Events

Thursday, February 5, 2026
7:00 pm at the Performing Arts Center

With a career spanning 24 years, the critically acclaimed all-female Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea specializes in providing professional mariachi music for live concerts, commercials, television, and film recordings. A two-time Grammy Award winner, with eight Grammy nominations and three Latin Grammy nominations, the ensemble continues to expand the scope of mariachi music, delighting audiences from around the world. Founded in 1999 by musical director and trumpet player Cindy Shea, Mariachi Divas is celebrated for its innovative and eclectic array of music ranging from mariachi classics to jazz and pop. Mariachi Divas is known for its sophisticated, smooth, and refined, elegant musical style. Since 2003, Mariachi Divas has been the official all-female mariachi of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, performing year-round at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California. The group is also the official mariachi for Disney Pixar’s Coco inspired show at Plaza de La Familia/Día de Los Muertos celebration at Disney California Adventure. Mariachi Divas is often sought after to appear in various television, film, and music video projects. They have performed, recorded, and collaborated with artists such as, Alejandro Fernández, “Agridulce” on the album Rompiendo Fronteras (2017), Ozomatli, single “Volver, Volver” (2017), Natalia Jiménez of La 5ª Estación and Sergio Vallín of Maná , single “Esa Soy Yo” (2009) to name a few. Additionally, Mariachi Divas has appeared in two music videos with major recording artists: OhNo’s “Suavemente” (2019) and U2’s “Song for Someone” (2016). With an established recording track record, their discography includes nineteen professional full-length album releases co-produced by Cindy Shea through East Side Records. Vistit the Performing Arts Center website for ticket information.

Friday, February 27, 2026
7:00 pm at the Performing Arts Center
Each year the International Student Association produces this event that feature performances from the many different cultures and countries represented at UH Hilo. Visit the international night page for more information.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026
7:00 pm at the Performing Arts Center

Motivated to provide a different perspective and a fresh voice in the dance scene, Neil Ieremia founded his own company Black Grace in 1995, with ten male dancers of Pacific, Māori and New Zealand heritage. Drawing from his Samoan and New Zealand roots to create innovative dance works that reach across social, cultural and generational barriers, Mr Ieremia has changed the face of contemporary dance in New Zealand and turned Black Grace into one of the most recognizable and iconic cultural brands. His company tours the length and breadth of New Zealand developing new audiences and a new appreciation for dance. The work itself is highly physical, rich in the story telling traditions of the South Pacific and expressed with raw finesse, unique beauty and power. The Company features some of New Zealand’s finest dancers and has toured internationally to Australia, Canada, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Japan, Luxembourg, Scotland, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan and New Caledonia. In 2004 Black Grace made its USA debut, performing a sold out season at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, with a subsequent return to the Festival in 2005. Since then, the Company has performed regularly throughout North America earning audience and critical acclaim. Vistit the Performing Arts Center website for ticket information.

Thursday, April 17, 2026
7:00 pm at the Performing Arts Center

Māori singer/songwriter Maisey Rika (Ngati Awa, Te Arawa, Ngai Tuhoe, Te Whānau a Apanui) has one of Aotearoa’s (New Zealand’s) most impressive voices, creating music that expresses her honest, thought-provoking mediations on life and Māori culture. A mix of Māori, folk, acoustic and soul, her musical palette is vibrant with elements of roots and deep culture. Some have described her sound similar to Tracey Chapman or Sade. Her original songs have become emotional and cultural touchstones in her native New Zealand, yet their universal themes and emotions grown of hardship, happiness, sorrow, and love resonate with deeply international audiences. Her honey-smooth vocals unflinchingly take on such issues as domestic violence, Māori displacement, at-risk youth, the environment, and social justice, as well as warmly embrace life’s joys — family, children, home. Maisey consistently wins Māori Music Awards whenever she releases a new album. She produced her album recorded during the pandemic, in collaboration with some of Aotearoa’s leading talents and inspired by the 9 stars of the Matariki, the star cluster that appear at the beginning of the Māori New Year. Her stunning voice and fusion of English and Māori (Te Reo) lyrics illuminate her staunch pride in her Maori roots while engaging audiences of all backgrounds. Vistit the Performing Arts Center website for ticket information.