Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis - Ernie Cruz, Jr.
• Pineapple Tree – Honolulu
• Cyril Pahinui – Felton, San Francisco
• A Selection of Christmas Concerts – Hawai’i
• Waipuna - Honolulu
• 2010 on the mainland

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This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis our guest is Ernie Cruz, Jr. !

Ernie might be best known as one of the Kaʻau Crater Boys, a wildly popular duo that performed contemporary Hawaiian music with a bit of a traditional sound in the 1990s. The group (Ernie and Troy Fernandez) released four very well-received albums that won three Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards.

After the Kaʻau Crater Boys disbanded in the late 1990s, Ernie, who plays ‘ukulele and guitar, went on to perform with brother John Cruz and cousin Amy Hanaiali’i, among others, and he recorded several solo albums. His 2001 solo release, “Portraits,” which consisted of original songs delivered in his soulful vocal style, won the 2002 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards for Male Vocalist and Island Contemporary Album.


Ernie has continued to play with a variety of musicians, including Hawai’i’s own Jack Johnson, and Eddie Vedder (of Pearl Jam) at the 2007 Kokua Music Festival. He frequently performs with Adj Larioza (Kapala, Ho’omalie and more), and Todd Adamski, a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning artist with the group Nightwing. Both Adj and Todd will join Ernie on the Pakele Live! stage.

Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, December 10, from 6-8 p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). Although admission is free, your purchase of two drinks or soft drinks will help ensure the continuation of the Pakele Live! concert series. All ages are welcome, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

You may also watch live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/
Those in Japan can watch at: http://www.j-wave.co.jp/

You may email the show at pakele@lava.net – mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!

PLEASE NOTE: This will be our last show for 2009. Join us when we return on January 14, 2010 with a CD release party for Brittni Paiva!
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Jon Yamasato (Pure Heart), David Kamakahi and Darin Leong have formed a new group called Pineapple Tree. They’ll be playing this Friday (Dec. 11) from 6:30 – 9:30 on the lanai at Good to Grill in the Kapahulu Safeway shopping center. (Note: BYOB, or you can purchase drinks from Safeway.)


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Cyril Pahinui will start 2010 with two quick concert appearances in Northern California.

On January 1 he’ll be at Don Quixote’s in Felton (Santa Cruz area). Tickets are $14 advance/$16 door. Show time is 8:00 pm. (The concert will also include singer/songwriter Shakeh and percussionist Dwain Roque.)

On January 3 he will be at Yoshi’s San Francisco, with special guest Faith Ako. Tickets are $18 advance/$22 door. Showtime is 7 pm.
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A number of Hawaiian artists are holding Christmas concerts throughout the islands. Here’s a sampling:

Amy Hanaiali’i – Friends and Family Christmas
12/11 Kahilu Theater, Waimea (w/John Cruz, Eric Gilliom and Sean Na’auao). Tickets $30-$50. Call (808) 885-6868

12/12 Royal Hawaiian Theater, Waikiki (w/Eric Gilliom, Henry Kapono and Sean Na`auao). Tickets $30-$50. Call (808) 550-8457 or buy online.

12/18 Performing Arts Center, Kauai Community College, Puhi (w/Eric Gilliom, Kaumakaiwa Kanaka`ole and Sean Na`auao). Tickets $30-$50 at Scotty's Music, Borders Books, Kaua`i Music & Sound, Princeville Center music kiosk.

Leilani Rivera Bond, Larry Rivera and Michael Ruff
12/20 Kaua`i War Memorial Convention Hall, Lihue. 7pm. Call (808) 651-0682 or (808) 651-0864.

Na Leo
12/20, 12/22, 12/23 Hale Koa Hotel Lu`au Gardens, Waikiki. 7:30pm. Tickets $40-$100
call (808) 262-6300 or buy online.

Hapa
12/23 Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu. Reservations required 808-739-8888
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Join Waipuna (Kale Hannahs and Matt Sproat) as they celebrate the release of their debut album "Mana'o Pili" on Saturday December 12 at Halau Haumea (Center for Hawaiian Studies building) on the University of Hawaii Manoa campus. Special guests include Holunape, Kupaoa, Mailani Makainai, and Maunalua. The event is free, but parking is $4. Light pupus will be served.

(Pakele Live is hosting another CD release party for Waipuna on January 21st!)


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2010 will see a number of musicians from Hawai’i traveling to the mainland. Watch for appearances by Amy Hanaiali’i, Hapa, Willie K, Ledward Kaapana, Kupaoa, Herb Ohta, Jr., Jeff Peterson, Keali’i Reichel, Makaha Sons, and more!
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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis - Nā Palapalai CD Release Party
• Lōkahi Events – O’ahu
• Southern California Slack Key Festival – Redondo Beach
• Grammy Nominees
• Arizona Aloha Festival – Tempe
• Hawaiian Masters Holiday Concert – Big Island
• Toys for Tots Benefit Concert – Honolulu
• Honolulu City Lights events
• Willie K, Amy, Henry Kapono – Seattle
• Ledward Kaapana - California

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This week at Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we are hosting a CD release party for Nā Palapalai, in celebration of their new album Nanea. Special guests include Kama Hopkins, Paul Kim, and Shawn Ishimoto, with appearances by Uncle Bill Kaiwa and Mark Yamanaka, and a very special, one-time reunion appearance by the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning group ‘Ale’a (Ryan “Gonzo” Gonzales, Kale Hannahs, and Chad Takatsugi).

Nā Palapalai was formed in 1995 by Kehau Tamure and Kuana Torres Kahele in their hometown of Hilo, Hawai’i. Raised around traditional Hawaiian music, they polished their skills playing local shows and backyard pa’inas. As the band evolved, new talent joined and left the duo, including Wailau Ryder, Akoni Malacas and Keao Costa.

Valued for their original compositions and falsetto harmonies, the band brings a raw energy and enthusiasm to traditional Hawaiian music. Their albums have been nominated for and won countless Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, and their music is used by hula halaus worldwide.

PLEASE NOTE! We have some special things in store this week – including your chance to win a free trip to Las Vegas!

Join host Tony Solis for a special extended Pakele Live! this Thursday, December 3, from 6-9 p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). Although admission is free, your purchase of two drinks or soft drinks will help ensure the continuation of the Pakele Live! concert series. All ages are welcome, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

You may also watch live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/
Those in Japan can watch at: http://www.j-wave.co.jp/

You may email the show at pakele@lava.net – mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!
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Last week I mentioned that in past years there was plenty of entertainment held in conjunction with the Lōkahi drive here on O’ahu. Both Ala Moana Center (Honolulu) and Windward Mall (Kaneohe) will host Lōkahi events from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday December 5.

Windward Mall's Lōkahi drive entertainment lineup includes:

Mailani Makainai - 10:15 am to 11 am
Kahalu'u Elementary School ‘Ukulele Band - 11:15 am to 12 pm
LES Studio - 12:15 pm to 1 pm
Ron Loo and Friends - 1:15 pm to 2 pm
Paul Shimomoto & The Hawaiian Jazz Ensemble - 2:15 pm to 3 pm
Imua - 3:15 pm to 4 pm

Ala Moana Center’s lineup is as follows (in order of appearance):

Hawai’i Youth Chorus
Amy Hanaiali’i
Manoa DNA
John Cruz
Punahou Keiki Choir
Le Jardin ‘Ukulele Choir
Jeff Peterson

Your donations of cash, gift cards, or unwrapped gifts will help make this year’s Lōkahi drive a big success, and will brighten the holidays for those less fortunate!
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Just a reminder that tickets are going fast for the 3rd Annual Southern California Slack Key Festival, set for January 24 at the Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach (1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd). Performers include John Cruz, Ledward Kaapana, Makana, Cyril Pahinui, Jeff Peterson, and Jim Kimo West.



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The Grammy nominees have been announced! The nominees for Best Hawaiian Music Album are:

He Nani - Tia Carrere & Daniel Ho [Daniel Ho Creations]
Friends & Family Of Hawai`i - Amy Hanaiali`i [UA Records]
Nani Mau Loa: Everlasting Beauty - Ho`okena [Ho`omau Inc.]
Masters Of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Volume 2 – (Various Artists) Daniel Ho, George Kahumoku, Jr., Paul Konwiser & Wayne Wong, producers [Daniel Ho Creations]

There are only four nominees this year, rather than the usual five. According to Alan Yamamoto, Vice President of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts (NARAS – the Grammy organization), this could be due to a tie vote between more than two albums in the category. (FYI, Hawai’i is part of NARAS’ Pacific Northwest Chapter.) As I’ve mentioned in past years, for nominees where the album is a compilation (such as the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key album), the Grammy goes to the album’s producers rather than the individual artists.

Note: The Hawaiian category has been moved this year. Originally placed in the “Folk” field, it is now in the “American Roots” field (Field 13, Category 70).
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An early heads’ up for Arizona peeps – dates have been set for the 2010 Aloha Festival! It will be held at Tempe Town Lake Beach Park in Tempe on March 13 – 14 (10 am – 5 pm), and the theme will be "Celebration of Dance." The 2009 Aloha Festival attracted an estimated 150,000 visitors and brought together vendors, artists, and visitors from all over the country to celebrate the power of Aloha. The festival is free.

Note: Use the Arizona Aloha Festival Affiliate code of AMWEBAAF when booking your flights at www.HawaiianAir.com/Affiliate. Current Offer - Save 5% off of the lowest Internet fare!

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Each year the Kahumoku Ohana Hawaiian Music and Lifestyle Workshop (camp) ends with a concert by the teachers. This year the "Hawaiian Masters Holiday Concert" (to support the Boys & Girls Club of Ka`u) takes place December 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Pahala Community Center (Pahala is on Hawai’i island). Performers include Keoki Kahumoku, Herb Ohta, Jr., John Keawe, Sonny Lim, Dennis Kamakahi, Brittni Paiva, George Kahumoku, Jr., Moses Kahumoku, Konabob Stoffer, Kanani Hundley and Leilehua Yuen.



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Amy Hanaiali’i, Jake Shimabukuro, Anita Hall and Jim Nabors will be among those performing at the Na Mele o Na Keiki Toys for Tots concert at the Blaisdell Concert Hall on Wednesday, December 9 at 7 pm. Free tickets are available at the box office now (limit 4), but guests are encouraged to make a donation to support the Toys for Tots Foundation.



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Honolulu City Lights is celebrating its 25th year with a series of free events at Honolulu Hale December 5-19. Included is the tree lighting, as well as concerts, keiki rides, food booths. Concerts include Maunalua, Amy Hanaiali‘i, the DeLima Ohana and Touch of Gold (Dec. 5), Robi Kahakalau and Special Guests (Dec. 12), and Brother Noland (Dec. 19). For a complete schedule of events, visit the Honolulu City Lights website.

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Seattle peeps! Hawaiian music is coming your way next month! The Triple Door will host Willie K on January 10, Amy Hanaiali’i on January 18, and Henry Kapono and the Wild Hawaiian Band on January 26. Click on the event in the calendar to purchase tickets.

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Ledward Kaapana is heading back to California next month. Here are the dates and cities on his tour:

January 16 – Grass Valley (Center for the Arts)
January 17 – Redwood City (Little Fox)
January 20 – Felton (Don Quixote’s)
January 21 – Berkeley (Freight and Salvage)
January 22 – Nicasio (Rancho Nicasio)
January 23 – Winters (the Palms)
January 24 – Redondo Beach (So. Cal Slack Key Festival)
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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• Island Breeze Band – Aptos, CA
• Free holiday concerts – O’ahu
• Rell Sunn Aloha Jam – O’ahu
• Faith Ako in concert – Sacramento, Whittier, Santa Rosa, CA
• Darlene Ahuna and Daniel Ho – Grass Valley, CA
• Bill Tapia – Los Angeles
• Pūlama – Berkeley
• Ho’okena & Maila Gibson – Whittier
• Additional Guests for Mike Keale/Timmy Kukia Hunt concert – Felton, CA
• Stephen Espaniola – Gardena and Torrance, CA
• Kauai Music Festival, 2010 – Lihue
• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – who would you like to see?
• Submitting items for this newsletter

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The Island Breeze Band will be playing its brand of Hawaiian & Rock’n, Tropical, Surf Music from 8 pm until midnight on Saturday Nov. 28 at Severino’s Bar & Grill in Aptos, CA (7500 Old Dominion Ct.) There is no cover charge. For info call (831) 688-8987.
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‘Tis the season for free concerts on O’ahu, especially at the malls! Amy Hanaiali’i performed in concert last night at Windward Mall, Maoli is at Windward Mall today from 1-2pm and Sean Na’auao is at Kahala Mall from 2-3pm, and Hapa will perform tomorrow (Sunday 11/29) from 1-2pm at Windward Mall. There will be other concerts at the malls throughout December. (Last year as part of the annual Lōkahi Giving Project drives, there were day-long concerts at both Ala Moana Center and Windward Mall…)
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The Rell Sunn Aloha Jam takes place Sunday November 29 on the grounds at Waimea Valley (59-864 Kamehameha Hwy., Hale`iwa). Doors open at 6 pm. And the show is from 7 to 11 pm. Entertainers include: Henry Kapono, Kaukahi, Paula Fuga, Rob Machado, Jake Shimabukuro, Cyril Pahinui, and many other special guests.

There will be opportunity drawings, and silent and live auction items. The Jam is a benefit for the Rell Sunn Educational Fund and the Bronze Memorial Statue.

VIP Seating is sold out, but General Admission (tent) tickets are $25 and are available here.
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Faith Ako will be in concert at several California locations in December:

Dec. 4 - A free concert and signing at Borders Sacramento (2339 Fair Oaks Blvd). 7 pm in the café.

Dec. 11 – A special “Hana Hou” series concert at the Shannon Center at Whittier College concert. 8pm, Tickets are $20.

Dec. 12 - "A Hawaiian Evening of Christmas with Faith Ako" at the Harry Merlo Theater in the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa (50 Mark West Springs Road). 7:30pm, tickets are $22.
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Darlene Ahuna and Daniel Ho will perform at the 5th annual Holiday Concert "Me Ke Aloha...With Love," presented by Ka Hale Hula o Pilialohaokalani o Hilo at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Grass Valley, CA (255 South Auburn St.) on Saturday, December 5 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $15 advance/$20 door and are available at the Briar Patch in Grass Valley, Yabobo in Nevada City or by calling (530) 478-1407. Children under five get in free. Doors open at 6pm.

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Uncle Bill Tapia is turning 102 years old! To celebrate, there will be a lu’au and concert from noon to 4pm on December 5 at Stevens Steak House in Los Angeles (City of Commerce). Bill remains an active musician, teacher, and entertainer, even traveling to Japan earlier this year, so don’t miss this chance to honor him and celebrate his 102 years.

Tickets are $48 each and are personally signed by Bill. You may mail a check to:
Bill Tapia
15831 Norwich Circle
Westminster, CA 92683
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Hawaiian music duo Pūlama will celebrate the release of their debut CD, “The Song Within the Song” with a concert at 8pm on December 12 at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists (1924 Cedar St, Berkeley). There will be music, hula, goodies and special guests.

Tickets are $10 and are available at Brown Paper Tickets.

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Ho’okena (with special guest Maila Gibson) will perform December 12 at the next installment of the Aloha Series at Whittier College. Tickets are $40; show times are 3pm and 8pm.
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I previously mentioned that Mike Keale and Timmy Kukia Hunt will play a concert at 7:30pm on Dec. 16 at Don Quixote’s in Felton (Santa Cruz area), but I wanted to let you know that also playing will be Vern Fernandez, Stan Meidinger and Patti Maxine.

For those unfamiliar with their names, Vern, as part of Huna Wai, has opened for and shared the stage with a number of legends in Hawaiian music, including: Eddie Kamae, Makaha Sons, Darlene Ahuna, the Lim Family, Ledward Kaapana, Dennis Kamakahi, Gary Haleamau, Uncle Richard Ho'opi'i, Uluwehi Guerrero, Aunty Genoa Keawe, the Brothers Cazimero, Natalie Ai Kamauu, Hoku Zuttermeister, Ohta-San, Herb Ohta, Jr., and Keoki Kahumoku - to name a few.

Stan and Patti are both members of the Island Breeze Band, and are a big part of the vibrant music scene in the Santa Cruz area. Patti in particular is known well beyond Santa Cruz for her expertise on steel guitar.

(Mahalo nui loa to Kaukini Norm of KAPU fm for the additional info!)

Tickets for this concert are only $10. Don Quixote’s takes cash only for ticket sales, and seating is first come, first serve. (Get there one hour early for good seats!)
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So. Cal peeps - Hawai’i Music Award winner Steven Espaniola is finally coming your way again, and this time he’s bringing friends! Joining him on January 16 for an evening of Hawaiian music at Happa Restaurant (1641 W. Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena) will be Bobby Santos (percussion), Kawika Loo (bass), Brian Hill (guitar), & from One Groove, the ki ho'alu artistry of Kris Kanoho. (There may even be a few surprise guests!)

The concert is from 7-10 pm but the doors open at 5pm, so go early for drinks and ono Japanese/Hawaiian cuisine. Tickets are $20 and are available online. (SEATING IS VERY LIMITED, so get your tickets early.)

In addition to the concert, Steven will be teaching an ‘ukulele workshop the following day (Jan. 17) from 9:30-11 am at Island Legends (2120 W. Artesia Blvd., Torrance). The workshop is geared towards beginning to intermediate level students, and will focus on various "Hawaiian" strumming and rhythm techniques. Steven will cover a broad range of strums that emphasize the beauty & complexity of traditional Hawaiian rhythm patterns. He covers all of the strums used on his CD "Ho'omaka."

The workshop is $20. You may register at the same link as above (the page contains one link for concert tickets and one for the workshop).
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The dates for the 2010 Kauai Music Festival (KMF) have been set: Weds. July 28 – Sat. July 31, 2010. The venue will again be the Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue. The KMF website has been updated (as much as possible) with the dates, preliminary schedule, and other information. KMF will begin announcing the 2010 staff in early 2010.

In the meantime, please consider signing up now! If enough people sign up early, KMF can plan to bring even more high-quality staff to the event than in prior years. You can sign-up here.

Because of continued funding from the County of Kauai and the sponsors (BMI and the Kauai Beach Resort), the cost will remain the same as last year - $125 for the Festival only or $150 for the Festival + Concerts. (FYI, almost everyone signs up for the Festival + Concerts... don't be left out!)

For more information and to register for the KMF Songwriters' Conference, visit the KMF website.
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We are currently booking musicians for Pakele Live! with Tony Solis for 2010, and we’re wondering – who would you like to see on the show? We can’t guarantee that we will book everyone you request, but we’d like to hear from you! Please email me at lynn@pakelelive.com, and keep in mind the show’s general format of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music.

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And finally… I encourage you to continue sending me information about your Hawaiian events (lu’au, concerts, ho’ike, paddling, CD releases, etc!), but I do have a request: PLEEEZE don't send me PDF files! Print media don’t accept them (if it’s something I’m going to do a press release on), and they’re very difficult to work with second hand. A word file is preferable, especially since I often need to edit for length. (People tend to have very short attention spans, especially when reading something online.) Also, photos in jpeg format are easiest – I have to convert bmp files to jpeg - and PDF files are often unusable.

Send your event info to me at: mkaloha@gmail.com Mahalo nui loa!
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Pau for now – and a quick reminder: events are sometimes changed or cancelled, so please be sure to check in advance, especially if you’re traveling some distance to attend something!

E malama pono a hui hou!

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Iolani and Natalie Ai Kamauu CD release party
• Academy of Hawaiian Arts “Waikiki” - Hayward
• Makaha Sons – Portland
• Makaha Sons and Willie K – Castro Valley
• Eric Lee – Fullerton
• Weldon Kekauoha, Raiatea Helm, Pomai Keawe-Lyman, Makahiki Maoli Festival – Waikiki
• Seattle Slack Key Festival
• Na Hoku O Hawaii Music Festival - Waikiki

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Iolani and Natalie Ai Kamauu celebrate the release of their new Christmas album “love & peace and unity” at this week’s Pakele Live! with Tony Solis show. Special guests include the multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning group Maunalua, plus Musical Truth, and appearances by Aaron Sala and Bryan Tolentino.

Nat has made multiple appearances on the Pakele stage. A former Miss Aloha Hula, she is also a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, including 2009’s Female Vocalist of the Year award. “love & peace and unity” is her first Christmas album, done jointly with husband Iolani (“EO”) and featuring guest appearances by Chad Ai, Anita Hall, Stephen Jones, Casey Olsen, Aaron J. Sala, Bryan Sanchez and Bryan Tolentino.

Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, November 19, from 6-8 p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). (Come early for best seating – it’s always crowded when Nat and EO perform!) Although admission is free, your purchase of two drinks or soft drinks will help ensure the continuation of the Pakele Live! concert series. All ages are welcome, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

You may also watch live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/Those in Japan can watch at: http://www.j-wave.co.jp/

You may email the show at pakele@lava.net – mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!
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The Academy of Hawaiian Arts and MKH Productions present "Waikiki" at 8 pm on Saturday, November 21 at Chabot College Performing Arts Center in Hayward, CA. “Waikiki" debuts a new, original work by renowned kumu hula Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu and the award-winning dancers of the Academy of Hawaiian Arts in Oakland. Focusing on the celebrated location, Waikiki, from impressions of life before Western contact to its “Golden Age,” this modern interpretation of Hawaiian dance promises to educate, entertain and inspire. Charles Ka’upu will also appear. There were still a few seats available as of Sunday. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets.
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The Makaha Sons play the Aladdin Theater in Portland, OR November 19 at 8 pm. Click here for information and tickets.
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Willie K will join the Makaha Sons in concert at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts in Castro Valley, CA on November 21 at 6 pm. Call (510) 889-8961 for tickets.




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Eric Lee, formerly with the Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning group Na Kama, will perform in a Holiday Concert with Halau Na Pua Lehua I Ka Ua Noe at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton, CA on November 21. There will be special guest performances by Halau Hula Lani Ola (Puanani Jung, Kumu Hula) and Halau Hula Nalei 'O Liana (Liana Iona, Kumu Hula). There will be food, vendors, and a raffle. Kamaka Brown will MC - enjoy his opening performance at 5:30 pm. The vendor booths open at 3:00 pm, doors open at 5:00 pm. Click here for tickets.
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Weldon Kekauoha, Raiatea Helm, and Pomai Keawe-Lyman are among the performers playing at the 2009 Makahiki Maoli Festival on Sunday Nov. 22 at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand. There will also be games, exhibits, arts and crafts, hula, food and more. 10am to 3 pm, free.



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Tickets are still available for the first annual Seattle Slack Key Festival on November 22 at the Town Hall Theater. Performers include Cyril Pahinui, Makana, Sonny Lim, Kunia Galdeira, Dennis Kamakahi, David Kamakahi, Donald Kaulia and Jeff Peterson.

There will also be workshops on November 21, including slack key workshops taught by Cyril Pahinui, Sonny Lim, and Dennis Kamakahi, and ‘ukulele workshops taught by Cyril Pahinui and Kunia Galdeira.

Information and tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets.
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The Hawai’i Tourism Authority has announced the creation of the Na Hoku O Hawaii Music Festival. The festival is set to debut May 26-30, 2010, in conjunction with the annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. The key objective is to capitalize on the connectivity Hawaiian music has around the world, and to help stimulate travel to Hawaii. Approximately 3,000 to 5,000 visitors are expected to participate in workshops and seminars and experience Hawaiian music at stages throughout Waikiki.
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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter (kala mai – I couldn’t find much happening on the mainland that I haven't alrready told you about!):

• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis - Gordon Frietas and Local Folk
• Mike Keale with Kalae Miles and Timmy Kukia Hunt – Santa Cruz, San Jose, Felton
• Willie K on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis (TV version) – watch to win prizes!
• Hawaiian Air special rates
• Steven Espaniola and Kawika Alfiche – Stanford
• Cyril Pahinui – Newark, CA
• Pure Talent – Kailua-Kona
• Uluwehi Guerrero, Raiatea, Kawaikapu Hewett and the Lim family – Honolulu (FREE)
• Brian Evans with William Shatner, Roseanne Barr, Joan Rivers – Maui
• Dennis Kamakahi and friends – Honolulu
• Kokua for the Pacific benefit concert – Honolulu
• Kani Ka Pila – Waimea Valley, O’ahu
• Herb Ohta, Jr. request

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This week’s guest on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis is Gordon Frietas and Local Folk.

A singer-songwriter/musician, multiple Hawai‘i Music Award winner and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominee, Gordon weaves the lyrics he writes about life in Hawai’i into songs that tell instantly-recognizable stories to those who live here, and that paint illustrative portraits of life in these islands for those who don’t. In his words, "I wrote these songs so folks who came to the islands could learn a little bit about our local people and the events and things that touch our lives."

In addition to his songwriting skills, he plays steel and acoustic guitar, ‘ukulele, harmonica, mandolin, dobro… and probably more. :) His music helps perpetuate the Aloha spirit and reflects his love for his island home, its culture, and its people. Joining him on the Pakele Live! stage will be Ric Gonzalez, Pete Moe and Lisa Gomes on fiddle.

Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, November 12, from 6-8 p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). Although admission is free, your purchase of two drinks or soft drinks will help ensure the continuation of the Pakele Live! concert series. All ages are welcome, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

You may also watch live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/
Those in Japan can watch at: http://www.j-wave.co.jp/

You may email the show at pakele@lava.net – mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!
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Mike Keale and Kalae Miles will play at Aloha Island Grille in Santa Cruz on Thursday (11/12) and at Hukilau in San Jose on Nov. 20. In addition, Mike and Bruddah Timmy from Aloha Island Grille will play a concert at Don Quixote’s in Felton on Dec. 16. Tickets for that one are only $10!

For those new to this newsletter or unfamiliar with Mike, he’s the nephew of Uncle Moe Keale, first cousin to Bruddah Iz (Israel Kamakawiwo’ole), and a musician in his own right. He moved to California earlier this year, and is working on his debut album. Visit his website at http://www.mikeale.com/ (Note: as of this writing, his calendar hadn’t been updated in awhile!)
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Uncle Willie K is the featured artist this week on the TV version of Pakele Live! with Tony Solis. The show begins airing tonight at 7 pm HST on OC16 TV and will continue to air for one week at various times. We have something special for you this week! Watch for the special “Q and A” segment and then listen to Billy V on Hawaiian 105 KINE Thursday morning (around 8:20 am) to be eligible to win prizes! You can watch all OC16 programming online.
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Hawaiian Air has announced special low fares ($169 or less each way, plus tax) from San Jose or Sacramento to Hawai’i. Read more at one of my favorite Hawai’i travel sites – Beat of Hawai’i. They also have info about the best fares from other cities. (Subscribe to their newsletter to receive timely updates and great inside info!)

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Steven Espaniola will play a free, one hour, acoustic concert at 12:30 pm, November 13 in the atrium at Stanford Hospital. He will be joined by his cousin, Kumu Hula Kawika Alfiche, and members of Kumu’s halau Hālau o Keikiali'i.


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Cyril Pahinui will perform November 14 at the Newark Pavilion in Newark, CA at a benefit concert for the Kapalakiko Newsletter. Also featured will be hula by Patrick Makuakāne and his Hālau Nā Lei Hula I Ka Wēkiu. Tickets are $40. Click here for more info.
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The LEAD Center (in the former Hualalai Theater 75-170 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua Kona) is proud to present the band Pure Talent for one night only. November 14th at 7pm. Tickets are $10 advance/$15 door.

The LEAD Center is a multi-generational community center that will offer a wide variety of services to the community. They’ve just opened their doors, and plan to hold concerts and plays out of the main theater at least once every two weeks. It is Kailua Kona's only full scale performance theater. For more information on the center or tickets, call (808) 896-5003.


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Uluwehi Guerrero, Raiatea, Kawaikapu Hewett and the Lim family will be at the Ala Moana Center (center stage) on November 14 at 1pm as part of Ka Hula. And it’s FREE!
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Las Vegas crooner Brian Evans is wasting no time jumping into the entertainment scene in Hawai’i as a part-time resident of Maui. Brian is partnering with the Hard Rock Café to bring in friends from the entertainment industry for a star-studded celebrity series, kicking off on December 18th with a show featuring William Shatner and continuing with Roseanne Barr on January 15-16 and Joan Rivers on January 22nd.

Tickets are on sale now at the Hard Rock Café Maui and at http://www.groovetickets.com/. A “bites menu” and full bar will be available. This show is general admission with a portion of the proceeds going to World Hunger/Serve. For more information call the Hard Rock Café Maui at (808) 667-7400 or visit http://www.hardrock.com/.
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Dennis Kamakahi and friends (Danny Carvalho, Bobby Ingano, David Kamakahi and Aaron Mahi) will perform in concert November 14 at 7:30 pm in the Doris Duke Theater at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Tickets are $30/$25 Academy members, and are available here, or by calling (808) 532-8700.
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There will be a huge lineup of stars at the “Kokua for the Pacific” benefit concert on Sunday November 15 at Aloha Tower Marketplace in Honolulu, from 1-5pm. It will also be broadcast KSSK radio and on TV on KITV, K-5, KGMB, and OC16.

Performers include: Amy Hanaiali'i, Sean Na'auao, Charles Michael Brotman, Henry Kapono, Ilona Irvine, John Cruz, Lorna Lim, Makana, Micah G, Mike Kaawa, Robi Kahakalau, Rebel Souljahz, Ten Feet, Danny Kalekini, Carole Kai, Jimmy Borges, and Brother Noland. All proceeds from concert tickets go to disaster relief efforts in American Samoa, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Tickets are only $5, children under 12 free. Click here for more information!
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The monthly kani ka pila (traditional Hawaiian music jam session!) hosted by the Abrigo Ohana takes place Sunday November 15 from 1-4 pm (sound check at noon) in the Pikake Pavilion at the beautiful Waimea Valley on O’ahu. Admission to the grounds is free, and food is available for purchase. (No outside food or beverages, please!) Bring your instruments or just come listen – all ages and skill levels are welcome!

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Herb Ohta, Jr. will be celebrating his 20th anniversary in the recording industry next year (no, really - 20 years!), and he’s looking for input from his fans as to what to include on a celebration album. He’s considering a “best of” type of recording, along with new material. Here are the questions he’s posing:

1. What songs that I have already recorded should I include in the recording?
2. What songs would everyone want me to record?
3. Should I do a whole brand new CD with new material with originals and some cover tunes?
4. Should I record an “all solo” recording? (Just ‘ukulele)

(My vote? As I said to Herb, “VOCALS, VOCALS, VOCALS!” I know many of you love his vocals as much as I do, and unfortunately they’re few and far between…)

You can email Herb’s web administrator at info@herbohtajr.com with your ideas, and they’ll be forwarded to him.
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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Stephen Inglis
• Willie K – Santa Cruz
• Mel Cabang – Waianae
• Kona Coffee Cultural Festival – Kona
• Uluwehi Guerrero, Raiatea Helm, Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, the Lim Family – Waikiki
• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis (TV version) – Ledward Kaapana and Mike Kaawa

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This week’s guest on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis is slack key guitarist Stephen Inglis, with special guest Kenneth Makuakane.

Although he began playing piano at age 5, Stephen switched to guitar as a teenager. He played with a number of local bands, as well as with the Grateful Dead's Bill Kreutzmann. He lived in California’s Bay Area for a time, but ultimately returned home to Hawai’i, where he began studying with slack key master Ozzie Kotani. Under Ozzie's guidance, Stephen quickly gained recognition in Hawai'i as a strong talent in the traditional style, performing locally and nationally as a solo artist while also performing with Ozzie, Makana, and other Honolulu artists.

Now deeply rooted back in Hawai’i and the slack key tradition, Stephen's most recent album is “Mahina O Waialae" (2007). He is currently working on a live album, and plans to release another studio album in 2010. In the mean time, he has teamed with pianist Shawn Livingston Moseley on the slack key/piano duet album “S&S, Na Po Makole” (2008), was part of the 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano winning album “Hawaiian Slack key Kings Vol. 2,” and played acoustic and electric guitar on the latest album “The White Bathtub” by 12 time Na Hoku award winner Kenneth Makuakane. (Kenneth will be producing and playing on Stephen’s upcoming fourth album in 2010.)

Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, November 5, from 6-8 p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). Although admission is free, your purchase of two drinks or soft drinks will help ensure the continuation of the Pakele Live! concert series. All ages are welcome, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

You may also watch live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/Those in Japan can watch at: http://www.j-wave.co.jp/

PLEASE NOTE!!! If you live outside Hawai’i and watch Pakele Live on the livestream, remember that Hawai’i does not participate in Daylight Saving – so the show will be on earlier for those who live on the mainland. For example, if you live in California the show will begin at 8 pm your time rather than 9 pm. (*Deafening cheers from regular viewers in New York, Chicago…*)

You may email the show at pakele@lava.net – mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!
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Last minute concert booking! Uncle Willie K returns to Santa Cruz with a performance at Kuumbwa Jazz Center (320-2 Cedar St) on Monday, Nov. 23 at 7pm (doors open at 6pm). Tickets are $20, and are available in advance at Aloha Island Grille (1700 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, 831-479-3299). Get your tickets early – most of Willie’s recent CA appearances have sold out. (Note: this is such a new booking it hasn’t yet been posted to the Kuumbwa website. Mahalo nui to Kaukini Norm at KAPU for the heads’ up!)

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Comedian Mel Cabang will bring his “I GOING BROKE YOUR EAR" comedy show (with special guest Darren Benitez) to the Pilila’au Army Rec. Center (85-010 Army St, Waianae, O’ahu) on Saturday November 7 at 7pm. Tickets are $10.
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The 39th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival takes place in Kona November 6-15. Click here for a schedule of events.




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Uluwehi Guerrero, Raiatea Helm, Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, the Lim Family, and more will perform at “KA HULA 2009 in Hawai`i,” on November 15 in the Monarch Room at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The show starts at 5pm. Tickets are $95. Call (808) 258-5297 for info. (Kala mai - I’d provide more info, but the website is in Japanese and Google translator didn’t work!)

NOTE: This event was originally scheduled to take place at the Hawai’i Convention Center. My information is that it has been moved to the Monarch Room, but please call the number above to verify!)
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Ledward Kaapana and Mike Kaawa are the featured artists this week on the TV version of Pakele Live! with Tony Solis. The show began airing tonight on OC16 TV and will continue to air for one week at various times. You can watch all OC16 programming online.


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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Rodney Arias, Jr.
• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis (TV) – compilation show
• Steven Espaniola – San Francisco
• Ledward Kaapana – Waikiki
• Herb Ohta, Jr. – Waikiki
• Keola Beamer – Saratoga, CA
• Ia 'Oe E Ka La Hula Festival – Pleasanton
• Jason Poole – Chicago
• Uncle George Naope

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This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis our guest is Rodney Arias, Jr., of the Paradise Serenaders. Join us Thursday Oct. 29 from 6-8 pm HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr. Honolulu) or watch live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/Those in Japan can watch at: http://www.j-wave.co.jp/
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This week's episode of Pakele Live! with Tony Solis on OC16 TV is a compilation show featuring O'Brian Eselu, Na Palapalai, Ledward Kaapana & Cyril Pahinui, Jeff Rasmussen, One Right Turn, and Pali. It started tonight and will air for one week (check listings for days/times). The show began airing tonight on OC16 TV and will continue to air for one week at various times. You can watch all OC16 programming online.
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Steven Espaniola (& friends) will be at the Sundance Kitchen in San Francisco (1865 Post St., between Fillmore St & Webster St) Friday, October 30 from 9:00pm till midnight.





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Ledward Kaapana will be at the Kani Ka Pila Grille in the Outrigger Reef (Waikiki) Saturday (Halloween) from 6-9 pm. If you’re going, get there early - he played there last Saturday, and the place was packed! No cover/no minimum.

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Herb Ohta, Jr. will perform at the weekly Waikiki Beach Walk Sunday Showcase music series on November 1 from 4-5 pm. Please note that this is an hour earlier than normal! The Sunday concerts on November 1, 8, 22 and 29 will all begin an hour early (at 4 pm), and will be followed by JAL Hula Week concert performances at 5 p.m.

(Herb will also play Beach Walk the following week, November 8, but as part of Jennifer Perri’s "back up" band.)

Valet parking for up to four hours is available for $6 at the Embassy Suites - Waikiki Beach Walk (201 Beachwalk) and the Wyndham Waikiki Beach Walk (227 Lewers Street), with any same-day purchase from any Waikiki Beach Walk merchant.

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Keola Beamer will play the Carriage House Theater at Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga Sunday Nov. 1 at 7:30. Click here for information and tickets.
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The Kumu Hula Association of Northern California presents the 29th annual Ia 'Oe E Ka La Hula Festival November 6-8 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds (4501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton, CA). (Click here for tickets.)

There will be 17 halau (hula schools) participating, primarily from Hawai’i and California, as well as food vendors and arts and crafts. This year’s judges will be Aunty Mapu Yasue, Kunewa Mook, Charles Kaupu, and Patrick Makuakane, and Puakea Nogelmeier for 'Olelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language).

The San Ramon Marriott is offering a special rate of $79.00. Call (800) 228-9290 and ask for the Kumu Hula Association of Northern California rate, or go to the Marriott website and use group code: kumkuma

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Jason Poole will give a performance of Hawaiian music and stories on November 6 at 7:30 pm at the Zen Community of Chicago (163 N. Humphrey Ave., Oak Park, 1 block west of Austin Blvd. and ½ block north of Lake St.). Tickets are $10/$5 for children under 12.

He will also be available Nov. 5 - 8 for private lessons in ‘ukulele and Hawaiian song ($40/hour). Group classes will be held Nov. 7 from 3 to 5 pm and Nov. 8 from 2 to 4 pm ($20/person). All ages welcome.

Call (708) 445-1651 for appointments, group classes and performance reservations. Limited seating.

Click here for more information.

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Uncle George Naope, co-founder of Merrie Monarch (the premiere hula festival) succumbed to cancer in his Hilo home Monday at the age of 81. He will be greatly missed for his extensive contributions to Hawaiian culture, his sense of humor, and his wonderful style (it was never difficult to pick Uncle George out of a crowd!). Here are a couple of videos that I love – a little something to remember him. I hope they make you smile as they did me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiEzIbNf90A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWIxo6Mwvsc

(Photo by Tim Wright)


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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!

Links are fixed!

Aloha kakou,
Kala mai (sorry) - I just discovered that when I published yesterday's newsletter, the blog program inserted extraneous code that prevented any of the links from working. I removed the code, so all links in that newsletter should be functioning now... (Those who subscribe via email will need to go directly to the blog site at http://hawaiianevents.blogspot.com/ in order to access functioning links.)

In spot checking other (past) editions of the newsletter, it appears that the blog program inserted the same extraneous code in some of them as well. I apologize for any inconvenience that's caused - I'll see if I can find out what the problem is. In the mean time, if you have problems with a link in any of these newsletters, please let me know!

A hui hou, and Happy Aloha Friday!

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Lorna Lim CD Release Party
• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis (TV) – Jennifer Perri
• Green Aloha Concert – Waikiki
• Makana – Seattle
• Andy Bumatai and Na Leo Pumehana – near Sacramento
• Eric Lee CD Release Party – Honolulu
• Crafts Fair – Pupukea (O’ahu)
• Kupaoa – Santa Cruz, Sacramento
• Amy Hanaiali’i, Afatia Thompson & Jeff Peterson – Nashville
• Keola Beamer and Raiatea Helm – Cerritos, CA
• CDs I carry – new shipments have arrived!

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This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we’re hosting a CD release party for Lorna Lim, who is celebrating her long-awaited second solo album Polinahe.

Born and raised on the Big Island and a member of the award-winning family musical group known throughout Hawai’i simply as 'the Lim Family,' Lorna began playing music at an early age with her siblings and parents. Her sister Nani is one of Hawai’i's most renowned hula teachers, and her Grammy-nominated brother, Sonny, is one of Hawai’i's top slack key guitar players. Lorna’s beautiful voice, her deep knowledge of hula, and her connection to the Big Island's music tradition place her among Hawai’i’s living treasures. She recorded Polinahe for hula dancers in a style that reflects her personal musical tradition. The translation of the title - poli, meaning from the heart, and nahe, meaning sweet and pure - sums up Lorna's musical style and the beautiful quality of her voice.

Also appearing will be former Pakele Live! guests Ke Kauoha the Jazz Project (with Ioane Burns, Kapono Na’ili’ili and Halehaku Seabury and comedian Rodney Villanueva, known as “Hawai’i’s Funniest MC.” Rodney has performed at thousands of weddings and other events, as well as in TV commercials and on television and radio programs. There will also be hula, and possibly some surprise guest appearances by... well you'll just have to come down or watch online to find out!

Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, October 22, from 6-8 p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). Although admission is free, your purchase of two drinks or soft drinks will help ensure the continuation of the Pakele Live! concert series. All ages are welcome, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

You may also watch live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/Those in Japan can watch at: http://www.j-wave.co.jp/
You may email the show at pakele@lava.net – mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!

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Jennifer Perri is the featured artist this week on the TV version of Pakele Live! with Tony Solis. The show began airing last night on OC16 TV and will continue to air for one week at various times. You can watch all OC16 programming online.

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Henry Kapono and the City & County of Honolulu present the Green Aloha concert at 5:30 pm October 23rd in Waikiki. Performers include Henry, Amy Hanaiali’i, Robi Kahakalau, Jasmine Trias, and more !

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Seattle area peeps! Saturday Oct. 24 is the last day of the free concerts with performers from Hawai’i at the Musicquarium at Triple Door (216 Union Street). The special guest will be slack key phenom Makana, who was voted one of the top three guitar players in America by Guitar Player magazine. Show starts at 5 pm.
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Andy Bumatai and Na Leo will perform at Cache Creek Casino near Sacramento October 24 at 8 pm (21 and over only). Tickets are $49-$69.

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Eric Lee will be having another CD release party for his "Crossroads" CD on October 25 from 5:30 – 9pm at Gordon Biersch Brewery/Restaurant in Aloha Tower Marketplace (Honolulu). The special guests will be Keali’i Reichel, Natalie Ai Kamauu, Maunalua, Manoa Madness, Miss Aloha Hula 2009, and possibly Starr Kalahiki. (Buy a CD at the party to receive a ticket good for prize drawings throughout the night.)

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There will be a “Christmas in the Country” crafts fair Saturday October 24, 9am - 4pm at 59-786 Kanalani Place, Pupukea (O’ahu). Pick up some unique holiday gifts!
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Just a reminder that the Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning duo Kupaoa will be in concert Weds. Oct. 28 at Bocci’s Cellar in Santa Cruz (140 Encinal St). Showtime is 7:30pm. Tickets are $12 advance/$15 door and are available at Aloha Island Grille. They will also play a free in-store concert at Borders Sacramento (2339 Fair Oaks Blvd) on Friday Oct. 30 at 7 pm. Don’t miss your chance to see this talented pair!

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Amy Hanaiali’i, Afatia Thompson and Jeff Peterson will perform with the Nashville Symphony, under the direction of Matt Catingub, October 29-31 at the Laura Turner Concert Hall. Click here for tickets and information.
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Keola Beamer and Raiatea Helm (with hula by Moana Beamer) will be in concert October 31 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (12700 Center Court Dr., Cerritos, CA). Tickets are $26-$50.
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For those who’ve contacted me about purchasing CDs through my e-store, I’ve received shipments of over two dozen titles over the past week, with more to come. I’m slowly getting them posted online, but if you have questions about a particular CD that you don’t yet see there, let me know! I may or may not have it, and I may or may not plan to carry it – but I’ll do my best to help you or direct you to another source. (And yes, I do have Keale’s new CD in stock – but there are only two left! However, I’ll be getting more from him next week… you can still place an order for that or almost any other CD I carry, and I will ship it as soon as the backorder arrives.)
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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis - Peter Apo and the Rainbow Nation Band
• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis (TV) – Don Kaulia and LT Smooth
• Keoki Kahumoku – CA
• Kalapana – Los Angeles
• ‘Ukulele Festival - Maui
• Wings for Shriners Concert – Honolulu
• John Cruz – Hawaii
• Jerry Santos – San Francisco
• Ladies of Mehana, Makaha Sons and Kalae Miles – Watsonville, CA
• Kupaoa – San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Sacramento
• Maunalua - Seattle
• Lu’au and Faith Ako – Santa Rosa, CA
• Sampling of events in Hawai’i

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This week’s guests on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis are Peter Apo and the Rainbow Nation Band (Zanuck Lindsey, Shawn Ishimoto, Dan Del Negro, Dean Taba, and Adj Larioza).

Born and raised in Hawai’i, Peter moved to Oregon for college in the 1960’s, where, influenced by the folk music of the era, he joined a band called the Travelers Three. They recorded four albums with Capitol and Elektra Records and toured the country for eight years. In 1975 he left the 60’s lifestyle behind and returned to Hawai’i, where he set out to pursue the answers to the question, “What does it mean to be a Hawaiian?” His search led him to a new appreciation of his ancestry and his ancestral home.

He became a Hawaiian activist, a trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee, a state legislator (12 years), the Director of Culture and Arts for the City & County of Honolulu, a Special Assistant on Hawaiian Affairs to the Governor, the Director of Waikiki Development for the City & County of Honolulu and, after “retirement,” the Director of Culture and Education for the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association.

However, busy as he was, he didn’t abandon music along the way. He has recorded several more albums, including one with multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Del Beasley. His most recent release was 2008’s “’Aina.”

Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, October 15, from 6-8 p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). Although admission is free, your purchase of two drinks or soft drinks will help ensure the continuation of the Pakele Live! concert series. All ages are welcome, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

You may also watch live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/
Those in Japan can watch at: http://www.j-wave.co.jp/

You may email the show at pakele@lava.net – mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!
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Don Kaulia and LT Smooth are the featured artists for the next week on the TV version of Pakele Live! with Tony Solis. The show begins airing tonight at 7 pm HST on OC16 TV and will air for one week at various times. You can watch all OC16 programming online.
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Several California dates have been added to Keoki Kahumoku’s mainland tour this week. For information about that and his annual Big Island “Kahumoku Ohana Lifestyle and Music Cultural Workshop” (Nov. 27 – Dec. 5), go the calendar on Susie Kagami’s "Hawai’i Music Live" website.
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I previously mentioned the 35th anniversary concert Hawai’i music legends Kalapana will be playing in Los Angeles on December 5 (with Augie T, Cyril Pahinui, Ten Feet, and more). Tickets are now on sale, and I’ve just received word that if you purchase your tickets using the code KALAKOA, you'll be entered to win a pair of tickets to the 2010 Southern California Slack Key Festival – a $90 value. (If you've already purchased your Slack Key Festival tickets, you’ll be eligible to win the equivalent value of merchandise at the new Turtle Beach store in Gardena.) This contest ends soon – the winner will be chosen October 31st. Click here to purchase your Kalapana tickets.
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The Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) celebrates the 4th Annual Maui ‘Ukulele Festival (produced by Roy Sakuma) on Sunday, October 18 from 1 to 6 pm at the Events Lawn. Admission is free, gates open at 12:30 pm, and blankets and low-back chairs are encouraged. Scheduled to perform are:
• (Herb) Ohta-san with Nando Suan
• Uncle Richard Ho‘opi‘i
• Joy, featuring Nelly Toyama, Candyce Narimatsu and Daniel Baduria
• The Hula Honeys
• Kamakakehau Fernandez
• Na Palapalai
• Kanekoa, featuring Vince Esquire
• Hulu Lindsey with Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka
• Kalama Intermediate Band
• Kamehameha Schools ‘Ukulele Ensemble
• Kupuna group-Pennies from Heaven

There will be door prizes, including twelve ‘ukuleles courtesy of Kamaka, KoAloha, Kanilea, Ko‘olau, Kala, Mele, Pono and MGM. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
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Hapa, Jon Yamasato, Dennis Kamakahi, and Ben Vegas & Maila Gibson will perform at the Wings For Shriners benefit concert at the Waterfront at Aloha Tower Marketplace on Friday, October 16. Tickets are $20 advance, $25 door. 100% of the purchase price goes to the O’ahu Shriners’ Hospital. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the concert is from 5–9:00 p.m. Here is the ticket order form with more information.
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John Cruz has just announced tour dates for Hawai’i (Hawai’i island, Kaua’i, O’ahu, and Maui) in November and December. Some of the venues are very intimate, so don’t wait to get your tickets! You may now purchase tickets directly on his website – for info, click here.


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Tickets are still available for the Jerry Santos concerts this weekend at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater in San Francisco. Shows take place Oct. 17 at 8 pm and Oct. 18 at 2 pm. Jerry will be joined by the phenomenal Kamuela Kimokeo (Pilioha) on guitar, Olomana band mate Wally Suenaga on bass, and fiddle player Autumn Hancock. Hula will be provided by Kumu Patrick Makuakane’s halau "Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu.” Tickets are $35-$40 (reserved) and are available through City Box Office. (Click on the date you wish to attend in the small calendar on the left.)


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Kumu Marlene Thomas and the Ladies of Mehana will celebrate their 10th Anniversary with a ho'ike - and a concert by the Makaha Sons and Kalae Miles - at 7 pm October 24th at the Mello Center in Watsonville, CA. Tickets sold out for the last two hula ho’ike in the Santa Cruz area, so don’t wait! Tickets are $30 advance/$35 door and are available at Aloha Island Grille and Streetlight Records in Santa Cruz. For more information call (831) 295-2433 or email moemoemanu@yahoo.com.



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Tickets are finally on sale for the very special October 28 concert at Bocci’s (Santa Cruz) by 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners Kupaoa (Lihau Hannahs and Kellen Paik)! This is their first Santa Cruz appearance. Joining them will be dancers from Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakane's halau "Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu.” Showtime is 7:30pm. Tickets are $12 advance/$15 door and are available at Aloha Island Grille.

Kupaoa will also make a free in store appearance at Borders Sacramento on October 30 at 7 pm, and they will perform at the Ho'ike Nui with Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on October 24 (8 pm) and Oct. 25 (1 and 6 pm). Tickets for Ho’ike Nui are $25 and can be purchased through students of Nā Lei Hulu or by contacting Aunty Bobbie at AuntyBobbie@naleihulu.org
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Multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners Maunalua are this week’s guests at the FREE concert series being held all month at the Triple Door Musicquarium in Seattle, Saturday Oct. 17 at 5 pm. A must see! Be sure to welcome the group’s newest member – the very talented Richard Gideon (at left, with Bobby Moderow)– who stepped in to fill some very big shoes after the departure earlier this year of original member Bruce Spencer, who left to pursue other interests and a solo career.
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On Saturday, Oct. 17 the Red Rose Cafe in Santa Rosa is hosting a luau (with an authentic menu — including roast pig) and an appearance by singer Faith Ako, who will be joined by hula dancers. Tickets are $25, and advance tickets are essential as this event will sell out soon. Tickets are available at the Cafe (1770 Piner Road) or by calling (707) 573-9741.
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There are lots of events happening in Hawai’i this weekend – too numerous to go into detail here. I’ve already mentioned some of them in previous newsletters, but here’s a sampling of a few of the others:

Saturday Oct. 17
Amy Hanaiali’i - Lihue Borders, 3 pm (free in-store appearance)
Ho’okena - Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki, 6 pm (free concert)
Natalie Ai Kamauu and Keale - Kaua’i Community College, 7 pm (Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina’ala Ho’ike)

Sunday 10/18
Kani ka pila hosted by the Abrigo Ohana - Waimea Valley (O’ahu), 1-4 pm (sound check at noon), all ages/skill levels welcome, or just come watch and enjoy!
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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!