2011-07-21 07:15:12 - Medford, Oregon resident Sonny Kanahele lands a spot on the U.S. Performing Arts Team at the 15th annual World Championships of Performing Arts competition in Los Angeles, CA - the only international talent competition of its kind.

Sonny Kanahele was born & raised in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Growing up, he learned how to play the ukulele & and how to perform the traditional fire-knife dance. Sonny also had a love for football, even though he was short in stature. The sport proved to be a benefit, bringing Sonny to the mainland where he played for College of the Redwoods, and later at Southern Oregon College. Ultimately, a knee injury prevented him from consideration for the NFL draft. However, his athletic skills were honored when Sonny received awards and accolades, including Defensive Player of the Year and making the first team All American.

After exploring different career choices, the economy forced him to make a

decision - - to work for someone else or to work for himself. "Working for myself was a better road. However, I had to find a way to set myself apart and try to be the best at something that would make money." This is when the musical and performance skills he learned as a young boy kicked in. Being able to offer himself as an Hawaiian entertainer with ukulele, singing and fire-knife dance options, has made his talent stand out and separated him from everyone else.
"I am unique in that I sing and play the ukulele AND I fire-knife dance. There are plenty of ukulele players out there and plenty of fire-knife dancers out there. I personally don't know of anyone else that can do both, and do them both well."
Sonny Kanahele has performed at many events and venues in Oregon including: SouthernOregon Community Fun Fair (Medford), Heart of Medford's Halloween Event Downtown (Medford), Costco's Holiday New Year's Eve Party (Ashland), Battle of the Bones (Central Point), Howiean Luau (Medford), Historic Ashland Armory (Ashland), Oregon Institute of Technology (Klamath Falls), Ohana Momma's (Klamath Falls), and Sonny has performed at the engagement party for former Miss California USA Tami Farrell as well.
"I have I found my niche. Now it's just a matter of exposure to really bring my dream to fruition - - spreading the positive vibes to the world." - - which he will do when he competes with vocalists and instrumentalists from around the world at the World Championships of Performing Arts, July 17 - 22, 2011 in Los Angeles, CA.

Talent from more than 40 countries will participate in the 15th Annual World Championships of Performing Arts, July 17 through July 22, 2011 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

Think "American Idol," "America's Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance" on a global scale. Cited as the official "Talent Olympics," the World Championships of Performing Arts celebrates its 15th anniversary this summer as the only international event of its kind held annually. Dancers, singers, models, actors, instrumentalists, and variety artists from more than 40 countries compete for the "gold" and $130,000 in scholarships. Over 100 entertainment industry experts (i.e. agents, managers, producers, casting directors, instructors, and music industry reps) are invited to judge, conduct seminars and cast. Through a week of elimination rounds, 3,000 acts are narrowed down to the "best of the best" who then compete for the coveted top world champion crowns.

The competition week commences with the Opening Ceremonies Parade and free public performance at the Nokia Center, Sunday, July 17, from 9:00am - 10:00am. The colorful parade culminates with the best performers from around the world giving Los Angeles a sneak peek of the amazing international talent that will be participating in this year's event.

The week of talent competition culminates with the Finals event, when 'the best of the best performers' vie for top world championship crowns and $130,000 in scholarships, Friday, July 22, 7:00pm - 10:00pm, in the California Ballroom of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel.

A live, global webcast of the event will be available at www.wcopa.com
July 22 at 7:00pm PST.

Westin Bonaventure Hotel | 404 S. Figueroa Street | Los Angeles, 90071

The objective is the annual production of the finest national, regional and international competitions for exceptional, aspiring performing artists! This prestigious global meet is for dedicated performers and entertainers who want to train and learn, compare their talent to others and network. This is an innovative contest with persons from the entertainment industry invited to judge and conduct seminars. For more information, log onto www.wcopa.com