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Mahi Beamer Bio and Photos
Mahi Beamer - born Edwin Mahiai Beamer - is the grandson of
legendary singer, pianist, and composer Helen Desha Beamer. He is most well-known for his ability
to sing very high register falsetto songs and for carrying on
his grandmother's legacy by translating her Hawaiian language
compositions into English and introducing them to the
general public by recording them on albums
in the 1960's. He is also an accomplished hula dancer and composer.
Copyright ©
Kathleen Walling Fry
Facts About Mahi Beamer
Birth Place: Honolulu
Full Name: Edwin Mahiai Copp Beamer
Goes By: Mahi Beamer
Nickname: "Uncle Mahi"
Birth Place: Honolulu, Hawaii
Grandmother: Helen Desha Beamer
Mother: Mildred Kaaloehukaiopuaena Copp Beamer
Father: Milton Hoolulu Desha Beamer Sr. (born: 1903)
Graduated from Kamehameha Schools High School in 1946
Studied Music at the University of California Santa Barbara
Studied at the Julliard School of Music
Performed at Carnegie Hall in New York
Served in the U.S. Army 1951-1953 by
playing piano and glockenspiel at the Schofield Base
Performed in Waikiki after serving in the military
Performed at Waikiki's Queen's Surf Nightclub 1954-1959
Recorded two albums in 1959, "The Remarkable Voice of Hawaii's
Mahi Beamer in Authentic Hawaiian Songs, and "More Authentic
Island Songs by Mahi, Hawaii's Most Remarkable Voice". The
latter featured songs composed by his grandmother, Helen Desha
Beamer. Both of Mahi's albums were re-released on CD in the
last few years.
Performed in Nalani Kele's Polynesian Review at the
Las Vegas Stardust Hotel for 13 years
He returned to Hawaii in 1974 and he performed at many
of Hawaii's top venues including the Princeville and Westin
Resorts on Kauai and the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu.
Mahi Beamer at Celebration Aumakua in 2008
Pictures of Mahi Beamer with Amy Hanaialii,
Robert Cazimero, DJ Billy V, and Nina Kealiiwahamana
at Amy's "Aumakua" CD release party in August of 2008.
Recordings by Mahi Beamer
The Remarkable Voice of Hawaii's Mahi Beamer
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2004 CD Release Party for Above Album
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Review of Above Album
More Authentic Island Songs by Mahi
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Review of Above Album
Mahi Beamer Awards and Honors
2008 Living Treasure of Hawaii Award
Edwin Mahiai Beamer was honored in February
of 2008 as a "Living Treasure of Hawaii",
at the 33rd annual Honpa Hongwanji Mission
awards ceremony at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.
The award recognizes outstanding individuals
for their contribution to preserving
and perpetuating the distinctive cultural
and artistic heritage of Hawaii.
2006 Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Inductee
In 2006 Edwin Mahiai Beamer was inducted
into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
A July 2007 Hawaii Theatre concert recognizing Mahi Beamer
and the other 2006 inductees was completely
sold out.
1993 David Malo Award
In 1993 Mahi Beamer received the David Malo
Award for outstanding contributions in promoting
an understanding and appreciation of the richness
of Hawaiian culture and heritage.
1992 State of Hawaii Recognition
The State of Hawaii recognized Mahi Beamer
in 1992 as a steward of the musical talent
of the Beamer ohana and the leader in the
dissemination and perpetuation of the cultural
legacy of his grandmother Helen Desha Beamer.
1991 Lifetime Achievement Award
Received a Lifetime achievement award
from the Hawaii Academy of Recording
Arts in 1991.
Edwin Mahiai Copp Beamer Scholarship
Edwin Mahiai Copp Beamer Scholarship
honors the lifetime performance career of
singer, pianist, composer, and Hawaiian
cultural resource, Mahi Beamer.
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Related Links
Hawaiian Music Artists - Main Menu
About Hawaiian Music
Hawaii for Visitors
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if you have information or pictures to share about
your favorite Hawaii singer or musician please send them to
one of the addresses on our
contacts page. Note that we can only publish
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received permission from the photographer.
We respect the copyrights of photographers,
performers, and writers.
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