xBk hosts benefit to celebrate Hawaiian culture, support flood relief
Teri Underhill’s love for Hawaii runs deep.
Though born and raised in Iowa, her childhood was threaded with vivid memories of family gatherings at her grandmother’s estate in Hawaii. At those cookouts, relatives would pass around instruments, voices rising together in song. Somewhere in that warm chorus, Underhill fell under the spell of Hawaiian culture.
Now, in the wake of devastating floods that swept across the islands in March, she’s channeling that connection into action.
Underhill is organizing Bridges of Aloha, a benefit event set for Friday, May 8 at xBk. The show will feature a vibrant mix of musicians, drag performers, and visual artists, all coming together to celebrate Hawaiian culture while raising funds for relief efforts. Tickets are available at xbklive.com.
“This is a way for people here in Iowa to help while also experiencing the beauty and diversity of Hawaiian culture,” Underhill said.
All proceeds will go directly to the Lāhui Foundation, supporting communities impacted by what officials described as historic flooding. During a two-week stretch in March, some areas saw rainfall levels soar to as much as 3,000% above average, culminating in a destructive “rain bomb” over Oʻahu, according to the University of Hawaiʻi. The storms left widespread damage in their wake.
Underhill’s ties to the islands run through her family. Raised in Des Moines, she is of Hawaiian descent through her mother, who is from Maui and Oʻahu. Beginning around age 8, Underhill spent many summers immersed in island life.
One place that left a lasting impression was ʻĪao Valley State Monument, a lush, 4,000-acre park in central Maui known for its dramatic scenery and winding trails. She remembers simple, joyful days there with her mother and aunt, grabbing katsu chicken for lunch, wandering the valley, and soaking in the rhythm of the land and nearby markets.
That landscape continues to echo through her creative work. A singer-songwriter, poet, filmmaker, and writer, Underhill draws deeply from Hawaiian imagery and sensibility. She describes her sound as “hibiscus pop,” blending bright, sunlit melodies with the spirit of the islands’ natural beauty.
“I feel like all my music has some sort of Hawaiian influence,” she said. “It might be a word here or there, or the rhythms. Music is a huge part of life on the island.”
This isn’t her first time rallying support for Hawaii. After devastating wildfires in 2023, Underhill partnered with Aloha Wind to produce the Mālama Maui concert, raising more than $3,000 for affected families. A follow-up benefit and a RAYGUN shirt collaboration added further support.
At Bridges of Aloha, she’ll take the stage herself, adding her voice to an evening rooted in community, culture, and care.
In a room full of music, color, and shared purpose, Iowa and Hawaii meet—one song at a time.
Bridges of Aloha: A Benefit Show for Hawai’i
Friday, May 8
Doors: 7pm | Show: 8pm
All Ages