Hawaiian music takes center court at L.A. Clippers Hawaii Night

All eyes were on Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning recording artist Josh Tatofi tonight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles as he brought his upbeat sounds of the Hawaiian Islands to L.A. Clippers and Boston Celtics fans during a special halftime show.

Tatofi performed his new single titled “Melia” released today as part of the L.A. Clippers “Hawaii Night” celebration. Through the support of Hawaii’s tourism industry, the performance gave those in attendance an opportunity to experience the Islands’ unique culture and aloha spirit.

To kick off Hawaii Night at the Staples Center, hula dancers from three Los Angeles-based hula halau performed in the promenade as fans arrived. Hawaii’s own Jasmine Trias, former American Idol star, performed the National Anthem prior to tip-off.

The first 5,000 fans to enter the arena also received a Hawaiian Shirt Rally Towel, which featured a white floral print on a blue background.

As timing would have it, the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors men’s basketball team was also in attendance and received a warm welcome as they were recognized on the Jumbotron. The team is on its way to the Big West Tournament in Anaheim, California where they will play Long Beach State on Thursday.