June 24, 2009

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Abrigo Ohana and Kalei Gamiao
• King Kamehameha Hula Competition (O’ahu)
• Ried Kapo Ku, Jim "Kimo" West and Raynard Kawika Dacoscos in concert (Denver)
• Maunalua free concert (O’ahu)
• Natalie Ai Kamauu free concert (O’ahu)
• Steven Espaniola in concert (Stanford, CA)
• Patrick Landeza Project in concert (Eugene OR and Kenmore WA)
• Ledward Kaapana, John Cruz (Grass Valley, CA)
• Ledward Kaapana (Copper Mountain, CO)
• Ukulele Festival (Waikiki)
• Makaha Sons (Florida, Chicago area, Spokane, Toronto)
• Willie K and Makana (CA)
• Kalama Heritage Festival (WA)
• More on Andy Bumatai

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This week’s guests on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis are the ever-popular Abrigo Ohana (6 p.m.), and 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominee Kalei Gamiao (7 p.m.).

The Abrigo Ohana consists of Timi (age 14) on vocals, slack key guitar and ‘ukulele, Emily (age 11) on vocals and ‘ukulele, and Quinn (age 6) on pakini bass. These talented keiki are a hit wherever they perform, and their beyond-their-years-skills invoke a common refrain of: “They’re how old?” Influenced and inspired by guitar masters old and new, including Gabby Pahinui, Ledward Kaapana, George Kahumoku, Jr., Chino Montero and more, Timi continues to build upon his mastery of slack guitar on a daily basis. Emily’s biggest inspiration is the late Aunty Genoa Keawe, who she considers the best vocalist in Hawaiian music. A self-taught leo ki’eki’e (falsetto) singer, Emily’s performances of classics such as “I Kona” and “Alika” are sure to bring chicken skin! Young Quinn plays the bass line for his brother and sister, and more recently has been known to add a few vocals to the mix.


Kalei Gamiao - who at the age of 20 released his debut album “Contemporary ‘Ukulele,” which garnered both a 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Award nomination and a live performance at the awards ceremony - is another young musician who inspires awe in those hear him play, especially for the first time. I like to tell the story of his performance at a large outdoor concert some months ago, where hundreds of people had gathered and were talking, laughing, eating and having fun – and not necessarily paying close attention to the musicians onstage. However, when Kalei began to play solo, a noticeable quiet descended over the crowd as they stopped to listen to him share his phenomenal musical talents. A composer and arranger who writes much of his own material, Kalei’s talent is quickly being acknowledged not only by fans, but also by some of the greats in Hawaiian music and beyond – a true compliment to any musician.

Please join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, June 25 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 are available for purchase, but as I’ve mentioned previously, the hotel is no longer 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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The 36th Annual King Kamehameha Hula Competition takes place at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27. For ticket information, visit the State Council on Hawaiian Heritage website.
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Ancient Hawai'i meets the New Age! Ried Kapo Ku, Jim "Kimo" West and Raynard Kawika Dacoscos will be playing at the International New Age Trade Show’s ho'olaule'a in Denver on Saturday, June 27, 6-9 pm. There will also be drummers, hula dancers and a fire-knife dancer. For general information, please call 800-710-8859.

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Maunalua is this week’s guest at the free Summer Concert Series at Pilila’au Army Rec. Center in Waianae (O’ahu). The Series runs every Saturday from 7-10 pm during the months of June, July, & August. The Center is located at 85-010 Army Street (heading Makaha, turn left after Aloha Gas Station) – there’s free parking in front or to the side of the club. Dinner is served nightly until 9pm.

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Natalie Ai Kamauu is the guest at this Sunday’s (6/28) free Na Mele No Na Pua
concert on the Waikiki Beach Walk’s Plaza Stage. The concert begins at 5 pm.
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Steven Espaniola will be in concert at the Reller Summer Concert Series at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto on Tuesday, June 30 at 12:30pm. (There will also be hula!)

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The Patrick Landeza Project (Hawaiian Slack Key and Beyond) will be in concert at the WOW Hall in Eugene, OR on July 1. Patrick made his WOW Hall debut in December 2002 supporting Cyril Pahinui. Patrick has returned to teaching high school in Oakland, CA, but continues to play ki ho’alu (slack key) concerts and teach ki ho’alu throughout the U.S. and beyond. Tickets for this concert are $14 advance, $15 door, and $20 for front row reserved (available only at WOW Hall). Doors open at 7:30 pm and the show starts 8:00. For more information please call (541) 687-2746. TICKETS.

Patrick and his band will also perform from 6-8 pm at the Summer Concert Series in Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore, WA on July 2. Admission is FREE, and so is parking. You can either bring food or buy some there, but no alcohol is permitted.

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Just a reminder that in addition to the tour I previously mentioned with Ledward Kaapana, John Cruz and Hapa, Led and John will be playing separate sets at the CA WorldFest (July 16-19) in Grass Valley, CA

Here is the schedule for each – it looks like event organizers have them playing together for the final set!

Ledward Kaapana, Sunday, July 19: 11:30 AM Oak Grove Stage, 2:00 PM Discovery Stage, 6:00 PM Spotlight Stage

John Cruz, Sunday, July 19: 12:30 PM Sierra Stage, 3:30 PM Discovery Stage, 6:00 PM Spotlight Stage

KVMR 89.5 FM Nevada City will again be broadcasting live (radio and internet) from the festival, but as has been the case in years past, there’s no guarantee the artist you want to hear will be playing on one of the broadcast stages at the time that stage is on the air…

There’s always a lot of great music at this Festival – and you don’t have to buy a 4 day pass. You can do anything from camping out for the entire festival to buying a one day pass. Other performers scheduled to appear at WorldFest are Joe Craven, Tommy Emmanuel, Indigo Girls, Jackie Greene, Los Lobos, and dozens more!
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Ledward continues to add other (solo) appearances to his mainland tour. In addition to those I’ve mentioned previously, he will also play a free concert at the Guitar Town Main Stage in Copper Mountain, CO on August 8 at 1 pm.
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The lineup has been announced for the 39th Annual Ukulele Festival in Waikiki (July 19, Kapiolani Park Bandstand, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm). Among those scheduled to appear are:

Kenneth Makuakane
Palolo (Troy Fernandez, Nathan Nahinu and Chino Montero)
Bill Tapia (now 101 yrs old!)
Holunape
Natalie Ai Kamauu
Ohta San
Taimane Gardner

There will also be performers from Japan, Canada, San Diego and… Sweden!

One of the amenities I like about this festival is that unlike many other large events held in Kapiolani Park, this one offers free parking and shuttle service at nearby Kapiolani Community College! If you’re going, get there early – dozens of Roy Sakuma’s young students make up the ‘Ukulele Festival Band, and entire families are there to support each student – so it can get very crowded, very quickly!
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For my friends in Florida, Chicago area, Spokane and Toronto, the Makaha Sons are heading your way this summer!

On August 1 they will be at the Hilton in concert at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista FL) as part of the Ho’ike Hawai’i 2009 Hula Competition PURCHASE TICKETS.

They will be in Naperville IL on Saturday August 8 (7 pm, No. Central College, Wentz Concert Hall PURCHASE TICKETS.

On August 27 they’ll be at the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane WA at 7 pm PURCHASE TICKETS.

On Sept. 18 and 19 they’ll be in Toronto at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre at 7 pm.
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The CA appearance last year by Willie K and Makana was such a big hit, they’ve decided to do it again! They’ll be performing at Rancho Nicasio (Nicasio, CA) Sunday August 23rd. Tickets are $20 and a lu’au is included.
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The Makaha Sons are the headliners for this year’s Kalama Heritage Festival, which takes place August 28-30 in Kalama WA. The Sons concert takes place Saturday Aug. 29, and also includes Keahi Conjugacion and Cyril Pahinui. For festival information and the link to purchase tickets to the concert or lu’au, please visit the Festival’s website.
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And finally.... need more reasons to follow @AndyBumatai on Twitter or go see him when he performs live in San Francisco? I recently saw a headline on Twitter that said “Journey to a Cure” – it was about kidney disease, but those who know me best won’t be at all surprised to learn my first thought was “GREAT CONCERT!” I posted the following tweet: “Saw headline 'Journey to a Cure' & thought "great concert!" Like a lineup the late, great Bill Graham would put together...”

Andy saw that and “retweeted” it (reposted on Twitter, making it available for all his followers to see), and then began the following series of tweets that had me laughing out loud (music fans will appreciate them):

(from Andy) @LynnPiccoli News/Rock Headline: Cars ignore White Stripes.
(from Andy) @LynnPiccoli News/Rock Headline: Killers find Oasis
(from Andy) @LynnPiccoli News/Rock Headline: Carpenter Disturbed with Nine Inch Nails
(from me) I've created a monster? ROFL - keep 'em coming! RT @AndyBumatai: @LynnPiccoli News/Rock Headline: Carpenter Disturbed with Nine Inch Nails

(the rest are from Andy): News/Rock Headline: Doobie Brothers Kiss Goo Goo Dolls
Fake Rock Headline: Limp Bizkit Korn with Pearl Jam
Fake Rock Headline: Los Lobos Misfits with Melvins
Fake Rock Headline: Rolling Stones Smash Mouth No Doubt
Fake Rock Headline: Grateful Dead Ramones The Replacements
Fake Rock Headlines: Motley Crue No Doubt Nobody's Angel
Fake Rock Headlines: 10,000 Maniacs Talking Heads NSync
Fake Rock Headlines: Porno For Pyros Goldfinger Pussycat Dolls

(Andy will be appearing live at the Hotel Kabuki in San Francisco on August 8. See my last newsletter for details.)
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Pau for now - e malama pono a hui hou!

June 15, 2009

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• Some Father’s Day events in Hawai’i
• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Jeff Teves CD Release Party
• Kenneth Makuakane – Recording and Copyrighting class - Kaua’i
• Ohana Dance Group Ho’ike and Concert – Sacramento, CA
• Andy Bumatai – San Francisco
• Lokahi Nation Online Store
• A note about Little Fox Theater – Redwood City, CA
• Eric Lee video
• KGMB9 programming
• Natalie Ai Kamauu
• Kalei Gamiao
• Bolo and Walt Keale tour

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A sampling of some concerts going on in Hawai’i this Father’s Day weekend:

Friday (June 19) – HAPA Concert under the Stars, Kahala Resort & Hotel, Honolulu, 8 pm (Seating starts at 5:30pm) Tix and info: (808) 739-8888

Saturday (June 20) – Makaha Sons, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Kona), 7:30 pm Tix $35 (808) 882-5707

Saturday (June 20) – Ku’uipo Kumukahi at the Summer Concert Series, Pilila’au Army Rec. Ctr, Waianae (Oahu) – 7:00 p.m. – FREE


Sunday (June 21) – 1st Annual Father’s Day Hawaiian Music Festival, featuring Kalapana, Kapena, Beach 5, hula, food, more. Sea Life Park meadow (O’ahu), 3pm-8pm. Tix $20-$30, ages 7-12 $10-$20, 6 and under FREE. Info.



Sunday (June 21) – Willie K, Father’s Day Brunch, Ka’anapali Beach Hotel (Maui), 10:00 am. Call hotel at for reservations! (800) 262-8450
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This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we’re celebrating the release of “Lovely Sapphire of the Tropics,” the new CD by Jeffrey Teves, and described by him as some of his all-time favorite “Hawaiian and Hapa Haole music of yesteryear, revisited.” In addition to the Jeff Teves Quartet, special guests will include Puamana, Kealoha Kalama, the Leo Nahenahe Singers, Kapono Naili'ili, and possibly another special guest (unconfirmed as of press time, but if it happens, you'll love it!).

Under the name Kuliaikanu'u, Jeff (with Tote Conching and Henry Barrett), has been a mainstay in Waikiki for over 35 years. He has also played at the Sheraton Waikiki's lu’au with Myra English, and at the Surf Room with Kahauanu Lake, and more recently you can find him sitting in with Chino Montero, David Kamakahi, Jeff Peterson and more at Thai Sweet Basil in Manoa on Monday nights. In addition to Tote Conching, Henry Barrett, and Jeff Au Hoy, Brandon and Keoni Souza and Paul Kim all play with Jeff at various times as the Jeff Teves Quartet.

Please join us this Thursday, June 18 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 are available for purchase, but as I’ve mentioned previously, the hotel is no longer serving food. (Hint: “Super Fresh” will deliver food to the hotel. The valets and others who work there often order from them. Their prices are quite reasonable, and the service is fast! I’ve had the garlic chicken, and oh my… SOOO ono! Their number is 398-5901.)

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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In celebration of the "Year of Hawaiian Music," Kenneth Makuakane, producer, musician, singer-songwriter, and winner of numerous Na Hoku Hanohano awards, will conduct a workshop on “How to Record and Copyright Music” on Saturday, June 27, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort. Admission is $20; advance registration is recommended. This workshop is a must for all new or aspiring musicians! For information contact Nathan Kalama at (808) 822-2166 or kmfkauai@hawaii.rr.com

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The Ohana Dance Group (halau) of Sacramento, CA is holding their annual ho`ike and a concert featuring Hawai’i Music Award winner Faith Ako on Saturday, Sept. 12th (2 pm, Sacramento Buddhist Church). Tickets go on sale July 1. For info: poster that I am attaching.

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Comedian, television host and internet show host Andy Bumatai will take his standup routine to the Hotel Kabuki in San Francisco on August 8 as part of the “Friends Reunited” 2nd Annual Benefit Show and Dance for the Asian Women’s Shelter. Tickets are $30 advance, $35 door. For tickets, contact June at AWSDANCE@yahoo.com. Don't miss the opportunity to see Andy perform live and kokua a worthy organization at the same time!

Long-time readers of this newsletter know that one of my favorite all-time Andy bits is “Neighbor Island Directions” from his “Brain Child” album. Those of you on Twitter can now “follow” Andy (@AndyBumatai) and be treated to little doses of comedy every day, for even though “tweets” are limited to 140 characters, his wry observations, sarcastic one-liners, and answers to tweets posted by others are forever making me laugh out loud.
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The Lokahi Nation online store is now open for business! Some time ago I mentioned that my dear friend Timmy Kukiamekekahiau Hunt (along with his business partner Brandon) was coming out with a line of clothing called “Lokahi Nation” (LOW-KA-HEE: Unity, to become one with harmony. To show much Love and Aloha!). Timmy recently contacted me to let me know the online store is now up and running.

The shirts are inscribed with sayings such as “Aloha, Lokahi Nation,” “One Love” and my favorite: “Without Love We Perish” (which is taken from a tattoo Timmy has). Various designs also include graphics of Hawaii, a Hawaiian flag, an 'ukulele, and more. Here are a few examples - watch for more designs to be added in the future:





Although now living in Santa Cruz, CA, Timmy is a Maui boy, born and raised. A talented slack key guitarist and singer/songwriter, he has done much to support, promote and bring Hawaiian music of all types to the mainland, and is the co-owner of THE local place for ono plate lunch and island style grindz - Aloha Island Grille (1700 Portola Dr. Santa Cruz). Timmy has a huge heart, and no matter what venture he takes on, he does it with love. Lokahi Nation is no different, and I think you’ll find a design you like, must have, can't live without! Please visit the Lokahi store (where you can order online, and items will be shipped anywhere in the world!). You can also visit the Lokahi myspace page to see photos, etc.
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A note about the Little Fox Theater in Redwood City, CA: Many musicians from Hawai’i play the Little Fox, and have for a number of years. I’ve noticed recently that all concerts have a “21 and over” age limitation. I don’t know if this is a new policy – perhaps I just never noticed before? – but please keep that in mind when purchasing tickets for that venue!
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KGMB9, our local CBS affiliate, is running a series of live Friday concerts on their “Sunrise” show. Last week’s show featured Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Eric Lee (of Na Kama) performing songs from his recent solo release “Crossroads”. Here are several videos from the show.

By the way, Ho’omaika’i (Congratulations!) to Eric, Danny Naipo, and Brian Mersberg (Na Kama) on their recent Na Hoku win for “E Ola Ke Ali’i, the Na Kama Christmas Collection, Vol. 1” - their first Christmas album!

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In addition to the live Friday morning concerts, KGMB9 has been airing some additional local programming that is extremely well done. Due to the demand after the original show was aired, last week they rebroadcast the “Life in These Islands” special. I recently spoke with KGMB9’s Jared Kuroiwa, who told me that talks are continuing regarding making a DVD of the show available (distribution is still being discussed, but we should hear something very soon), and there’s even some discussion about making it into a series – although the latter is still just talk at this point. I will let you know when the DVD is available.

Last week KGMB9 also presented the exclusive television debut of "Kūkahi” Keali`i Reichel Live in Concert, a 90-minute broadcast that showcased a rare, personal look at one of Hawaii's living musical icons in a concert of both traditional and contemporary song and dance. Halau Ke‘alaokamaile was featured. The DVD (which runs over two hours and includes subtitles in both English and Hawaiian), also includes appearances by Ben Vega (“Pua Nani”) and Kumu Hula Keali’i Ceballos. You can order a DVD copy of "Kūkahi” from mele.com.
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Fresh from her second Best Female Vocalist win at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, Natalie Ai Kamauu, husband Iolani, and brother Chad Ai dropped by the studios of KUNV FM before a concert performance in Las Vegas Saturday. Here's a fun video compilation of her visit (if you watched live online Saturday, you'll note that the interview has been edited somewhat), as well as her chicken-skin performance of "Pili Aloha".
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Those who are regular viewers of Pakele Live! have probably seen the talented young ‘ukulele player Kalei Gamiao. His debut album "Kalei Gamiao - Contemporary Ukulele Instrumental," nominated for a 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Award, is in pretty much constant rotation in my CD changer. But nothing quite matches hearing him live…

I was recently at a large outdoor event with lots of music, people talking and laughing, etc. As is often the case at these types of events, many people weren’t paying attention to the music. However, when Kalei began playing, you could hear a kind of hush go through the audience as people began listening to this amazing young artist (who many had never heard before). It was a chicken skin moment!

In spite of his extraordinary talent and growing success, Kalei remains exceedingly humble. It's an honor and a pleasure for me to have gotten to know him and his family a bit, and I hope you will take a moment to listen to his music, support him by sending a friend request on myspace (you can listen to songs and see videos there), joining his Facebook , purchasing his album, and going to see him when he performs live.

I can only imagine what the future holds for this talented young man!
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And finally, I regret to announce that the west coast tour featuring Bolo and Walt Keale has been cancelled due to illness in Bolo’s family. The tour will be rescheduled sometime in the future, but as yet we have no idea when that might be. Bolo has asked me to extend his sincere apologies for the cancellation – it’s been a number of years since he was there and he was looking forward to performing for the appreciative audiences he met all up and down the west coast. However, we all know that ohana – family – always comes first, so please join me in keeping both Bolo and his father in your thoughts and prayers.
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Pau for now - e malama pono a hui hou!

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis - One Right Turn
• 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards
• Hawaiian Music in Redwood City, CA
• Kauai Music Festival
• Hawaiian World Fest West Coast Tour
• Japanese Cultural Fair – Santa Cruz, CA
• Bolo and Walt Keale, CA tour

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This week’s guests on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis are One Right Turn (Imua Garza, former lead singer and founding member of the award-winning band Opihi Pickers; and sisters Tiffa Cruz Garza and Connie Cruz of the band The Girlas).

Imua first appeared professionally at age 11, when his version of the local song "On Fire" was included on the 1996 release Hidden Treasures - Ukulele Stylings 2, which featured Hawaii's most promising ‘ukulele players. He also formed the Opihi Pickers about this time, with his brother and cousin. They released their first CD in 1998, and grew to become one of Hawaii's most popular bands.

Imua is also an accomplished singer/songwriter, arranger, producer, and recording engineer. He has appeared on over a dozen CDs (including 7 with the Opihi Pickers), and he has worked on commercials for radio and TV, and on a film soundtrack. In 2008 he produced the release by Hawaii's new reggae band "Rebel Soljahz," and it became the #3 top-selling reggae album in the U.S. (Rebel Soljahz won an award at last night's Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.)

Tiffa (Cruz) Garza began writing songs at age 8, and began playing guitar when she was 12. With sister Connie Cruz, they recorded and released an album in 2006 with former band "The Girlas and both sisters have made guest appearances on a number of other albums by musicians in Hawai’i. The sisters are part of talented Cruz family – Ernie Cruz is their father, and Ernie Jr. (Ka’au Crater Boys), Guy, and John are their brothers. All have successful music careers.

One Right Turn is neither Opihi Pickers nor the Girlas, Hawaiian nor Jawaiian – theirs is a contemporary sound, filled with a combination of ballads and more up-tempo songs. Their debut release actually consists of four separate CDs – one (Lean On My Shoulder) by the group as a whole, and the other three as works focusing on each of the members as soloists. (Each recording can be purchased separately, or as a 4 disc box set.)

Please join us Thursday June 11 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 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/

(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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Ho’omaika’i (congratulations) to all the winners of a 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Award! If you missed the show last night, you can watch videos of some of the wonderful live performances on the K5 website.

And here is a partial video of an impromptu chant performed by the award-winning Kanaka’ole family, following the acceptance speech by Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole for his “Best Male Vocalist” win (his second award of the evening). The video doesn’t fully relay the power and magic that filled the room during this brief, unexpected performance – suffice to say we ALL had chicken skin! – but it gives you an idea. (It was one of my favorite moments of the night.)

I posted some photos from last night on my webshots (click on a photo to get a larger view). I’ve been unable to post photos in my regular spot (my Facebook page) due to problems with Facebook, so the photos aren’t tagged or labeled at this point. (Others are having similar problems with Facebook, but not everyone… *sigh*)

The awards show will be rebroadcast in its entirety on K5 The Home Team at 10:30 pm HST on Saturday. (Kala mai - I don’t know if the rebroadcast will only be on TV here in Hawai’i, or if it will also be online.

Here is a complete list of winners.
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Lots of great Hawaiian music coming to the Little Fox Theater in Redwood City, CA!

Ledward Kaapana, Aug. 4, 8 pm info
George Kuo, Martin Pahinui, and Aaron Mahi, August 11, 8 pm. info
Willie K August 20, 7:30 pm info.
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Songwriters (or aspiring songwriters) – if you haven’t yet signed up for the 2009 Kauai Music Festival, you need to do it soon! This year’s festival is July 29 through August 1. Info.
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The west coast Hawaiian World Fest tour with Hapa, Ledward Kaapana and John Cruz will visit the following cities:

Monday, July 20 - Seattle, WA 7:00pm Triple Door

Tuesday, July 21 - Roseburg, OR 7:00pm Music on the Half Shell

Wednesday, July 22 - San Diego, CA 7:00pm Humphrey's by the Bay

Thursday, July 23 - Redondo Beach, CA 8:00pm BriXton South Bay

Friday, July 24 - Crystal Bay, NV (Lake Tahoe) 8:00pm Crystal Bay Casino

Saturday-Sunday, July 25-26 - Oakland, CA Two shows nightly: Saturday: 7:30pm and 10pm, Sunday: 7pm and 9:30pm Yoshi's
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There will be a Japanese Cultural Fair on Saturday, June 20 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at Mission Plaza Park in downtown Santa Cruz. Six hours of entertainment, including Taiko Drumming by the Watsonville and San Francisco Taiko Dojos, Bon Odori and Okinawan Dance, an Aikido demonstration, mochi pounding (yum – mochi!), and more. There will also be an array of Japanese foods available for purchase.

Admission is free. Information.
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The date for the Santa Cruz concert and workshops at Bocci’s by Bolo and Walt Keale has been changed to Saturday, August 8. Details are still being finalized, but I will post them here as soon as we have them. The in-store performance at Borders Sacramento is still set for Tuesday, August 4.

We are awaiting final confirmation on additional dates in both Northern and Southern California!
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Pau for now… e malama pono a hui hou!

Aloha kakou!
Two additional items for today’s news:

Chino Montero, Nathan Nahinu, & Derrick Lee will be making a special appearance at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel's Mai Tai Bar Saturday (6/6) from 6-9 pm. I had the opportunity to hear the three of them perform a few songs together a few weeks ago, and boy-oh-boy…!
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Herb Ohta, Jr. and Jennifer Perri will be in California for private lessons (Herb) and two performances (Jennifer and Herb) June 12-16. There are only a few slots left for the lessons with Herb, so call right away if you’re interested! Here’s the schedule:

June 12
Lessons with Herb (45 minutes each, 2 slots open) at Nagareda Studios, 201 Jackson St, San Jose

Jennifer - free performance and CD signing, 10:30 a.m. at Yu-Ai Kai, 588 N. 4th St., San Jose

June 14
Lessons with Herb (3 slots open) at UFOhana, Del Medina’s Hale, 1585 Vendola Dr., San Rafael

June 15
Lessons with Herb (1 slot open) at Sacramento Buddhist Church, 2401 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento

Free performance (Jennifer and Herb), 7 pm, Borders, 2339 Fair Oaks Blvd, Sacramento

June 16
Lessons with Herb (2 slots open) at ColorTone Inc., 2920 7th St., Berkeley

Those who watch Pakele Live! may remember Jennifer from her CD release party a few months ago. She'll be performing songs from her new album "He Mele Aloha," which Herb released on his Lele Music Productions label. Don't miss the chance to see her perform live!

To reserve your space for one of Herb’s lessons, contact Hawaii Music Live at aloha@hawaiimusiclive.com or (415) 452-8720.

A hui hou!

June 3, 2009

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Hulili
• Hawaiian Style Grill Summer Kick-off Concert (Sacramento, CA area)
• Lomilomi Massage Classes by Kapua Ching (Nevada City/Grass Valley, CA)
• Special Performance at 2009 ‘Ukulele Festival (Waikiki)
• Ka Waikahe Lani Malie – Special 10th Anniversary Ho’ike (Davis, CA)
• Moonlight Mele on the Lawn (Honolulu)
• First Annual MELE Songwriters Workshop (Honolulu)
• Beat of Hawaii – great travel deals, and warning about the Kauai Marriott
• Wildest Show in Town series (Honolulu)
• Lunalilo Home Benefit/Ho’olaule’a (Honolulu)

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This week’s guest on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis is the band Hulili. Those familiar with the club scene in Hawaii today will recognize the name. The band plays a variety of genres - it’s not unusual for Hulili to play a traditional Hawaiian classic to today’s island reggae sound, some “good ‘ol days” 60’s tunes, and then a current top 40 hit. They’ll be releasing a new CD soon, and we’re told to expect some great original compositions. If you’re a fan of baby lu'aus, graduation parties, night clubs and back yard kanikapilas, you’ll enjoy Hulili!

Please join us Thursday June 4 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 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/

(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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Hawaiian Style Grill in Elk Grove, CA (south of Sacramento at 8259 Laguna Blvd.) is holding a summer kick-off event June 13 from 5-10 p.m. In addition to Bruddah Alex and Bruddah Ray’s always-ono grindz, there will be music, hula, and vendors!

Musical performances by:
Jakalaka (w/guest performance by Na Aikane Ukulele)
Ho'okahi
Tokai
HSG Kanikapila
Open Mic

Halau performances by:
Halau 'o Keikiali'i
Ohana Dance Group
Ka Waikahe Lani Malie ame Kahulaliwai
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Kapua Ching will be teaching classes in the art of Lomilomi massage June 26-28 and Sept 11-13 in the Nevada City/Grass Valley (CA) area. For information contact Kapua at (530) 263-3170 or kapua.ching@gmail.com
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Those attending the 2009 ‘Ukulele Festival in Kapiolani Park (July 19) are in for a treat! The band Palolo (Chino Montero, Nathan Nahinu, and Troy Fernandez) is temporarily reuniting to play the festival! Cheee hoooo! :)
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Kumu Hula Juni Kalahikiola Romuar and her halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie of Sacramento will be celebrating their 10th anniversary with a special ho'ike (performance) at the Mondavi Arts Center in Davis, CA on Saturday, August 29. Here are some details:

TIME: 7:00 pm performance (lobby doors open at 6:00 pm)
LOCATION: Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, Davis, CA
TICKETS: $25 - general admission (or call ticket office at 530-754-2787 or toll free 866-754-2787)
INFORMATION: Juni Kalahikiola Romuar at 916-457-2733 or email kalahikiola001@yahoo.com)

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The Moonlight Mele on the Lawn series at the Bishop Museum (O’ahu) begins this month with a concert on June 25 by Sean Na’auao. The concert will also feature Lopaka Kanaka‘ole and Hula Hālau o Kamuela.

Darren Benitez and Hōkū Zuttermeister will perform July 30, and Raiatea Helm will be there on August 27.

Go the museum's website for details and ticket information. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The First Annual MELE SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP takes place July 10-12 at Honolulu Community College. Presenters include: Leah Bernstein, president of The Mountain Apple Company; Manu Boyd, leader of Ho'okena, a kumu hula with his own school, Halau o ke 'A'ali'i Ku Makani, a recognized Hawaiian language and cultural resource, composer, arranger, chanter, choreographer, producer and writer, and the cultural director at Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki; composer and performer Brother Noland; Jon de Mello, founder and CEO of The Mountain Apple Company; Dan Keen, ASCAP Vice President, and award-winning publisher, songwriter and recording artist; musician Eric Lagrimas, who is also an instructor of Music Business in the MELE program at Honolulu Community College; ASCAP, Golden Globe, Grammy and Academy Award nominee/winner Dennis Matkosky, a songwriter/producer whose work can be found in almost every genre of music and film; Puakea Nogelmeier, Keali'i Reichel’s composer; singer/songwriter/producer Kristal "Tytewriter" Oliver; the songwriting/production team of Adam Watts and Andy Dodd (Disney Music Publishing), whose work has been featured on albums that have sold over 40 million copies worldwide, including those by Kelly Clarkson, Switchfoot, Jesse McCartney, Jeremy Camp, High School Musical 1, 2, and 3, Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus 1 and 2, and more; and country music songwriter Craig Wiseman, named ASCAP Songwriter of the Year in 2003, 2005 and 2007, winner of the 2005 Grammy for Best Country Song for Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Were Dying," and winner of the 2005 Country Music Award (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Song of the Year awards for "Live Like You Were Dying" and in 2006 for Brooks and Dunn' s "Believe."

The workshop will feature a wide variety of topics from which to choose. See their website for more information, including how to register.
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If you still haven’t subscribed to the Beat of Hawaii newsletter (or you don’t follow them on Twitter: @beatofhawaii), you could be missing out on some great savings – or important information.

Comments on their Twitter feed yesterday gave information about the Kauai Marriott, which is undergoing a $50 million renovation to the guest rooms and public areas. Discounted rates are available during the renovation, BUT the authors, who live on Kaua’i, said they would not suggest staying at Kauai Marriott until the renovation is complete, no matter how good the deal. Apparently most of the employees have been laid off, and the restaurants are closed – and the grounds, etc. “will be a mess! (but great afterwards).” Staff can't return until most of the rooms and services reopen in fall/winter. They said it should be beautiful when done, but until then.... The scheduled completion date is 10/31/09.

More tidbits yesterday: “Fall airfare sales to Hawaii could start at any point, but typically not for another 6+ weeks. PDX, SEA and SFO still have good summer fares to Hawaii. Will we see more sales this week?”
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An ‘ukulele will be given away to a child each week during this summer's Wildest Show in Town series at the Honolulu Zoo. The Wednesday evening series begins June 10. Gates open at 4:35 p.m. with performances running from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. A $3 donation is requested at the door.

Here's the performance schedule:
• June 10 — Simplicity
• June 17 — Maunalua
• June 24 — John Cruz
• July 1 — Roy Sakuma & Friends
• July 8 — The Hot Club of Hulaville
• July 15 — Manoa DNA
• July 22 — Rolando Sanchez & Salsa Hawaii
• July 29 — Jake Shimabukuro
• Aug. 5 — Natalie Ai Kamauu
• Aug. 12 — Jimmy Borges & His All-Star Jazz Band
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Mark your calendars for Sept. 12! I received advance word about a benefit ho'olaule'a for the Lunalilo home scheduled for that date, with an all-star lineup of musical guests, including Holunape, Dennis and David Kamakahi, Natalie Ai Kamauu, Kenneth Makuakane, Chino Montero, Cyril Pahinui, and Hoku Zuttermeister (more artists may be added later). Admission is FREE – there will be raffle prizes, a silent auction, and more to raise needed funds. I’ll provide more details as the date approaches…
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Pau for now… e malama pono a hui hou!