Wednesday, October 28, 2009

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!

Friday, October 23, 2009

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!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

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!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

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!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

  • Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Keale CD release party
  • Andy Bumatai – San Francisco and San Jose
  • Kawika Alfiche and Halau o Keikiali`i – San Francisco
  • Hapa – Maui
  • Talk Story Festival – Honolulu
  • Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu & AHA – Hayward, CA
  • Faith Ako – Felton, CA
  • Willie K – Seattle
  • Manoa Voices - Pakele Live! with Tony Solis (OC16TV)
  • Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival - St. Helena, CA
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This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we’re hosting a CD release party for Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and Grammy nominee Keale. Joining him will be Don Kaulia, LT Smooth, Danny Carvalho, Chris Lau, and Bill Griffin & Leslie Kline of the band Saloon Pilots.

A member of Hawai’i’s well-known and well-respected Keale family (his first cousin is Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – IZ – and his uncle was the legendary Moe Keale), Keale began his musical career relatively late in life. Immediately following the 2002 death of his beloved Uncle Moe, Keale had what some call a vision and others call supernatural: Uncle Moe came to him while he was sitting at Kailua Beach and said, “‘I love your music. I love your music.” Keale initially didn’t say anything about the encounter, because he thought to himself, “I don’t have any music. What do you mean, Uncle?” He said Uncle Moe repeated, “I love your music, no worry, I love your music,” and then added, “You are Keale.”

Keale credits that vision with his decision to begin playing music – and through his voice (it’s obvious he inherited the family musical genes) and the ‘ukulele and guitar, he is continuing in the footsteps of his uncle and is helping to uphold the Keale family name. A member of the award-winning band Kaukahi, (the band won four Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 2007 for their debut album), and working with artists such as Hawai’i’s own Jack Johnson, Keale has also made a name for himself as a solo artist.

His debut solo CD Kahikina (“sunrise”) was released in 2007, and contains songs that express both who he is and what it means to him to be Hawaiian. His new album Kawelona (“shimmering of the setting sun”) continues in that vein, with 9 of the 16 songs in Hawaiian or part-Hawaiian, most of which come from chants he arranged to music. The album also contains two songs featuring keiki – one with the keiki of Ke Kula o Ni’ihau, and the other featuring his daughter Emma and Kaukahi bandmate Dean Wilhelm’s three daughters. (Emma and the Wilhelm girls might join him at Pakele!)

In addition to regular performances and tours with his Kaukahi band mates, Keale performs with other musicians and as a solo artist – in fact, he was invited to perform at President Obama’s inauguration.

Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, October 8, 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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I mentioned in the last newsletter that Hawai’i comedians Andy Bumatai, Paul Ogata and Cathy Tanaka will be appearing at the Punch Line Comedy Club in San Francisco next month. Tickets are now available online through LiveNation.

For those who planned to see Andy at Johnny Barcardi's 30 Plus Club in Union City: that venue is closing – Andy’s show has been moved to the Temple Lounge in San Jose (52 S. First St.) on November 14.

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Enjoy some live Hawaiian music with Kawika Alfiche and Halau o Keikiali`i - as well as some Bolivian/Latin music by Eddy, Quentin and Gabriel Navia – at Pena Pachamama Cultural Center in San Francisco (1630 Powell St, Union and Green) on October 11 at 7 pm. Tickets are $10. The restaurant features grass fed beef, free range chicken, organic veggies – wholesome delicious Bolivian/South American cuisine. (They also have some vegetarian and Living Food choices.)

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Hapa will be doing a free concert on Saturday, October 17 from 2:30pm - 3:30pm at the Princess Kaiulani Festival on Maui. The festival will be held at the Haleakala Waldorf School in Kula.

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The 21st annual Talk Story Festival takes place this Friday through Sunday at the McCoy Pavilion in Ala Moana Park. Admission is free. For details, go to the Honolulu Parks website.
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Kumu Hula Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu has announced the first U.S. performance of his Academy of Hawaiian Arts’ “Waikiki” production, scheduled for 8 pm on November 21 at Chabot College Performing Arts Center in Hayward, CA. AHAMele and the keiki dancers will be performing at the pre-show VIP reception, and Kumu Charles Kaʻupu will MC the show.

“Waikiki” marks the Academy’s fourth presentation of its original, modern interpretation of classical Hawaiian dance. This performance will focus on the celebrated location, Waikiki, from impressions of life in the area before Western contact through its “Golden Age” of surf boys, hotels and Hollywood starlets. Kumu Ho‘omalu and the Academy dancers took “Waikiki” to Japan in February 2009 for a ten-city tour.

Tickets for AHA’s performances always sell out, so buy yours early! Prices are
$40 general reserved and $125 VIP. Click here for tickets and info.
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Hawai’i Music Award winner Faith Ako will be in concert at Don Quixote’s Music Hall in Felton, CA (Santa Cruz area) on Wednesday October 14 at 7:30pm. The Island Breeze Band, featuring steel guitarist Patti Maxine plus Alan Souza, Bill Leff, Stan Meidinger, and Uncle Dave Ray will open. Tickets are $10.

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A reminder to those in the Seattle area – Willie K is this week’s guest at the free Hawai’i concert series happening at 5 pm every Saturday this month at the Triple Door’s Musicquarium.

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The new episode of Pakele Live! with Tony Solis on OC16 TV features the Manoa Voices. Tune into channel OC16 in Hawai’i, or watch the livestream. The show will air approximately 10 times over the next week – check listings for days/times.
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For those who are attending the Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival in St. Helena, CA this weekend, they’ve just posted a schedule of which performers are performing on which stages. (As mentioned in a previous newsletter, performers include Steven Espaniola, Faith Ako, Kimo Hussey, Brittni Paiva, Kalei Gamiao, and more!)
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Pau for now - e malama pono a hui hou!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

October 1, 2009

Aloha kakou!
In today’s newsletter:
  • Pakele Live stage “dark” this week
  • Kona on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis (OC16 TV)
  • 33rd Annual Day at Queen Emma Summer Palace
  • Kalei Gamiao – CA and WA
  • Dr. Ku‘uleialoha Amy Stillman
  • Keoki Kahumoku – Berkeley
  • Aunty Aka – San Rafael and Mt. Tamalpais
  • Charles Michael Brotman, Brittni Paiva, Keoki Kahumoku, Kalei Gamiao – WA
  • Brittni Paiva & Keoki Kahumoku – Sebastopol
  • Jack Ofoia family fundraiser – Honolulu
  • Andy Bumatai, Paul Ogata, and Cathy Tanaka – San Francisco
  • Hawai’i Nui Brewing contest – Hilo
  • PBS Hawai’i
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The stage will be dark this week at the Ala Moana Hotel for Pakele Live! with Tony Solis - the hotel has booked another function in the Pakele Lounge. However, we’re back next week with a CD release party for Keale! Details in the next newsletter.
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Singer-songwriter KONA is this week’s guest on the TV version of Pakele Live! with Tony Solis. Tune in to OC16 TV or watch the livestream. Airs for one week – check the schedule for days and times!

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The 33rd Annual “Day at Queen Emma Summer Palace” will be held October 3 from 9 am to 5 pm. Held on the lush, tropical grounds of the Victorian period residence of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma (2913 Pali Hwy, Oahu), the event features Hawaiian music (Jerry Santos and others) and hula; food and craft booths; local artists; native Hawaiian craft demonstrations; keiki crafts and more. (Note: I’ve found conflicting admission information. Some sites say it’s free, others say there’s a “modest” admission fee that includes tour of Palace. Free Parking.)
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Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominee Kalei Gamiao is taking his ‘ukulele to the mainland for a few performances this month. Don’t miss your chance to see this amazingly talented young man!
Friday, October 9, 3:30 – 5:30PM
Reception and Wine Tasting Event (free!)
Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa
American Canyon, CA

Saturday, Oct. 10, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Promenade Stage
Wine Country Ukulele Festival
St. Helena, CA

Sunday, Oct. 11, 7:00PM – 9:00 PM
University of Puget Sound, Schneebeck Concert Hall, Tacoma, WA
with Brittni Paiva, Charles Michael Brotman, and Keoki Kahumoku
$12 gen admission; Tickets available at the UPS information Center (253) 879-3419) and at the door.
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Grammy award winner Dr. Ku‘uleialoha Amy Stillman has a new blog "Hawaiian Music for Listening Pleasure." Interesting reading!
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Keoki Kahumoku will be at Templebar in Berkeley (984 University Ave.) on Oct. 13 for an ‘ukulele workshop (6pm-7pm, $22) and concert (8-9:30pm, $22). Call (510) 524-6403 for reservations.
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Big Island Kahuna Haleaka Iolani Pule Dooley (Aunty Aka!) will be in the greater San Francisco Bay area this weekend for several workshops:

On Saturday October 2 she will be in San Rafael for a Ho’oponopono workshop. On October 3 and 4 she will be at Mt. Tamalpais for a two-day workshop on Ho’oponopono and Ho’omana, plus a full moon ceremony.

Long-time readers of this newsletter know that Aka is one of my favorite people. I could listen to her talk story for hours, and her laugh is among the most infectious I’ve heard. A native Hawaiian and the direct descendant of Hawaii’s highest ali’i and kahuna nui, she was born with a number of special gifts and was trained in the ancient ways, including spirituality, medicinal, hula, chanting, crafts, and much, much more. She also holds two degrees (cultural anthropology and administration of law) and is continually invited to speak all over the world at peace and conflict resolution conferences sponsored by the United Nations.

For information on this weekend’s workshops, go to the Hawai’i Music Live website.
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Brittni Paiva & Keoki Kahumoku will be in concert at the French Garden Restaurant & Brasserie in Sebastopol (8050 Bodega Ave.) on October 18. The best seating is available with early dining - dinner is served from 5-7:30pm. Doors open at 7:45 for non-dinner guests. Tickets are $20 advance/$25 door. For dinner reservations call (707) 824-2030. Tickets may be purchased online.
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There will be a fundraiser at the Ocean Club in Honolulu on October 19 to help musician Jack Ofoia’s family with medical expenses resulting from an August car accident in which his daughter Shyla was seriously injured. Called “KUATA’S Night Out,” it’s a pajama party of sorts (come in your best PJ’s!). Performances by Weldon Kekauoha (6-6:30pm), Ernie Cruz, Jr. (6:40-7:10pm), Del Beazley (7:20-7:50pm), the Pajama fashion show (8-8:50pm) Sista Robi Kahakalau and Jeff Rasmussen (9-9:30pm), Nesian N.I.N.E. (9:45-10:30), and Mana’o Company with special guest Sean Na’auao (10:45-11:30).
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This just in! Comedians Andy Bumatai, Paul Ogata, and Cathy Tanaka will appear at the Punch Line Comedy Club in San Francisco (444 Battery St, between Washington and Clay) November 16 for a “Hawai’i” show. It was just confirmed today, so no ticket information is available as yet - but I expect this to be a very popular event, so get your tickets early! Watch the Punch Line website for info, or call them at (415) 397-4337.
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Hawai’i Nui Brewing Company of Hilo is looking for someone to re-write a German song that talks stink about Hawaii and Hawaiian beer in time for Oktoberfest 2010! They’re not interested in responding in kind, but in a song (and video) that is fun, shows the Aloha spirit, invites visitors to come to Hawai’i and try our beer, and something that has a chorus in German, Hawaiian and English . The song in question is "Es Gibt Kein Bier auf Hawaii." Go to their blog for more information.
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And finally, a little “editorial”…

As part of a national series, PBS will be airing a show this fall about Hawai’i. However it may not be seen in Hawai’i. Why? Because the narrator so badly mangled the Hawaiian words, place names, etc., PBS Hawai’i decided not to air the episode unless the narration is redone to pronounce key Hawaiian words correctly. Here is a blog post by Leslie Wilcox, President and CEO of PBS Hawai’i that explains the decision.

Personally, I applaud that decision. At the very least, producers could have shown respect for Hawai’i, its language, and its people by requesting a local consultant to assist in the correct pronunciation of Hawaiian words. It’s not that difficult when you take the time to learn a few basic rules, such as the fact that vowel sounds are similar to Spanish (AH EH EE OH OO). And it doesn’t need to be perfect – even locals pronounce things differently, including place names. Some correctly pronounce words and names that contain the diacritical mark called ‘okina, but others ignore it. For example, the town Ka’a’awa is pronounced ka–ah–AH-va, but many say ka-AHva.

I cringe when listening to Hawaiian music shows (radio/TV/internet) when the announcer makes no attempt to correctly pronounce Hawaiian words, and there are certain announcers whose shows I won’t listen to at all for that reason. To me it shows a lack of respect, especially when it comes to repeatedly mispronouncing someone’s name. If you love their music, honor them by correctly pronouncing their name. If you try but stumble, that’s ok – you made the effort, and there’s no shame asking for help! You’ll do better next time. :)
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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!