Aloha mai kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Kamaka Fernandez
• John Cruz – Eugene, OR (TIME SENSITIVE!)
• Kalapana – Irwindale, CA
• Breathe Concert - Honolulu
• Herb Ohta Jr. workshop – Whittier, CA
• Lima Wela tour – CA
• Hawaiian Musicians at Gordon Biersch – CA
• Patrick Ching Art Certification Course (for Teachers) - Waimanalo
• Mike Keale Farewell Concert – Santa Cruz
• Merrie Monarch Fundraisers – O’ahu
• Hawai’i Generations Tour – California
• Dr. Amy Stillman – UH Manoa

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This week Pakele Live! with Tony Solis marks the return of Kamaka Fernandez! Kamaka will be accompanied by Kimo Villarimo and Kaniela Leoiki.

If anyone could be described as having “Hawaiian heart and soul,” it would be Ryan Kamakakehau Fernandez. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, he was adopted at 6 weeks old by Robyn Nae’ole and taken home to Maui. It is there that his new family and home shaped Kamaka into one of Hawai’i’s newest and most refreshing talents.

Kamaka’s education played a huge part in his love and appreciation for the Hawaiian culture and music. He graduated from the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program and speaks Hawaiian fluently. One of his favorite pastimes was paddling for Maui’s Hawaiian Canoe Club. And he became enamored with the ‘ukulele and the art of leo ki’eki’e (falsetto) singing, which ultimately led to his taking top honors in Uncle Richard Ho’opi’i’s Leo Ki’eki’e singing contest in 2003. He is currently working on his first solo album.

Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, January 28, 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/

(You may email the show at pakele@lava.net – mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!)
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Last minute! John Cruz will perform at a house concert in Eugene, OR on Thursday, January 28. Limited to 40 tickets, $20 each. Email joanrippe@comcast.net to reserve your seat and get directions! The show starts at 7pm, but anyone who would like to meet John can arrive at 6pm with a potluck dish to share.
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Halau Hula O Na Ka Lokelani (The Pasadena Hula Roses) will open for the award-winning group Kalapana on January 29-30 at the Gano Excel Performing Arts Center in Irwindale, CA (4828 4th St.) Tickets are $15 and are available by calling (310) 462-5276. The doors open 6pm, show is at 8pm.
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The 3rd annual Breathe Concert, featuring Willie K, Melveen Leed, and the Hotclub of Hulaville takes place at the Hawai’i Theatre in Honolulu on Saturday, January 30 at 7:30pm. Tickets range from $35 to $135, with $5 discounts available for seniors, students & military with valid ID, and Hawaii Theatre members. The Breathe Concert is a fundraiser for the American Lung Association in Hawai’i. Tickets are available at the box office or online.
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Herb Ohta, Jr. has added an ‘ukulele workshop to his California concert tour. The workshop will take place on February 6 from 4-5:15pm at the Shannon Center at Whittier College – preceding his 8pm concert (with Jon Yamasato and Jennifer Perri). The workshop will focus on strumming patterns and Hawaiian turnarounds. Cost is $35. Reserve space by calling (650) 888-5010 or emailing aloha@hawaiimusiclive.com. (As noted in previous newsletters, Herb, Jon and Jenn will also be playing Feb. 3 at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, and Feb. 5 at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara.)

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Lima Wela (“Hands of Fire” or “Hot Hands”). The fast-strumming, string-breaking, boundary-pushing trio of Willie K, Joe Cano and Avi Ronen. You can't help but move to Latin, Hawaiian, jazz, rock and rhythm 'n' blues - a mix of what the band's founder Willie K. calls "Mediterranean-Pacific Jazz." They’ll be touring California next month:

Feb 18 – The Palms (Winters)
Feb 19 – Miner’s Foundry (Nevada City), 8 pm, $20 Tickets
Feb. 20 - Rancho Nicasio (Nicasio), 8:30pm, $20-$25 (lu’au buffet) Call (415) 662-2219 for reservations
Feb. 21 - Yoshi's (Oakland) 2 and 7pm, $24 Tickets
Feb. 22 - Don Quixote's (Santa Cruz), 7:30pm, $20 (cash only) (831) 603-2294
Feb. 23 - SoHo (Santa Barbara), 8pm, $17 plus dinner Tickets
Feb. 25 – Belly Up (Solana Beach), 8pm, $20 adv/$22 door Tickets
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San Francisco Bay area peeps! Remember last year’s month-long series of Aloha Fridays that featured live Hawaiian music? It’s happening again in March at the Palo Alto and San Francisco locations (I haven’t yet heard if San Jose will again be included). I don’t yet have the complete schedule, but there was such a huge response last year I wanted to give you an early heads’ up. Stay tuned for details!
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Hawai’i artist Patrick Ching will be conducting an intensive certification course for those who’d like to learn to teach using his methods. The course begins on Saturday February 6 at his Naturally Hawaiian Gallery in Waimanalo:

Learn Patrick Ching’s methods for rapid learning and teaching art. Completion of this course will greatly improve your understanding of realistic art, increase your technical skills, teaching skills, and give you a stronger preference for teaching Patrick Ching-sanctioned art classes.

Thirty years as a professional artist and hundreds of art students have contributed toward the development of this specifically designed course. You will be amazed at how good you really are!

Drawing
3 Step Drawing Process, Shading Techniques. Realistic Drawing Grid
Primary Painting
Color Wheel, Painting with Primaries, Color Matching
Painting a Sky
Wet blending Gradations, Glazing Clouds and tones
Painting Mountains & Foliage
Wet Blending, Glazing, Drying Genesis Paint
Painting Water
3 Basic Layers- Bottom, Middle, Surface

Course fee of $300 includes paint, canvasses and materials. Call (808) 259-5354 for information.
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Mike Keale will be moving home to Hawai’i soon, but before he leaves he’ll do a farewell concert at Bocci’s Cellar in Santa Cruz (6 pm, Feb. 12). Also appearing will be Timmy "Kukia" Hunt, Vern and Vince Fernandez, Stan Meidinger and Patti "The Queen of Steel" Maxine.

Tickets are $10.00 and will only be available at the door.
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‘Tis the season for hula halau heading to the Merrie Monarch Festival (April 4-10) to hold fundraisers to help offset their costs. Two that are coming up soon are:

O'Brian Eselu and the men of Ke Kai O Kahiki, Saturday February 6, 11am - 2pm
Paradise Cove Luau Gardens at Ko'olina. Entertainment by:

*Sean Na'auao
*Tracie & Keawe Lopes - Ka La Onohi Mai O Haehae
*Kalaeloa
*Natalie Ai Kamauu
*O’Brian Eselu and the men of Ke Kai O Kahiki (with special guest Melveen Leed)
*MC’d by Kimo Kahoano

Tickets are $25 and include a buffet lunch, door prizes, and a bake sale. They will also have their new 2010 limited edition Ke Kai O Kahiki t-shirts on sale. Call (808) 479-1407 for tickets or email info@kekaiokahiki.com
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Halau Hula O Pukaikapuaokalani, under the direction of Kumu Hula Ellen Castillo, Saturday February 13, Don Ho’s Island Grill, 5-10pm. Live music, FREE PUPUS from 6-7:30pm, silent auction. Tickets are available from halau members for $20, or buy tickets online. (There’s a $1 service charge per ticket to purchase online.)

An option to make donations directly to the halau is also available, and for those living on O’ahu, you may also click on a link to purchase some Ani’s sweet bread. (The bread will be available for pick up on February 13 from 10-noon at the Kailua Recreation Center.)

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George Kahumoku, Jr. and son Keoki, and Dennis Kamakahi and son David, are embarking on another “Hawaiian Generations” concert tour in California this March. The schedule so far is as follows:

March 25 – Yoshi’s Oakland, 8pm.
March 26 – Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz, 8pm
March 27 – Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos, 8pm
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And finally, this post from Dr. Amy Ku‘uleialoha Stillman, who is again nominated for a Grammy® Award for her expertise and work writing the Hawaiian language lyrics for Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho’s album “He Nani,” (which she also co-produced): “I have confirmed that I will be teaching at University of Hawai’i next year, when I will be Dai Ho Chun Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Departments of American Studies and of Music. In Fall 2010 I am teaching the undergraduate course “Musical Cultures: Hawai’i” (MUS 478B) and a graduate seminar titled “Critical Genealogies of American Music.” In Spring 2011, I will be teaching my undergraduate course “American Musical Soundscapes,” and a graduate seminar titled “Hawaiian Music Historiography.” This last will be a first on many counts – the very first time I will be leading a graduate-level research seminar in Hawaiian music; it is also the very first time that the UH Music Department will be offering a graduate-level seminar focused entirely on Hawaiian music. How’s that for making history?”

Ho’omaika’i e Dr. Stillman!
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Pau for now - e malama pono a hui hou!

Aloha mai kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Waipuna CD Release Party
• Bolo – Los Angeles
• Spirit of Aloha Tour – various mainland cities
• John Cruz – Bend, OR
• Hawai’i Night at the Grammy Museum – Los Angeles
• WAIKIKI REVIVAL - Na Kumu O Ke Ola – Waikiki
• Nā Hōkū O Hawai’i Music Festival – O’ahu

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This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we’re hosting a CD release party for Waipuna, with special guests Weldon Kekauoha (with Bryan Tolentino and Alika Boy IV), the Waipuna Dancers, and joining Waipuna on stage, Chino Montero, Kellen Paik, and Greg Sardinha.

Waipuna (Kale Hannahs of the award–winning group ‘Ale‘a and Matt Sproat, winner of the Hawai‘i Island Falsetto Contest) is celebrating the release of their debut album Mana‘o Pili. The album is a showcase for both their harmonies and their individual voices, and features traditional songs, more recent songs, and several originals – including one each by Matt and Kale, and one by Kale’s sister and future brother-in-law (Lihau Hannahs and Kellen Paik – also known as the award-winning group Kupaoa!). In addition, because Waipuna always features hula in their performances, the album was recorded with the dancers in mind. A number of musicians lent their support to the album, three of whom are joining them on the Pakele stage (Chino, Kellen and Greg).

Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, January 21, 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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Big Island slack key guitar/’ukelele artist Bolo has made it through the initial rounds and will be in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 23 to try for a spot on NBC’s America's Got Talent! At this stage the producers look for audience support as well as talent, so if you’re in the Southern California area, show him some support and help him get on the show by going to the Los Angeles Convention Center (1201 S. Figueroa St.) and cheering him on! It's free - all you need is I.D. (He doesn't know what time he'll be on - NBC films all day, and the host will be interviewing random people, so dress eye- and camera-catching!)
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The Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau, Hawaiian Airlines and Marriott Hotels have launched another “Spirit of Aloha” tour, where a bus travels the country “bringing the sights and sounds of Hawai’i to the mainland.” Entertainment will again be provided by performers from the Polynesian Cultural Center, as well as American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias. The schedule is as follows – unfortunately, no specific locations or times were provided, although you might try following them on Facebook:

January 19-20 Phoenix
January 22-24 Dallas
January 25 San Antonio
January 26 Houston
January 28-29 Atlanta
January 30-31 Charlotte
February 1 Nashville
February 2 St. Louis
February 3 Omaha
February 5-7 Denver
February 9 Salt Lake City
February 11-12 Los Angeles

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John Cruz will play at Sliver Moon Brewing (24 NW Greenwood Ave) in Bend, OR on January 27 at 8 pm. Tickets are $10 advance, $12 door. 21+
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Friday, January 29 is Hawai’i Night at the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live (800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles). Some of the nominees for the 2010 Grammy in the Best Hawaiian Music Album category will perform, including Tia Carrere, Daniel Ho, Amy Hanaiali'i (with John Cruz), George Kahumoku, Jr., and Jeff Petersen. Doors open at 7:30pm. Admission is free to the public. Museum members receive priority admission. To reserve tickets, please call 213.765.6830 or e-mail programs@grammymuseum.org.

(Note: Mention your Hawai’i Night attendance and receive 20% off dinner items at Trader Vic's! Offer does not apply to alcohol, merchandise, tip or tax.)
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The Kumuola Foundation and OHA present the WAIKIKI REVIVAL - Na Kumu O Ke Ola on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 10am-8pm at the International Marketplace in Waikiki. The event is free and features cultural practitioners, master artisans, workshops, demonstrations and music and hula performances all day! Performers include Melveen Leed, Rodney Cazimero, Keale, the Kumuola Serenaders, Mailani, Vaitea Roa, Tony C. and Brother Noland.
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The Academy of Hawaiian Arts has announced the creation of a four-day music festival leading up to the 2010 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. Scheduled for Thursday May 27 through the day of the Awards (Sunday May 30), the Nā Hōkū O Hawai’i Music Festival will include live music, vendors, exhibitions, and a wide variety of workshops, including Music Law for Musicians, Distribution, Promotion, Meet the Artists, Traditional Hawaiian Instruments in Contemporary Recordings, Hula & Music, and much more. For more information and updates, visit the Festival website.
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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!

Aloha mai kakou!
In today’s newsletter:

• Makaha Sons concert cancellations
• Hawai’i Music Awards voting
• Discover Kaua’i event – Seattle
• Keale in concert – Honolulu
• Chris Yeaton interview
• Kani Ka Pila – O’ahu
• Any Hanaiali’i and Jeff Peterson – Fallbrook, CA
• “Lost” Season Premier sneak peek – Waikiki
• E Pili Kakou – Kauai
• Kani Ka Pila – O’ahu
• Florent Atem video

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For those who haven’t yet heard, the Makaha Sons’ concerts at Whittier on January 16 and Yoshi’s Oakland on January 19 have been postponed due to the ongoing health problems of band member John Koko. Both concerts may be rescheduled at a future date. (Contact the venues for information on ticket refunds. Whittier staff initially indicated that you could hold on to your tickets and use them when the show is rescheduled, but contact them for clarification.)
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The voting for the Hawai’i Music Awards (a “people’s choice” type award) started today on the HMA website, and will continue for two weeks. You are limited to one vote per email address. (Note: I logged in today and had problems with the site skipping categories or putting me on a page with entrants in a category other than the one I clicked on. In addition, there are some broken links to artist pages and some entrants who are not yet posted… I’m hoping they’ll resolve these problems soon!)
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Seattle area peeps! Get warmed up for Amy Hanaiali’i’s concert at Triple Door (Monday, Jan. 18) by heading to Northgate Mall Saturday (Jan. 16)! They’re hosting an “Escape Winter - Discover Kauai” event from 11 am to 1 pm. There will be Hawaiian music (falsetto and slack key by Kauai's Nick Castillo, hula by Noelani Kaui, Kauai's reigning Miss Garden Isle), and prize giveaways - including a free trip for two to Kauai that includes complimentary airfare, accommodations, and activities. There will also be Kauai-made products, including Kauai Coffee (I’m a big fan of their coffee!), Kaua’i Cookies (ditto – sigh…), and other products. Presented by the Kauai Visitors Bureau. (Northgate Mall is located at 401 NE Northgate Way, Seattle - five miles north of downtown Seattle off the Interstate 5 corridor at exit 173.)

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Keale will be in concert at the Atherton Theater in Honolulu on Saturday Jan. 16 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 general, $20 for Hawai’i Public Radio members and $15 for students with ID. Call the Atherton for reservations: (808) 955-8821.

Keale will be performing songs from his new album Kawelona – Ride the Sun. He’ll be joined by Don Kaulia on guitar; Bill Griffin on ‘ukulele and mandolin; and Chris Lau on upright bass.


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Don Bradway will be doing a live call-in interview with slack key guitarist Chris Yeaton on his “Na Mele o Hawai’i” radio show Sunday, Jan. 17. The show airs on KFOK fm from 3-6pm Pacific time (1-4pm HST), and may be heard online or at 95.1 FM if you’re in the Georgetown, CA area. (As I mentioned in my last newsletter, Chris began his mainland tour on January 10.)
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The monthly kani ka pila hosted by the Abrigo Ohana takes place Sunday (Jan. 17) from 1-4 pm in the Pikake Pavilion at Waimea Valley on O’ahu. Bring your instruments, or just come listen and enjoy! In addition to the Abrigo Ohana, some of the regulars include Uncle Ronald Kanahele, Derek Higa, Duke Domingo, and more. Other musicians who have attended include Greg Sardinha, Ozzie Kotani, Peter Medeiros, Chino Montero, Kalei Gamiao, Kamaka Fernandez, Derek Mau, Doug Fitch, Fran Guidry – and many more!

The kani ka pila is open to all ages and skill levels. No shame if you’re a beginner, just come join the fun! (No outside food is allowed at Waimea Valley. However, food and drinks are available for purchase on the grounds.)
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So Cal peeps! Multiple Grammy Award nominee Amy Hanaiali’i and Grammy Award winner Jeff Peterson will be in concert Tuesday January 26 at Hukilau Restaurant in the Fallbrook Golf Club (2757 Gird Road).

Dinner Tickets for PRIORITY SEATING ~ $35.00 (Includes choice of Hawaiian Plate Dinners)
General Admission ~ $25.00

Dinner ~ 6:00 p.m.
Jeff Peterson ~ 7:30 p.m.
Amy Hanaiali'i ~ 8:30 p.m.

Amy will be accompanied by her all-star band: Chino Montero, Stephen Jones, and Jeff Peterson.

Tickets are selling fast, so reserve yours today by calling (951) 972-0783. (First come, first served basis.) For more information, email MeheulaMusic @ aol.com

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Die-hard "Lost" fans will want to be in Waikiki on January 30, when Hawai’i will get a sneak peek of the first hour of the season premiere. “Lost” begins its final season on February 2 at 8pm HST on ABC.

The show’s stars and producers will begin arriving at Sunset on the Beach via a red carpet at 5pm. The season premier of “Lost” will begin after the showing of the season premiere of “Modern Family” (another ABC show), which is scheduled to begin at 6:30pm.

Thousands of people are expected to attend. (If the online chat rooms are any indication, we’ll have fans here from all over the world!)
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This years’ E Pili Kakou (Kauai) will be held February 26-28 at the Kaua’i Beach Resort.

E Pili features workshops in oli, hula kahiko, hula `auana, feather work, and more, taught by some of Hawai’i’s most distinguished kumu (teachers). The arts and crafts sale and evening performances on Friday and Saturday are open to everyone, including those not registered for the classes.

This year’s kumu (subject to change) are:

Uncle Ed Collier (the 2009 Honoree)
Auntie Ku’ulei Punua (Kauai 2010 Honoree)
Maelia Lobenstein-Carter (O’ahu)
Leilaloha Amina, Kona
Charles Kaupu, Maui
Leimomi Ho, O’ahu
Sonny Ching, O’ahu
Michael Keala Ching, Kona
Healani Youn, Kauai
Kealoha Kalama, O’ahu
Pohai Souza, O’ahu
Tuti Kanahele, Ni’ihau
Keali’i Ceballos, CA
Michael Kop, O’ahu
Halau Na Pua ‘O Kukui (Kumu Ed Collier)
Auntie Paulette Kahalepuna (O’ahu)
Queen Lili ’uokalani Children’s Center

And Special Guest Appearances!

Those who need hotel rooms qualify for a special rate at the Kauai Beach Resort (formerly the Hilton Kauai Beach), the host hotel. Rooms are $139 per night for up to 4 people. To qualify for the special rate you must contact Kahea (Jaelynn Caminos) at (808) 246-5518 or by email at jcaminos@aquaresorts.com. (Do NOT use the Hilton website to reserve your rooms for this event!)

To register, or for more information and each days’ schedule, visit the E Pili Kakou website.

Note: I’m still awaiting word on whether or not E Pili will return to Sacramento this year!)
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And finally, here’s a video of two-time Grammy nominee Florent Atem of Tahiti. He and his sister used to perform on O'ahu with Henry Kapono at Kapono's (and sometimes at Duke's on Sundays), although it’s been awhile since they were last in Hawai’i. Even if the music is not to your taste, his skill on guitar – and the new technique he created - is amazing! (For those who like something a bit more quiet, here’s a nice medley he and sister Carole did of Ku’u Home o Kahalu’u and Ha'amana'o.)
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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!

Aloha kakou!
I’m back after the holiday break and hoping you all had a wonderful holiday season - and that 2010 finds you healthy and happy!

In today’s newsletter:

• Grammy Nominees Concert – Honolulu
• Steven Espaniola & Friends – San Francisco and Gardena, CA
• Makaha Sons – Waikiki and CA
• Jake Shimabukuro - Honolulu
• Chris Yeaton – mainland tour
• Herb Ohta, Jr., Jon Yamasato & Jennifer Perri – CA
• Ledward Kaapana – CA
• Halau (Hula School) Open Enrollment – everywhere!
• 2010 E Kanikapila Kakou Schedule – Kaua’i

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The annual free “Live from the Lawn” Grammy concert featuring nominees from the Hawaiian music category takes place from 6-9 pm Friday, January 8 on the lawn at the Hawai’i State Art Museum (HiSAM – 250 Hotel St.). Scheduled to appear are Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho; Amy Hanaiali‘i and her band, including Chino Montero, Jeff Peterson and Steve Jones (Amy is scheduled to perform duets with John Cruz, Eric Gilliom, Dennis Kamakahi, Kaumaka‘iwa Kanaka‘ole and Sean Na‘auao); Ho‘okena; and some of the artists from the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Vol. 2., including George Kahumoku, Jr., Keoki Kahumoku, Dennis Kamakahi, Sonny Lim, Jeff Peterson, and Owana Salazar. (Please note that the artists are subject to change - however I did confirm with Daniel yesterday that he and Tia will be there this year!)

Seating is on the lawn. A certain number of beach mats are usually provided by HiSAM, but you might want to bring your own mats or towels. Food is available for purchase, but you may also bring your own. This concert has always been taped for later showing on television, so there are a number of TV cameras (including a large overhead boom that swings back and forth), and cables, etc. on the ground – so watch your step! Please be patient, as there will also be sound and camera checks, as well as some re-takes - both of songs and of the host (usually Paula Akana) doing introductions and commentary. You may also be asked to avoid walking or sitting in certain areas in order to avoid interfering with camera angles, etc. But not to worry! These are minor inconveniences and they don’t detract a bit from the fun of seeing these talented Grammy nominees all at the same time!

FYI, don’t miss the interview by John Berger with Tia and Daniel in the Honolulu Star Bulletin’s HILife section on Friday!
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Steven Espaniola and his trio (Kawika Loo, Bobby Santos & Brian Hill) will perform a free concert from 9pm to midnight on Saturday Jan. 9 at Sundance Kitchen, a new restaurant in the heart of San Francisco's Japantown (1865 Post St. at Fillmore, between Fillmore & Webster and next to the Kabuki Theater).

His band (with the addition of slack key artist Kris Kanoho from One Groove) will make their Southern California debut with Steven at his January 16 concert at Happa Restaurant in Gardena. Tickets are $15, show time is 7pm. (Doors open at 5pm, so go early for drinks and ono Japanese/Hawaiian cuisine!)
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Many of you heard that John Koko of the Makaha Sons suffered a heart attack during their performance at Chai’s Island Bistro on December 18. John is now out of the hospital and apparently doing well enough to resume performing, as the Sons will do a FREE concert on Saturday (Jan. 9) at the Royal Grove at Royal Hawaiian Center. The show starts with hula (Kahiko) at 6pm, followed by a fashion show at 6:30. The Sons perform at 7pm.

They are also scheduled to perform at Whittier College on January 16 (3 and 8pm) and at Yoshi’s Oakland January 19 (8 and 10pm). (Please note – it says Yoshi’s San Francisco on the Makaha Sons’ website, however the Yoshi’s calendar lists them at the Oakland club!)
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Jake Shimabukuro will be in the lobby of the Hawaii State Library for a free "play-and-tell about promoting positive change" on Saturday, January 9 at 11:45 am. The show is 45 minutes long, and is part of "Music Is Good Medicine," a nonprofit organization devoted to using the power of music to heal, influence and inspire. As one of their spokespeople, Jake also visits schools and other public agencies. (Photo by Ryota Mori)


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Talented Big Island slack key artist Chris Yeaton kicks off his mainland tour with a matinee House Concert on Sunday January 10th in Port Townsend, WA. He’ll be joined by Adam Werner, who is known for his impressive "slap & tap" percussive stylings on the guitar. Chris will perform at a number of venues in Washington, Oregon, California, New York and New Jersey. For details on all the concerts on Chris’ mainland tour, visit the Woodsong Acoustic website. (Photo Courtesy of Chris Yeaton.)

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Herb Ohta, Jr., Jon Yamasato, and Jennifer Perri will perform several concerts in California next month:

Feb. 2 – Santa Cruz (Kuumbwa Jazz), 8 pm ($25 adv/$30 door)

Feb. 5 – Santa Clara (Santa Clara University Rehearsal Hall), 8 pm ($25 adv/$30 door)

Feb. 6 - Whittier College (Shannon Center), 8 pm ($40)

They’ll be joined by Kit Madrid on bass and Bobby Santos on percussion. Tickets for the Santa Cruz and Santa Clara shows are available through Brown Paper Tickets. Tickets for the Whittier show are available online through Seat Advisor, or at the Shannon Center box office.
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Ledward Kaapana returns to California for a brief tour this month!

Jan. 20 – Felton (Don Quixote's International Music Hall), 7:30pm ($17 adv/$19 door – cash only.) With Fran Guidry.
Jan. 21 – Berkeley (Freight & Salvage), 8pm ($20.50 adv/$21.50 door)
Jan. 22 – Nicasio (Rancho Nicasio), 8:30pm ($20/$25) Winter Lu’au, with Fran Guidry.
Jan. 23 – Nevada City (the Nevada Theater), 8pm ($20)
Jan. 24 – Redondo Beach (So. Cal Slack Key Festival), 2-5pm ($35-$100)

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Want to learn hula, and with it, some Hawaiian culture? For most hula halau (schools), this is the traditional time of year for open enrollment – no matter where you’re located. Check with your local halau to determine the exact dates – some halau also offer open houses on specific dates so that you can come observe. (If you’re looking for a halau in your area, let me know – I may be able to provide names or phone numbers.)
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The 2010 schedule for Kaua’i’s annual “E Kanikapila Kakou” concert series has been announced. The event has moved from its former Island School location to the Jasmine Ballroom at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort (formerly the Hilton). Unless otherwise noted, the concerts are from 6pm to 9pm every Monday from January 18 through March 29.

Monday, January 18 - 1pm to 3pm Slack Key Ukulele Workshop with George Kahumoku, Jr. and Keoki Kahumoku. ( Shutter’s Lounge and Jasmine Ballroom, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For information or to register for workshop, contact 808.245.2733 or giac@hawaiilink.net.
Concert, 6-9pm

Monday, January 25 - Eddie Kamae, Dennis Kamakahi & David Kamakahi

Monday, February 1 - Puakea Nogelmeier, Lolena Niau Nicholas, Hau’oli Akaka

Monday, February 8 - Ilei Beniamina, Mama Ane Kanahele, Others

Monday, February 15 - Kaumaka‘iwa Kanaka‘ole, Sean Na‘auao

Monday, February 22 - Cody Pueo Pata, Mark Palakiko, Dennis Keohokalole, Ku'ulei Alcomindras, Alexandra Rodriguez, Christian Keli'i-Lum

Monday, March 1 - Aaron Sala

Saturday, March 6, 7 p.m. - Palani Vaughan & King’s Own: Kimo Artis, Lance Artis, Donald Kaulia and Special Guests. Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $25 gen/$20 seniors 62+/ $35 at door. Ticket Outlets: Hawaiian Music Hut, Princeville • Kauai Music & Sound, Kapa‘a • Island Soap & Candle, Koloa • Scotty’s Music, Kalaheo • Banana Patch Gallery, Hanapepe • Contact: giac@hawaiilink.net

Sunday, March 7, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Donald Kaulia, Kimo Artis, Lance Artis (Jam Shutter’s Lounge, Kaua‘i Beach Resort)
Contact: giac@hawaiilink.net

Monday, March 8 - Donald Kaulia, Wendy Fitzsimmons

Sunday, March 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. – KFC Trio (Keith Haugen, Carmen U‘ilani, Frank Uehara) Jam Shutter’s Lounge, Kauai Beach Resort

Monday, March 15 - KFC Trio

Monday, March 22 - David Kawika Kahiapo, Keao NeSmith

Monday, March 29 - Nathan Kalama

Thursday, April 1, April Fool’s Day - EKK Final Night. Makana Alice in Wonderland Masquerade Concert with Lopaka Colon, Lono Kaumeheiwa. Tickets: $20 w/costume; $25 w/out costume. Contact: Carol Yotsuda, 808.245.2733 or giac@hawaiilink.net
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Pau for now - e malama pono a hui hou!