Thursday, January 7, 2010

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!

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