The Hawai'i Songwriting Festival Advisory Council
Our Advisory Council is appointed by the Board of Directors, and each member is selected as the Board's way to say "thank you" and acknowledge them for their commitment and contributions to our organization.
Kenneth Makuakāne
Kenneth is a Record Producer, TV producer, Concert Promoter, Engineer, Songwriter, Recording Artist, Instrumentalist, Author, Storyteller, Lecturer, and Inspirational Speaker. He has won 17 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and in 2015 he was recognized with a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. Kenneth has been involved with KMF for many years, first serving on the Board of Directors and now sitting on the Advisory Council. His ideas and expertise continue to drive the conference forward, making him an integral part of our organization.
Kenneth is a Record Producer, TV producer, Concert Promoter, Engineer, Songwriter, Recording Artist, Instrumentalist, Author, Storyteller, Lecturer, and Inspirational Speaker. He has won 17 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and in 2015 he was recognized with a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. Kenneth has been involved with KMF for many years, first serving on the Board of Directors and now sitting on the Advisory Council. His ideas and expertise continue to drive the conference forward, making him an integral part of our organization.
Adam Zelkind
Adam Zelkind is an eight-time award winning songwriter/composer/producer. He has created cutting edge music for more than 1,356 television episodes as well as various records, feature films and ads.. His awards include ASCAP’s Most Performed Music on Television for two consecutive years. He has worked with artists and writers such as, Kenny Loggins, Glen Phillips (Toad The Wet Sprocket), Tom Higgenson (Plain White T’s), Jason Mraz, Kristian Bush (Sugarland), Amy Stroup, Chris Gelbuda, Spectre Jones, Katie Herzig, Bret James, Big Al Anderson, Josh Kelley, Walt Aldridge, Darryl Worley, Gary Burr, Ashley Gorley, Meghan Lindsey (The Voice & Steel Magnolia), Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek), Sara Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion (US Elevator), Will Champlin, Dustin Christensen, Rob Kleiner, Marlin Hookman Bonds. He wrote & produced 8 songs for the feature film “The Big Ugly” on which he also served as the film’s executive music producer. His work has become a prominent force on many shows including the hit CW show Hart Of Dixie, having had 20 songs featured on this show. He co wrote and produced with The Crazy Z’s feat. Stephanie Mabey “My Favorite Show”, which was an end titles feature on the HBO hit series The Leftovers. Some of his wildest composer credits include: Rock of Love, Flavor of Love, I Love Money, Real Chance of Love, The Surreal Life, From G's to Gents, I Love New York, Charm School, My Fair Brady, Out Back Jack, Next Action Star, Teen Mom, Below Deck, Beverly Hills 90201, The Steve Harvey Show, Many of his songs can be heard in films including the critically acclaimed film Disconnect, Marine Home Front 3, Slumber Party Slaughter, No Manches Frida, Can't Have You. Adam also serves on the Advisory council for the Hawaii Songwriting Festival.
Adam Zelkind is an eight-time award winning songwriter/composer/producer. He has created cutting edge music for more than 1,356 television episodes as well as various records, feature films and ads.. His awards include ASCAP’s Most Performed Music on Television for two consecutive years. He has worked with artists and writers such as, Kenny Loggins, Glen Phillips (Toad The Wet Sprocket), Tom Higgenson (Plain White T’s), Jason Mraz, Kristian Bush (Sugarland), Amy Stroup, Chris Gelbuda, Spectre Jones, Katie Herzig, Bret James, Big Al Anderson, Josh Kelley, Walt Aldridge, Darryl Worley, Gary Burr, Ashley Gorley, Meghan Lindsey (The Voice & Steel Magnolia), Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek), Sara Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion (US Elevator), Will Champlin, Dustin Christensen, Rob Kleiner, Marlin Hookman Bonds. He wrote & produced 8 songs for the feature film “The Big Ugly” on which he also served as the film’s executive music producer. His work has become a prominent force on many shows including the hit CW show Hart Of Dixie, having had 20 songs featured on this show. He co wrote and produced with The Crazy Z’s feat. Stephanie Mabey “My Favorite Show”, which was an end titles feature on the HBO hit series The Leftovers. Some of his wildest composer credits include: Rock of Love, Flavor of Love, I Love Money, Real Chance of Love, The Surreal Life, From G's to Gents, I Love New York, Charm School, My Fair Brady, Out Back Jack, Next Action Star, Teen Mom, Below Deck, Beverly Hills 90201, The Steve Harvey Show, Many of his songs can be heard in films including the critically acclaimed film Disconnect, Marine Home Front 3, Slumber Party Slaughter, No Manches Frida, Can't Have You. Adam also serves on the Advisory council for the Hawaii Songwriting Festival.
Frank Palazzolo
Frank is a music supervisor with Mad Doll Music, where he has worked on over 1,000 TV show episodes and 5 films, including The Path (Hulu), The Leftovers (HBO), Hemlock Grove (Netflix), Scorpion (CBS), Graceland (Fox), and Rise (NBC). Frank first joined the Hawai'i Songwriting Festival staff in 2013, and since then he has consistently provided our attendees and organizers with genuine, constructive feedback that is informed by his valuable experiences in the music industry as both a music supervisor and as a songwriter/producer. We appreciate Frank's contributions because he knows the music industry well, he believes in our mission, he shares our enthusiasm, and he understands why we do what we do.
Frank is a music supervisor with Mad Doll Music, where he has worked on over 1,000 TV show episodes and 5 films, including The Path (Hulu), The Leftovers (HBO), Hemlock Grove (Netflix), Scorpion (CBS), Graceland (Fox), and Rise (NBC). Frank first joined the Hawai'i Songwriting Festival staff in 2013, and since then he has consistently provided our attendees and organizers with genuine, constructive feedback that is informed by his valuable experiences in the music industry as both a music supervisor and as a songwriter/producer. We appreciate Frank's contributions because he knows the music industry well, he believes in our mission, he shares our enthusiasm, and he understands why we do what we do.
John Cruz
A long-time member of the KMF Board of Directors and Advisory Council, John performed on Hawai'i's first Grammy award winning album, and has also won multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards. John has distinguished himself as one of the most talented artists that has ever come from Hawaii. He was named the Best Singer Songwriter by Hawaii Magazine in 2008.
A long-time member of the KMF Board of Directors and Advisory Council, John performed on Hawai'i's first Grammy award winning album, and has also won multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards. John has distinguished himself as one of the most talented artists that has ever come from Hawaii. He was named the Best Singer Songwriter by Hawaii Magazine in 2008.