HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The Honolulu Community College Music and Entertainment Learning Experience (MELE) Program is about more than just music. It’s about learning the behind-the-scenes work that makes events come alive. Kennedy Taylor, a student in the MELE program, is helping lead a student-run event that reflects all the hard work and learning that goes into creating an experience for the community. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Taylor is passionate about both music and the business side of the industry. "I am an artist myself, and I wanted to learn not just about events, but what actually happens behind the scenes," Taylor said. "There’s the technical engineering side, but in the music business program, we focus on everything from press releases to finding sponsors and doing promotions. It's about making connections." The event is happening on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Honolulu Community College campus and will feature live performances from local acts, including singer-songwriter Noah Chee and the legendary band Natural Vibrations. There will also be raffle prizes, games hosted by campus affiliates and a table for the O'ahu SPCA to help raise awareness about their work. "For this event, you can expect a lot of fun," Taylor said. "We’ve got Noah Chee, who’s an alumni and an amazing ukulele player, and Natural Vibrations, who are local legends. While the bands perform, we’ll also have activities like giveaways and a table for the SPCA to promote what they do. If you donate to the O'ahu SPCA, you’ll get an extra raffle ticket for the prizes we’re giving away." Taylor's involvement in this project is deeply personal. Not only is it an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event planning and management, but it also connects to his passion for music. "I’m really ambitious," he said, explaining his growth during the program. "I’m an introvert extrovert, so it’s hard for me to go out and make connections. But I know that if I want to improve, both for myself and for my career, I need to push myself out there." The MELE Program emphasizes practical learning which is why Taylor and his classmates are encouraged to take the initiative. "It’s not just about what you learn in the classroom," he said. "It’s about what you can apply in real life. This program helps you build skills that you’ll use in the future." As for what to expect from the event, Taylor is excited about the support from local sponsors. "We’ve got great sponsors like Easy Music, Buffalo Wild Wings, and the Secrets of Honolulu. And if you donate to the SPCA, you can get extra raffle tickets for the giveaways," Taylor said. The event is part of Giving Tuesday, a global movement dedicated to giving back. It’s a perfect fit for an event that encourages both community engagement and support for a worthy cause. "People might lose hope, especially for an organization like the SPCA, but this event is a way to bring awareness to their work and show how they help animals here in Hawai'i," Taylor said. For those interested in attending, the event will take place in Hale 'Aina, the heart of Honolulu Community College, a space dedicated to fostering student growth through activities like this. Tickets and further information about the event can be found on the program’s Instagram page where flyers with details are being posted. "The MELE Program really gives you a chance to step up and learn by doing," Taylor said. "It pushes you to go outside your comfort zone, make connections, and experience the music industry in a real way." For Taylor, this event is just one example of how the MELE program has prepared him for what lies ahead in the music industry. The event is on Dec. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and promises to be an exciting day for both music fans and those interested in giving back to the community. Whether you're a supporter of local music or a fan of animal welfare, there's something for everyone. You can click here to learn more about the program. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 And for Taylor, it’s an opportunity to put everything he’s learned into practice and contribute to something meaningful.