Bar at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel with her duo 'Just Two Girls'. She is also a member of Paradise and Company, Hawaii’s top convention show and dance band.
In addition, Sonya still finds time to contribute her knowledge and expertise as a permanent judge on Hawaii's singing competition television show, Hawaii Stars.
This year, career highlights include singing with the Honolulu Pops Symphony and jazz recording artist David Benoit in April 2004 at the NBC Concert Hall.
By day, she is an executive loan officer with Meridian Mortgage in addition to devoting her energy working with non-profit organizations. She is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks #616, the newly elected vice-president of the Rotary Club of Kapolei, and coordinates entertainment for The Great Aloha Run, The Taste at Kapolei, and the Kapolei Relay For Life for American Cancer Society. Sonya also volunteers with the Food Bank at the First United Methodist Church.
Her favorite activity is taking her dog Missy to do therapy dog service through Therapy Dogs, Inc. and Hawaii Hi-Fido Services.
Look for Sonya's single release, Luau Cha Cha Cha in late Spring 2004 on her own label, Snail Records.
Sonya's clothing is provided by Cache.
Hair styling by Oney from Salon Mei.
Sonya's
personal trainer is Eric Okamura from .
Email Sonya at
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 Tony C
An award-winning composer, recording artist, chanter, singer,
stage actor, producer, director, and Kumu Hula, Tony’s
illustrious career started at age 8 and has spanned more
than three decades.
In 1985, Tony’s debut recording project, Hawaiian
Passion was released and resulted in a sweep of the major
awards at the local equivalent of the Grammy’s, the
Nä Hökü Hanohano Awards in 1986. He walked
away with Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Traditional
Hawaiian Album of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year.
In 1990, Tony moved to New York City and success was quick
for him after settling in. His first formal performance
was for a PETA benefit, along with notables like Grace
Slick, Desiree, Michael Franks, and others at Carnegie
Hall. Two months later he was cast in the original Broadway
production of Miss Saigon as a member of the ensemble and
the first part Asian understudy to Jonathan Pryce cast
globally, since the inception of the hit production in
London. During his stint with Miss Saigon, Tony also tackled
the Cabaret circuit, performing at venues like, Don’t
Tell Mama, Duplex, Eighty-Eights, to mention a few. Tony
was well received in that arena and got rave reviews by
local critics. Then again, this medium is his favorite,
due to the flexibility and intimate rapport he has with
his audiences. While in New York, he maintained his foundation
to Hawai’i, by teaching hula and chant through workshops
sponsored by Radio Hula (in Soho) and the Hawaii Cultural
Foundation in New York City. He also did workshops and
seminars for the Alvin Ailey Dance Center and Fordham University.
He established his award winning Hälau (Hula School)
in 1997, Hälau Nä Wainohia. In 2004, he completed
the first graduate class from his hula school
Tony’s musical and performing career continues as
well, with numerous recordings, as an artist and producer
for the Mountain Apple Company. He is currently in his
third season in the revival of the popular KHON-TV 2 singing
competition show, Hawaii Stars. He serves as an anchor
judge as the show has evolved in to a semblance of the
nationally renowned American Idol. In a similar capacity,
he is the senior judge in the annual Frank B. Shaner/Aloha
Festivals Falsetto Contest now in its eleventh year and
the King Kamehameha Hula Competition in Japan. He has served
as a member on the Board of Directors for Gregory House
Programs and is associated with a number of organizations
that serve the community.
Tony's hairstylist is Kyle Stuart.
Tony's stylist is Jeffrey Yoshida
Email Tony at
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