May 27, 2009

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Manoa Voices and Natalie Ai Kamauu


• 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards


• Kawika Alfiche 15th Anniversary Lu`au Celebration


• Maui Brewer’s Fest


• Lantern Floating Ceremony


• Cyril Pahinui concert and workshops in So. Cal


• Special radio guests – listen live online!


• Bolo/Walt Keale CA tour


• Be on the lookout for…

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This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis marks the second of two shows featuring nominees for the 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawai’i’s version of the Grammy Awards). Our guests on Thursday, May 28 will be Manoa Voices in the 6 o’clock hour and Natalie Ai Kamauu in the 7 o’clock hour.

Manoa Voices is a combo out of the University of Hawai’i. The group was established in 2007 through an idea by member and music director Chadwick Pang, who was teaching a Hawaiian Ensemble class at UH. His idea was to enter the annual Ka Himeni Ana (acoustic traditional Hawaiian music) competition in 2007. He chose four students he considered to be outstanding performers: Rosanna Perch, Mamina Koga, Justin Ka’upu, and Sophronia Smith. Together, the five of them performed the songs "E Nani E" and "Aloha No" – and won first place. The group was awarded a recording contract, resulting in their first album – and a 2009 Hoku nomination for “Most Promising Artist!”

Former Miss Aloha Hula Natalie Ai Kamauu won Na Hoku awards for her debut album "'E", and is nominated yet again for her second album ‘I. (You might remember watching online – or attending – Nat’s CD release party for ‘I, which was held at Pakele in October.)

Nat began attracting attention as a teenager, when she sang for Halau Hula Olana with her father, Howard Ai (also a 2009 Na Hoku nominee for his wonderful debut album “Kaleihulumano”). In addition to her captivating vocals, Natalie is also a talented songwriter – she wrote half the songs on “’I” - either lyrics, music or both. (Personal note – Nat is one of my favorite performers, both for her extraordinary talent and her very down-to-earth, thoughtful, and loving nature. Those qualities and more shine very brightly through her music, as they are an integral part of who she is.)


Please join us Thursday May 28 from 6-8 p.m. HST at the Pakele Lounge in the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). It’s free, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana shopping center. (Please note - drinks are available for purchase, but the hotel has stopped serving food.)

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

(If you watch online, don’t forget to email the show at pakele@lava.net to say hi and let us know you’re watching – and from what part of the world!)

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After watching Pakele Live! and seeing some of the 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano nominees, you might also be interested in seeing the awards show itself, yes? If you can’t make it in person, the Awards will again be broadcast on TV and online. The ceremony takes place June 9 at the Sheraton Waikiki. The broadcast begins at 7:30 PM HST on K5 the Home Team . Click here for a complete list of nominees.
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Kumu Hula Kawika Alfiche is holding the halau’s 15th Anniversary Lu`au Celebration on Sunday July 5 from 1-4 PM at the Kaululehua Hawaiian Cultural Center (423 Baden Ave., South San Francisco, CA).

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children (12 under) and seniors 60+, and are available by calling 650-588-1091. There will be live music, a lei contest, a silent auction, Hawaiian food and desserts, arts & crafts, face painting, games, bingo, and more!
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The Maui Brewers Festival takes place Saturday, May 30 from 2:30 - 6:30 PM on the Events Lawn at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) at One Cameron Way, Kahului. A fundraiser and 15th birthday celebration for the MACC, the Festival is presented by Kona Brewing Company. A total of 23 brewers will be serving 46 beers from Hawaii, the US Mainland and from around the globe, as well as a host of food tents and offerings. Additional pours beyond the eight 4 oz tastes included with tickets are available via scrip, which can be purchased on site. Pupus include everything from crab cakes to seafood wontons to desserts, chicken satay, lilikoi meatballs, BBQ ribs, coffees and more, and the food is included in the ticket price.
Entertainment will be provided by: Island Rumours Band, featuring Rick Vito. Also: Erin Smith & the Throwdowns, Off Tomorrow, and the Celtic Tigers. The MC will be kawikaveeka of 92.5..

Must be 21 years & older to attend. RAIN or SHINE
Tickets: GA $50 advance/75 day of. Premium $150 advance, $175 day of.
General Audience: Bring your own chair or picnic blanket. Premium: Seating is provided under the tent. Parking is also provided with premium tickets. BUY TICKETS

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For those of you who missed the annual Lantern Floating Festival on Memorial Day (at Ala Moana Beach Park here on O’ahu), KGMB has posted video of the event on its website. A DVD may also be made available at a later date. (Note: if you click on the first video it will automatically take you through the whole thing – approximately an hour’s worth. If you’d like to look at portions, #4 starts at the section where Natalie Ai Kamauu and dancers from Halau Hula Olana perform, immediately followed by Charles Ka’upu).

(Photo by Andrew Shimabuku, Honolulu Advertiser)

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Cyril Pahinui will be in concert and conducting several workshops in Southern California. Here is his email:

Event: Concert at Boulevard Music in Culver City
When: Friday night, June 5th.
Start time: 8 PM.
Ticket price: $15.

Event: Cyril Pahinui Slack Key Workshop "Presented by Na Mamo"
Host: Kala Koa Entertainment
Start Time: Saturday, June 6 at 10:00am
End Time: Saturday, June 6 at 12:00pm
Where: Westin Hotel Long Beach

Event: Workshop and Concert
When: Sunday, June 7th.
Where: Claremont Folk Music store (a little less than an hour from LA)
Start times: Workshop at 4:30-6. Ticket cost is $45.
Concert start time: 7:30. Cyril will go on at 8:15
Ticket cost: $15.00
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Several Hawaiian music radio shows originating from Northern California will feature special guests this Sunday (May 31):

Kapua Ching will be live in studio for Michael Keene’s “Kani Ka Pila” show (KVMR fm). 9 AM to noon PST, He’ll be discussing a three-day workshop he’ll be conducting in June.

Jim Kimo West will do a phone interview with Don Bradway on his “Na Mele O Hawai’i” show (KFOK fm), 3 PM to 6 PM PST. He’ll be discussing his slack key albums, live appearances, and more!
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Big Island slack key, ‘ukulele, and ‘ukeitar artist Bolo will do a short tour of California in August, playing selections from his CDs as well as new material. Tour dates are confirmed for August 4 (Sacramento Borders) and August 5 (Bocci’s in Santa Cruz). Other venues/cities (including some in Southern California) will be announced when they are confirmed.

Joining Bolo for a portion of the tour will be Walt Keale. Walt, a member of the multiple Na Hoku Award-winning group Kaukahi, also has a solo CD out, and is working on another.

I’ll provide details and ticket information as soon as I have them!
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Be on the lookout for… a new solo album by ‘Ale’a front man Ryan “Gonzo” Gonzalez! The lead singer (as well as lead guitar, ‘ukulele, and banjo) for the multiple Na Hoku Award-winning group, Gonzalez, under the name R Vaughn, is out on his own and hard at work recording an album of all-original material written over the course of the last year. The album will be different from those he recorded with ‘Ale’a – the genre will be blues, acoustic, folk – but I’ve had the opportunity to listen to a few songs, and I have to tell you, I can hardly wait for the finished product! He’s hoping to release it by the end of the year, but in the mean time you can listen to some sample cuts on his myspace page.

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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!

May 20, 2009

Aloha kakou!
Just a few quick things for today’s newsletter:

• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Na Hoku nominees Doug Fitch and Jeff Rasmussen


• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis (TV) - Ku'uipo Kumukahi and the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Serenaders


• Hokulea


• New Cell Phone Law for O’ahu


• Monthly Kanikapila!

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This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis is the first of two shows where we’ll be featuring nominees for the 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawai’i’s version of the Grammy Awards). Our guests on Thursday, May 21 will be Doug Fitch, nominated in the Slack key Album of the Year category for his “Paradise on the Ocean” CD, and Jeff Rasmussen, nominated in the Contemporary Album of the Year category for his “Another Rainbow” CD.


A performing musician beginning at age 8, Doug was raised in a rural mountain area in a family of accomplished professional and amateur folk musicians. "I was brought up on acoustic music and spending time outdoors. Hawaiian music speaks to me because it’s an acoustic tradition that reflects its people and their natural surroundings. It paints a beautiful sonic picture that relies on heart and soul for interpretation. I’ve been very fortunate to be a student of several of the best slack-key players and I feel strongly that those styles should be preserved. Yet, as a singer/songwriter, I draw from my own experiences and that also seems to resonate with others."

Sports fans may remember Doug from his days as a professional bicycle racer, when he became the first bicyclist to appear on the Wheaties cereal box in 1988. He was a member of the U.S. National Cycling Team during the 1980s, and became the U.S. National Champion in 1986.

(Doug in his Wheaties shirt!)

He has been a featured songwriter, singer, and musician on several albums, as well a performer at the Na Mele Nei Concert Series. He performs regularly at major resorts in Waikiki, and at weddings, private parties and corporate functions.


Jeff is an award-winning singer-songwriter and producer who began his career playing with the Pandanus Club. (Actually, it’s probably more accurate to say he began it as a member of the prestigious Honolulu Boy Choir when he was younger.) Featured on a number of recordings with Pandanus Club and others, Jeff embarked on a solo career beginning in 1990, and since then has remained one of Hawai‘i’s preeminent musicians.

He produced at least four solo albums, including 1990’s “Without You,” which won the Na Hoku Award for Most Promising Artist, and 1992’s “Rainbow’s End,” which featured the hit songs “Kipahulu” (written by his late brother, Carl “Hoku” Rasmussen), and a cover of Stevie Nicks’ song “Leather and Lace,” which he performed as a duet with Robi Kahakalau (a.k.a. Sistah Robi). After a nine-year hiatus from recording, during which time he produced albums for other artists, Jeff released “Another Rainbow” - and finds himself nominated for yet another Na Hoku Hanohano Award.

In addition to producing albums for others, Jeff continues to perform with Robi Kahakalau and Kimo Bell every Sunday evening at Chai’s Island Bistro in the Aloha Tower Marketplace in Honolulu.

Please join us Thursday May 21 from 6-8 p.m. HST at the Pakele Lounge in the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). It’s free, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana shopping center. (Please note - drinks are available for purchase, but the hotel has stopped serving food.)

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

(If you watch online, don’t forget to email the show at pakele@lava.net to say hi and let us know what part of the world you’re watching from!)
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Ku'uipo Kumukahi and the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Serenaders are the guests on this weeks’ Pakele Live! with Tony Solis on channel OC 16. This is a show that held special appeal for the kupuna who attended, as it featured a number of songs they grew up with. As always, each week’s new show begins on Wednesday at 7 pm HST (unless pre-empted by local sports programming), and is repeated a number of times throughout the week. You can also watch online at the OC 16 website. (Check there for additional air days and times).
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The Hokule’a recently returned to Hawai’i after a training voyage to Palmyra Atoll. You can learn about the world wide voyage they’ll soon embark on, follow the journey, see photos, watch videos, read the crew’s blogs, and make donations on their at website. Take a moment or two to check it out!
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For those who live on or who will be visiting the island of O’ahu – beware the new law that bans the use of cell phones (except for hands free) and other electronic devices while driving. The law takes effect July 1, and also prohibits text messaging, the use of laptop computers, e-mailing and electronic game-playing while driving. (Any type of cell phone handling while driving, including dialing, is prohibited under the new law.) The measure doesn’t prohibit the use of the vehicle’s radio, CD player or navigational equipment, or video entertainment to passengers in rear seats. (There are exemptions for certain workers, such as emergency responders.)

The ban stemmed from a video taken by a passenger on a city bus… of the driver… who was playing video games on his phone while driving. *sigh* Violators face fines of $15 to $100.
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The monthly kanikapila on the patio area at Pizza Bob’s in Haleiwa (North Shore, O’ahu) takes place Saturday May 23, beginning at 2 pm. It’s open to all ages and skill levels, so bring your instruments and/or your voices and come join in the fun - or just come watch! We always have a great time at these, and you never know who’s going to show up! Pizza Bob's is located in the shopping center at 66-145 Kamehameha Hwy, and there's plenty of free parking around back.

(Some of those who participated in last month's kanikapila, including, from left to right: Derek Higa; Uncle Braddah; Timi, Emily and Quinn Abrigo; Doug Fitch; and Kalei Gamiao.)

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Pau for now... e malama pono a hui hou!

May 13, 2009

Aloha kakou!
In today's newsletter:

• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis - Kona
• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis (TV) - Jerry Santos and Hoku Zuttermeister
• New Hoku website
• Hawai'i Book and Music Festival
• Papakolea 75th Anniversary
• Hawaiian music at Borders Sacramento
• Aloha Expo in Santa Fe Springs, CA

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This week’s guest on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis is Kona, who is celebrating the recent release of his second album, “Acousti-me.”

Born and raised in Waimanalo, Kona grew up in a family that was always surrounded by music. With the influence of friends and family (including cousins Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and Mel Amina) joining the frequent kanikapila, it’s no wonder he began to play music at an early age.

Kona’s music career began at age 13 when he became the drummer for the successful group “Tropical Knights,” which recorded 3 albums and performed not only throughout Hawai’i, but also on the mainland and in Guam. While with Tropical Knights, Kona discovered a passion for other instruments – and has since become an accomplished guitar, ‘ukulele, keyboard and bass player, as well as a singer-songwriter, producer and engineer. (He’s also the on-air radio personality known as "Island Boy" on Power 104.3 FM, Mon-Sun 12pm-7pm).

Described by Wayne Harada as James Taylor or John Mayer with a local spin, Kona not only wrote all the songs on “Acousti-me” (both lyrics and music), he played all the instruments and produced, engineered, mixed and mastered it. (Believe me, if you love singer-songwriters and acoustic albums, you’ll love this CD! Click here to hear samples of the CD or to purchase it.)

To hear Kona and his band live and in concert (and pick up a CD and get it autographed!), please join us Thursday May 14 from 6-8 p.m. HST at the Pakele Lounge in the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). It’s free, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana shopping center. (Drinks and pupus are available for purchase.)

You may also watch live online.
Those in Japan can watch online here.

(If you watch online, don’t forget to email the show at pakele@lava.net to say hi to Kona and let him know what part of the world you’re watching from!)
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Jerry Santos and Hoku Zuttermeister are the guests on this weeks’ Pakele Live! with Tony Solis on channel OC 16. If you missed it the first time, be sure not to miss this repeat episode! As always, each week’s new show begins on Wednesday at 7 pm HST (unless pre-empted by local sports programming), and is repeated a number of times throughout the week. You can also watch online at the OC 16 website. (You can also check there for additional air days and times).
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Speaking of Hoku Zuttermeister, the amazing and talented Kawikanui Kahele unveiled Hoku's new website on Mother's Day. Kawikz is the genius behind the design of other websites (and photos!) as well, including those of Na Kama, Eric Lee, Pilioha, and more. Be sure to visit the videos page, where you'll find two videos of my all-time favorite Hoku song, "Ola'a Beauty" - one from last year's Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (with pal Ioane Burns on bass and Robert Cazimero and Keao Costa joining in on vocals) and another that was taken at Chai's Island Bistro, with Barry Kimokeo on guitar.
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The 4th Annual Hawai’i Book and Music Festival takes place on O’ahu this weekend on the grounds of Honolulu Hale. (Sat and Sun, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) It’s free, and parking is free, too! With dozens of activities for young and old alike, there’s sure to be something to please everyone. Click here for details and click here for the schedule.

In addition to the book swap, I understand there will also be a CD swap this year – take in any Hawaiian music CD and trade it for another!

If you’re there on Sunday afternoon be sure not to miss Kamaka Fernandez (3 p.m., main stage), a former winner of the Maui Falsetto contest. What an amazing voice!!!

(Note: There’s conflicting info on some of the musical performers who will appear. Some that are listed in one place aren’t listed in another, even within the festival’s own website…)
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Also this weekend on O’ahu (Saturday May 16, 9-5, Stevenson Middle School baseball field), the Papakolea 75th Anniversary, featuring performances by the Makaha Sons, Natalie Ai Kamauu, Kamaka Fernandez (and more), with a variety of guest hosts from many radio stations: Billy V, Lina Girl, Frank B Shaner, etc.! Admission is free, and there will be food, games, and craft booths – all to benefit the Papakolea Community Association.
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In the last newsletter I mentioned the imminent return of Hawaiian music concerts at Tom Hedtke’s Sacramento Borders store. Here are a few of the upcoming events:

May 23rd at 7 pm - Faith Ako (and band).

June 15th at 7 pm - Jennifer Perri (Some of you may remember Jennifer from the CD release party we held for her on Pakele Live – with Herb Ohta, Jr., who produced and played on her new album “He Mele Aloha,” and Jon Yamasato, David Kamakahi, Darin Leong, and Casey Olsen, all of whom play as her “back-up band” when she performs here on O’ahu. Perhaps one or more of them will join her in Sacramento…?)

And in July, JOHN CRUZ! (“On the island, we do it island style…”) The final date hasn’t been set yet, but he’ll be there, and I’ll let you know when I know…

On August 20th (7 pm) Tom will present a book discussion and signing by Stuart Holmes Coleman. Stuart is known for his last book "Eddie Would Go," which came out a few years ago. Tom said Stuart was there at Borders for the release of "Eddie," and loved it so much he wanted to come back for his new book entitled "Fierce Heart" - a biography of Makaha (the small town on the western side of O’ahu). Stuart's an entertaining guy so put this on your calendar! (I have the “Eddie” book – it’s excellent.)

As is always the case with the Hawaiian events at Tom’s Borders, GET THERE EARLY to get a good seat!
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Several months ago, I mentioned this year's Aloha Festival in Santa Fe Springs, CA. It's happening this weekend (May 16-17) at Heritage Park, and admission and parking are FREE. With a culutral marketplace, ono island grinds, hula and music, it's the place to be! The lineup wasn't yet in place when I last wrote about it, but now it is - and among the musicians who will be performing is Na Hoku and Grammy Award winner Jeff Peterson. Click here for details and a schedule.
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Pau for now…. E malama pono a hui hou!

May 6, 2009

Aloha kakou!
In today's newsletter:

• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis ~ Leilani Rivera Bond


• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis (TV) ~ Willie K Pt. 2


• Just added to the May 23 Natalie Ai Kamauu/Na Palapalai concert...


• "Under the Stars" concert in Lanikai


• Grammy Winner Jeff Peterson in concert in So Cal


• Hawaiian music returns to Borders Sacramento?


• Aaron Sala in Glendale, CA


• Willie K, the Makaha Sons, Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho in San Diego


• More info - Patrick Landeza concert in Berkeley


• 2nd Annual E Ho'omau 'Ukulele Workshop & Retreat, Sonoma, CA


• Cyril Pahinui fundraising t-shirts

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This week’s guest on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis is Leilani Rivera Bond. The daughter of Larry Rivera (Kaua’i’s "Living Treasure" and the author of such songs as “Kamalani” – made famous by Bruddah IZ), Leilani was born, raised, and still resides on the island of Kaua`i, where she is a musician, recording artist, and the kumu hula of Halau ‘O Leilani.

Having recently returned from her annual mainland appearance with special guests the Makaha Sons, Leilani will be playing selections from her 5th album, “Aloha ‘Anianiau,” a traditional Hawaiian CD which received very positive reviews from the music editors of both of Honolulu’s newspapers. Produced by the award-winning, multi-talented Michael Ruff (Amy Hanaiali’i, Cyril Pahinui, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker, David Sanborn, and many more!) the album features guest appearances by Na Hoko Hanohano award winners Willie K., Holunape, Paul Togioka, Eric Gilliom, Zanuck Lindsey, and more. Among the musicians accompanying Leilani at her Pakele Live! appearance will be Kimo Artis.

Please join us Thursday, May 7 from 6-8 p.m. HST at the Pakele Lounge in the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). It’s free, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana shopping center. Drinks and pupus are available for purchase.

You may also 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 on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis (TV) we have part 2 of the appearance by Willie K. Tune into TV channel OC16 (or watch online beginning Wednesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. (check website for additional broadfcast days and times).
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Just added to the May 23 Redwood City, CA concert featuring Natalie Ai Kamauu and Na Palapalai - master chanter and Kumu Hula Mark Keali`i Ho`omalu and his Academy of Hawaiian Arts. (If you’ve never heard any of his albums or heard Kumu Mark chant at a ho’ike performance, etc., you’re in for a treat!) With Nat, Na Palapalai, and now Mark, this is one of those events that I’d love to fly over to see… Don’t miss this very special evening! Click here for tickets and information.
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There will be a "Concert Under the Stars" on Saturday May 9, at Lanikai Elementary on O'ahu. 5-10 pm, with musical guests John Cruz, Maunalua, Kawika Kahiapo, and more.
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Grammy award winner Jeff Peterson will be in Southern California for 3 concerts May 15/16/17. Hear him play his original slack key guitar arrangements of classic Hawaiian tunes, as well as original compositions and jazz standards. For info: http://kalakoaconcerts.com/ (click on Hawaiian Jazz Nights)

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Rumor has it that the Hawaiian music concerts are returning to Borders Sacramento! As soon as I have details, I’ll pass them on…
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Multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Aaron Sala will be performing at the Hula Halau o Kamuela ho’ike at the Glendale (CA) Auditorium on Sunday May 17, 2 pm. Tickets are $25. Call (808) 366-0638 for info.
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Heads’ up, San Diego! Willie K, the Makaha Sons, Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho (with guest emcee Augie T!), are heading your way next month for the “Take a Walk in the Country” concert… Friday June 12, Birch North Park Theatre, 7 pm. Tickets are $35-$50… Click here for info.
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I recently mentioned Patrick Landeza’s May 15 concert at Freight and Salvage in Berkeley. Here’s more info:

The Patrick Landeza Project will be performing in Berkeley next week. He's joined by his ensemble—featuring steel guitarist Patti Maxine, acoustic bassist Matt Bohn, and Rhan Wilson on percussion—for an evening of traditional Hawaiian music and slack key, with a touch of bluegrass and swing replete with Patrick's warm aloha spirit and outrageous stories ... and of course, there will be hula!

Born to Hawaiian parents on what he calls "the island of Berkeley, California," Patrick cultivated his craft by studying slack ke, as a teen, from masters like George Kuo and the late Ray Kane and Sonny Chillingworth, who have left their mark on his traditional-style playing. Patrick has dedicated his life to sharing this art form with the world: he's the recipient of the prestigious Kapalakiko Aloha Spirit award for his slack key work, and is the founder of The Institute of Hawaiian Music and Culture.

This is Patrick's first Bay Area appearance of the year, so come out and tell your friends! (no telling when he'll be performing again!)

What: The Patrick Landeza Project - Hawaiian Slack Key and Beyond!
When: Friday, May 15 8:00pm
Where: Freight and Salvage Coffee House 1111 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA
Ticket price: $18.50 advance / $19.50 door
Ticket/info line: (510) 548-1761 www.thefreight.org
For additional information contact Jennifer Quinto at (510) 452-4266 or email at landezapresents@gmail.com www.patricklandeza.com

(Patrick made a surprise appearance at Pakele Live! last week – he was in Hawai’i visiting ohana and a number of musician friends on Maui, O’ahu, and the Big Island. So good to see you, Patrick!)
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I heard from Herman Tachera this morning, who told me the date has been set for the 2nd Annual E Ho'omau 'Ukulele Workshop & Retreat with Kimo Hussey. Scheduled for September 25-27, 2009 at the Westerbeke Ranch and Conference Center in Sonoma, CA, the workshop/retreat will feature Kimo (‘ukulele workshop), Herman (Hawaiian feather lei class), and 'Olelo Hawaii, oli & hula with Liko Puha. As was the case last year, there will also be a benefit concert on Saturday evening, featuring Kimo, Faith Ako, and more. This event was very popular last year, so register early! Check the website for complete details, or call: (415) 515-3942 or (415) 531-7660.
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Uncle Cyril Pahinui is hoping to purchase a permanent facility to house his Halau Mele Hawai’i o Pahinui (Pahinui School of Hawaiian Music), where students can go to learn Hawaiian music in the Pahinui style. Although costly, he is committed to seeing the dream fulfilled, and feels it is the best way to coordinate outreach activities and present an authentic kanikapila approach.

To that end, he is selling t-shirts to raise money. The $15 purchase price will go directly to support the realization of the facility. The t-shirts are currently available at his appearances, but may eventually be available online.
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Pau for now!

E malama pono a hui hou