In today’s newsletter:
• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Vaihi & Kupaoa
• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis (TV) – Aunty Diana Aki
• Second monthly kanikapila in Haleiwa, with Abrigo Ohana and more
• A Hawaiian Mother’s Day with Darlene Ahuna and Daniel Ho
• Bryan Tolentino and Asa Young mini-tour of California
• It’s Merrie Monarch time!
• David Kamakahi, Chino Montero, Jeff Peterson, and more – O’ahu
• Grow Hawaiian Festival – O’ahu
• Polynesian Festival – Watsonville, CA
• I’m listening to…
• A few May events in CA
• Belated farewells and best wishes– Grant James and Joanna D
• Seattle – HAPA, John Cruz and Ledward Kaapana!
• Washington D.C. – special event in October!
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This week, Pakele Live! with Tony Solis is holding a special show to help bring awareness to the plight of Janell Araki from Precision Sound here in Hawai’i. Janell has been living with diabetes since childhood. She persevered, eventually marrying, having children, becoming a business woman – in short, just living her life. However, in late 2008 she was diagnosed with kidney failure, and thus began a series of dialysis treatments and many unforeseen complications, the worst of which was the onset of an incurable condition called Calciphylaxis. This rare condition has a survival rate of one to five years, but, if detected and treated early in its course, the survival can be much longer.Performing at this special Pakele Live! event will be Vaihi (Aaron Ka`onohi, Bruce Nalua`i, Piko Lakatani, and Sam Langi, Jr.) - a group well known for their harmonies, humor, and always fun shows, and Kupaoa (Kellen Paik and Lihau Hannahs) – the supremely talented singer-songwriters whose debut album “Pili O Ke Ao” is on the preliminary ballot for the 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards! (There will be hula, too!)
Please join us for this special event on Thursday April 16 from 6-8 p.m. HST at the Pakele Lounge in the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). It’s free, all ages are welcome, there’s free parking next door at Ala Moana Shopping Center, and drinks and pupus are available for purchase.
Those in Japan can watch at http://www.j-wave.co.jp/
Please Note! Because Janell’s medical insurance has run out, friends and family are also holding a special all-star fundraiser concert to help defray the ongoing medical costs. Here’s some info!
SUNDAY MAY 3, 2009
The WATERFRONT
At the Aloha Tower Marketplace (the old Kapono’s)
2: 00 pm - 10:00 pm
TICKETS $20
(Ages 12 and under are free)
PERFORMANCES BY
NA LEO
WELDON KEKAU‘OHA
KAPENA
VAIHI
KUPAOA
MAUNA LUA
and MORE...
For ticket information or questions regarding the fundraiser, please call Kahaku Reimann at (808) 864-1638 or Darren Araki at (808) 479-0606.
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The Abrigo Ohana is hosting the second monthly kanikapila (traditional Hawaiian music jam session) at Pizza Bob’s in Haleiwa this Saturday, April 18, from 2-4 pm. This is a casual event for all ages and skill levels (no shame about how well you play – this is a fun, “backyard” type event for everyone, and no one’s going to “judge” you!) So bring your ukulele, guitar, bass, (etc.) or just bring your ohana and friends and enjoy listening! It's FREE, (you can purchase your own food and beverages), and there’s plenty of parking around back.
You never know who’s going to show up – the more who do, the more fun it is, and we had sooo much fun at last month’s kanikapila! Joining the Abrigo Ohana (above) were Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Chino Montero, Hawaii Music Award Winner (and Na Hoku preliminary nominee) Doug Fitch, Derek Higa, Na Hoku preliminary nominee Kalei Gamiao, and more!
Pizza Bob’s is located right in Haleiwa town at 66-145 Kamehameha Hwy.
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Multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Darlene Ahuna will be performing with 4-time Grammy Award winning producer/artist Daniel Ho in a series of Mother’s Day concerts at three locations in Southern California:
SATURDAY May 9, 2009 - 2:00 pm - Ventura Center for Spiritual Living - 101 S. Laurel Street, Ventura, CA
SUNDAY May 10, 2009 - 3:00 pm - El Camino College Campus Theatre - 16007 Crenshaw Boulevard, Torrance, CA
TUESDAY May 12, 2009 - 6:30 pm - Carlsbad Dove Library Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium - 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad, CA
Tickets: Adult $20 advance, $25 at the door; Children 10 and under FREE advance, $5 at the door (each child must have a ticket)
Tickets have been selling fast, so order yours today!
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The newsletter I sent out last month announcing Bryan Tolentino’s California tour was the one that had so many issues caused by the old blog site that large portions were either omitted or doubled up – including the information about Bryan’s tour (first it was doubled, then it vanished!). But good news! There’s more info, I’m on a new blog site, and I’m confident you’ll be able to read it this time! For those who didn’t see the initial article:
‘Ukulele player extraordinaire Bryan Tolentino will be doing a series of concerts and workshops in California from April 25 to May 2. If his name is unfamiliar to you (and you aren’t one of the gazillions of friends he has on both myspace and Facebook), you may know Bryan from his regular appearances with Raiatea Helm or Weldon Kekauoha – and if you read the liner notes in CDs, you’ll know that he’s been asked to record with almost everyone in Hawai’i! (I recently told a friend to pick 5 CDs at random, and I’d almost guarantee that he’d find Bryan’s name in the liner notes on at least one!) Fans of Herb Ohta, Jr. may remember Herb introducing the song “G Minor Fleas” by saying he wrote it with a friend in 10 minutes while sitting in the park – that friend is Bryan.
A self-taught ‘ukulele player who began playing at age 10, Bryan’s first band was formed after he graduated from high school (a ’79 St. Louis grad, for you fellow alumni!), when he and a few friends created a group called “The Side Order Band.” The friends? Just a few “unknowns” in Hawaiian music – Del Beazley, Chris Kamaka, and Asa Young! The group reunited in 2005 to play on Bryan’s debut CD “Ka ‘Ukulele Lele,” a mix of Hawaiian, contemporary and original songs that was uniformly well-received. We’ve been somewhat-impatiently awaiting another album since then… (Note: those who attended or watched PALI’s CD release party at Pakele Live! this past Friday got to see ¾ of the Side Order Band, when Bryan, Del, and Chris took the stage!)
Mark S. Tucker, in his review of the compilation CD “Legends of the ‘Ukulele 2,” writes, “When Bryan Tolentino dives into Steve Howe-ish lines in Ka Ukulele Lele, one begins to understand that, like most any instrument, it's the heart and soul of the player that brings the axe to life, not the other way around…though I'm sure the sentiment and affection of the players for their instruments would assert otherwise.”
Side Order band mate Asa Young (pictured, at left) is flying in to join Bryan (center) for these concerts. A little info about Asa: he learned Hawaiian music from his ohana while growing up in Kaneohe and ‘Aiea. He began playing ‘ukulele, then learned guitar (the old style ki ho’alu - slack key) from his Uncle Ernest Kahaunaele. Through his family’s Christmas Eve “Halawa Jam” parties, he was influenced by his brother Rowan’s dear friend Reverend Dennis Kamakahi along with Uncle Eddie Kamae, Joe Marshall and David “Feet” Rogers – better known as the Sons of Hawai’i.
Asa was a member of the ‘Aiea Swinging Singers choral group that performed throughout the U. S. (and other countries), and in 1975 was asked to be part of the Men of Waimapuna Hula Hālau under the direction of nā kumu hula Darryl Lupenui, John Kaimikaua, O’Brien Eselu and Thaddius Wilson. He later went on to perform with John Kaimikaua’s Hālau Hula ‘O Kukunaokalā. Dancing hula was a way of life through which he was able to learn more about his native culture, heritage and specific roots of Hawaiian music.
Due to job transfers for both him and his wife Laura, Asa is now living in North Carolina. In 2004, Asa, Michael Ebalaroza and Greg Torzillo formed the group Hawaiian Kine Band, and currently play for private parties and conventions.
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Although Bryan is wonderful in the supporting roles he plays with others, it’s a real treat to see him in the lead role – so don’t miss this opportunity!
Saturday, April 25
Kaleo Cafe (w/special guest Steven Espaniola!)
1340 Irving St.
San Francisco, CA 94122
Workshop 3:00 - 4:00pm $20
Concert 4:30 - 6:00pm $10 *(free if you attend workshop)
(415) 753-2460
Sunday, April 26
Northern California 'Ukulele Festival
Hayward Adult School
22100 Princeton
Hayward, CA 94541
Fred Kamaka Jr., Asa and Bryan will be at the Kamaka 'Ukulele Booth. Bryan will perform onstage with Asa from 4:45 – 4:55pm
Monday, April 27
Bocci’s Cellar
140 Encinal St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Workshop 5:00 - 6:30 ($25)
Concert 7:00 - 8:30pm $10 (advance) $15 (door)
Workshop + Concert Combo $30
For tickets, call Timmy Hunt (831) 428-7546. (Tickets might also be available at Timmy’s Aloha Island Grille? Just guessing on that one…)
Wednesday, April 29
Today’s Pizza & Salad
481 Santa Fe Drive
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-6425
Tickets $15 (includes pizza)
7 to 7:30 pm – meet Bryan and Asa, get autographs, etc. Concert from 7:30 to 9 pm.
Call Frank Leong for reservations: (760) 207-3376
Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2
Island Bazaar
16582 Gothard St. Ste R
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 843-9350
Workshop $15, Friday, May 1 from 7 - 9pm
Concert $20, Saturday, May 2 from 7 - 9pm
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It’s Merrie Monarch time again! This prestigious Hawaiian hula festival celebrates its 46th anniversary in Hilo, April 16 through April 18. If you can’t be there in person, watch LIVE all three nights on KITV! (They will again broadcast over their website as well.) For viewing info and to watch online: http://www.kitv.com/merriemonarch/index.html
For info about the festival itself: http://www.merriemonarchfestival.org/about_merrie_monarch_festival.html
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Thai Sweet Basil at the Manoa Marketplace (756 Woodlawn Dr., Honolulu) presents a Hawaiian music jam session with Chino Montero, David Kamakahi, and Jeff Peterson, with appearances by Bobby Ingano! Starts Monday, April 20, 6-9 pm. Come on down for some great music and good fun! (808) 988-8811.
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The 2nd annual HECO (Hawaiian Electric Company) “Grow Hawaiian” festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 25 on the Great Lawn at Bishop Museum (O’ahu). (I’m getting conflicting info on admission – one source says it’s free for kama’aina and military, although it doesn’t list prices for anyone else - but the Bishop Museum website says “Free Admission” and doesn’t list any restrictions.) There will be music by Kaukahi, Holunape, and Weldon Kekauoha. Here’s some info about the festival:
“Weavers, dancers, kapa makers, and other practitioners of traditional Hawaiian culture meet with biologists, conservationists, and horticulturists to explore their common passion for the native and Polynesian introduced plants of Hawai‘i. Festival-goers have a unique opportunity to meet and talk with many of the foremost practitioners of Hawaiian arts including lei makers and kapa makers, as well as leading scientists and entomologists. Renewable energy initiatives and energy conservation measures designed to combat global warming will also be presented.”
For more detailed information on the festival, go to the HECO website and click on the “Grow Hawaiian Festival 09” banner.
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There will be a Polynesian Festival April 24-26 at the United Presbyterian Church in Watsonville, CA. Events include hula workshops, concerts, booths, games, food and drink, and more! For information go to the Joyful Believers website.
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I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of the soon-to-be-released debut solo recording by Eric Lee (of the Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning group Na Kama). All I’ll tell you right now is… you won’t want to miss this one! (I know, I know - I’m such a tease… but I promise to give you more information in the coming weeks!)
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A few events happening next month in California:
The annual Hawaiian May Day Festival takes place at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton May 9-10. Click here for more info!
Patrick Landeza will play at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley on May 15.
Kawika Alfiche’s Halau 'O Keikiali'i holds their ho'ike: “Ho'ailona” Saturday, May 23 at 1 pm & 6 pm in the Vacaville Performing Arts Theater. Tickets: $15-30 general admission. Buy Now!
For those in California who couldn’t make it to Whittier earlier this month, you have a second chance to see Natalie Ai Kamauu! Nat and Na Palapalai will be in concert May 23 at the Fox Theater in Redwood City. Tickets are already on sale, so act quickly!
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I want to bid a personal farewell to two people who are sorely missed:
Joanna Demeo, who worked at the Outrigger Hotel and who was also one of our camera crew at Pakele Live! moved to Austin, TX at the end of March. Joanna, (seen here in a photo with Herb Ohta, Jr. and Daniel Ho at their ‘ukulele workshops held last year at the Outrigger, and on her last day at Pakele, with the rest of the crew), was a consummate professional and full of fun – and we miss her like you wouldn’t believe! Although I think it was almost as difficult for her to leave Hawai’i as it was for us to see her go…
Grant James, who was the General Manager of the Ala Moana Hotel and who, with Pali Ka’aihue, was instrumental in bringing Pakele Live to light, left Hawai’i the same day as Joanna. Grant was offered a position he couldn’t refuse – running a new Outrigger Hotel in his home country of Australia. Grant has a deep love of both the Hawaiian culture and its people, so this was a bittersweet move for him. He was going “home,” but he was also leaving the adopted home he loved so well. (Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo of him the day we had some Maori dancers at Pakele – when he was dragged up to dance with them… I was laughing too hard to take one – and it would be perfect timing to share it with you. He’s too far away to slap me upside the head!)
To Joanna and Grant – we love you, we miss you, and we wish you all the best! Please come back and visit soon – it’s not the same without you…
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Heads’ up, Seattle! Tickets are already on sale for July 20 at the Triple Door, when the likes of HAPA, John Cruz, and Ledward Kaapana will play in concert! Click here for more information, and to buy tickets!
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And finally, for those in the Washington, D.C. area – watch for info on a Hawaiian music and culture workshop scheduled to take place October 9-11 with Herb Ohta, Jr., Keoki Kahumoku, Walt Keale, and more!
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Way past time for moe moe…
E malama pono a hui hou!
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