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Hawaii Songwriting Festival Finale Concert Features All-Star Lineup of Top Songwriters
As the sun sets over the Kohala Coast, the Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival will close its three‑day conference with a headline concert that turns the Westin Hāpuna Ballroom into a songwriter’s confessional. On September 12 at 7 p.m., the venue will host a roster of well‑known writers for a stripped‑back, “songwriters‑in‑the‑round” performance that promises an intimate listening experience.
The lineup is anchored by Kristian Bush of the country duo Sugarland, Greg Holden—the co‑writer of Phillip Phillips’ debut single “Home”—and Lehua Kalima of Nā Leo Pilimehana. The show also features John Cruz, Garrison Starr, J. Lauryn, Bailey Bryan, Zach Sorgen and Jordyn Dodd, along with select attendees of the festival’s industry conference. By blending established names with emerging talent, the concert offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the creative process.
Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $25 to $50. Children ten years old and younger enter free, a pricing structure that keeps the event accessible while covering venue and production costs. The festival itself began on September 10 and runs for three days, giving local musicians and emerging artists the chance to learn from more than 40 mentors, including songwriters, producers, licensing agencies and music supervisors.
During the conference, participants attend small workshops, panel discussions, open‑mic performances and speed‑mentoring sessions. The goal is to provide hands‑on experience and networking opportunities that can help artists advance their careers locally, nationally and internationally.
The finale concert is the event’s highlight. The “songwriters‑in‑the‑round” format places each performer at the center of a small stage, surrounded by a live band that plays minimal accompaniment. This arrangement allows the songwriters to focus on storytelling and vocal delivery, giving audiences an intimate listening experience.
Kristian Bush, who has released several solo albums and is best known for his work with Sugarland, will perform songs he has written for other artists as well as his own material. Greg Holden, whose songwriting credits include the chart‑topping “Home,” will discuss the creative process behind the track and perform a new version of the song.
Lehua Kalima, a member of the Hawaiian group Nā Leo Pilimehana, will showcase her songwriting rooted in Hawaiian musical traditions. Garrison Starr, known for the single “Better Thing Coming,” will perform his own work and share insights into the songwriting process.
J. Lauryn, who co‑wrote “Goodbyes” for Post Malone and Young Thug, will perform a stripped‑down version of the hit. Bailey Bryan, who co‑wrote “My Fault” for Shaboozey featuring Noah Cyrus, will also perform.
Zach Sorgen, Jordyn Dodd and John Cruz will round out the lineup, each bringing a distinct songwriting style that reflects the diversity of the Hawaiʻi music scene.
The festival’s website lists additional details about the conference schedule, including panel topics and workshop topics. It also provides a ticketing portal for the finale concert. The event is positioned as a unique opportunity for musicians and industry professionals to connect, learn, and celebrate songwriting.
In summary, the Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival’s finale concert on September 12 at the Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort offers a curated evening of intimate performances by a mix of established and emerging songwriters. With tickets priced between $25 and $50 and free admission for children ten and younger, the event is designed to be both accessible and engaging for a broad audience. The festival’s broader three‑day program provides a comprehensive platform for musicians to develop their craft and network within the industry.
The lineup is anchored by Kristian Bush of the country duo Sugarland, Greg Holden—the co‑writer of Phillip Phillips’ debut single “Home”—and Lehua Kalima of Nā Leo Pilimehana. The show also features John Cruz, Garrison Starr, J. Lauryn, Bailey Bryan, Zach Sorgen and Jordyn Dodd, along with select attendees of the festival’s industry conference. By blending established names with emerging talent, the concert offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the creative process.
Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $25 to $50. Children ten years old and younger enter free, a pricing structure that keeps the event accessible while covering venue and production costs. The festival itself began on September 10 and runs for three days, giving local musicians and emerging artists the chance to learn from more than 40 mentors, including songwriters, producers, licensing agencies and music supervisors.
During the conference, participants attend small workshops, panel discussions, open‑mic performances and speed‑mentoring sessions. The goal is to provide hands‑on experience and networking opportunities that can help artists advance their careers locally, nationally and internationally.
The finale concert is the event’s highlight. The “songwriters‑in‑the‑round” format places each performer at the center of a small stage, surrounded by a live band that plays minimal accompaniment. This arrangement allows the songwriters to focus on storytelling and vocal delivery, giving audiences an intimate listening experience.
Kristian Bush, who has released several solo albums and is best known for his work with Sugarland, will perform songs he has written for other artists as well as his own material. Greg Holden, whose songwriting credits include the chart‑topping “Home,” will discuss the creative process behind the track and perform a new version of the song.
Lehua Kalima, a member of the Hawaiian group Nā Leo Pilimehana, will showcase her songwriting rooted in Hawaiian musical traditions. Garrison Starr, known for the single “Better Thing Coming,” will perform his own work and share insights into the songwriting process.
J. Lauryn, who co‑wrote “Goodbyes” for Post Malone and Young Thug, will perform a stripped‑down version of the hit. Bailey Bryan, who co‑wrote “My Fault” for Shaboozey featuring Noah Cyrus, will also perform.
Zach Sorgen, Jordyn Dodd and John Cruz will round out the lineup, each bringing a distinct songwriting style that reflects the diversity of the Hawaiʻi music scene.
The festival’s website lists additional details about the conference schedule, including panel topics and workshop topics. It also provides a ticketing portal for the finale concert. The event is positioned as a unique opportunity for musicians and industry professionals to connect, learn, and celebrate songwriting.
In summary, the Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival’s finale concert on September 12 at the Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort offers a curated evening of intimate performances by a mix of established and emerging songwriters. With tickets priced between $25 and $50 and free admission for children ten and younger, the event is designed to be both accessible and engaging for a broad audience. The festival’s broader three‑day program provides a comprehensive platform for musicians to develop their craft and network within the industry.