In today's newsletter:
- Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Manoa DNA, Tony C, Herb Ohta, Jr., PALI, Alvin Okami and Friends
- Patrick Ching – Florida
- Mike Keale – Santa Cruz
- Steven Espaniola – Walnut Creek, CA
- Kamehameha Schools Ho'olaule'a - Honolulu
- Chris Yeaton – Honolulu
- Uluwehi Guerrero – Harrisburg, OR
- Herb Ohta, Jr. and Patrick Landeza – Olympia, WA
- Crackseeds of Comedy – Las Vegas, NV and Hayward, CA
- Amy and Eric – Kihei, Maui
- Kanikapila – Chicago
- Kapono Beamer, Jon Osorio, Kamau, Waipuna, Kūpaoa, Keola Beamer – Honolulu
- HAPA – North American tour
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This week Pakele Live! with Tony Solis is holding a special “KoAloha Ukulele Night,” with special guests Manoa DNA, Tony C (Conjugacion), Herb Ohta, Jr. (with Jon Yamasato and Scott Agena), PALI, and Alvin Okami and Friends.
Formed in 2005, Manoa DNA (the “DNA” stands for Dad [a.k.a. Lloyd], Nick and Alex Kawakami) are known for their three-part harmonies and their ability to captivate audiences no matter what genre they’re performing – Hawaiian to Latino, Surf to Folk, Adult Contemporary and more. Their first two albums generated four Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominations, and they won the 2007 Hawaii Music Award for Contemporary Album of the Year. (Singer James Ingram is quoted as having said, “… and it doesn’t hurt that they’re easy on the eyes.” LOL! Beware of squealing female fans…)
Tony C. (Conjugacion) is an award-winning recording artist, composer, television personality, actor, producer, director, and kumu hula. He is one of the few artists that is successfully creating new, innovative work in both traditional and contemporary genres. In 1985, Tony’s debut recording, Hawaiian Passion, swept the major categories at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. This remarkable achievement was only the beginning of a recording career that has spanned more than two decades and produced 9 albums.
Herb Ohta, Jr., son of the world-renowned Ohta-San, began playing ‘ukulele at age 3, when his grandmother taught him to play “Happy Birthday.” Celebrating his 20th year in the music industry this year, this teacher, composer, recording artist, entertainer, and producer has performed on over 50 recordings – as a guest artist, as part of seven duet albums (with his famous father, with Grammy Award winner Daniel Ho, and with Keoki Kahumoku), and on his own solo releases, of which there are currently eight. Herb is a seven-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominee and a two-time Hawai‘i Music Award winner, and is widely regarded as one of Hawai’i’s top ‘ukulele players. He travels frequently to Japan and the continental U.S. to both teach and perform. He will be joined by Jon Yamasato (Pure Heart), and Scott Agena (Kawaihae).
PALI, named for its founder and band leader Pali Ka'aihue, is comprised of Brad Kawakami, Jenn Wright, Darin Jitchaku, Ken Lykes and Kaleo Van Titcomb. The group, with former member Mark Kawakami, won three Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in 2009 for their double album, “…with Aloha,” as well as Contemporary Album of the Year in 2007 for their “Tribute” album. The band plays a variety of genre, from traditional and contemporary Hawaiian to surf, rock, and more. They travel frequently to Japan, where they have a large fan following, and each member of the group is an accomplished musician who also plays with one or more other bands. Pali himself is a composer, producer, engineer, vice president of the Hawai’i Academy of Recording Arts, creator of the Pakele Live! concert series, co-creator and co-host of the television series Doko Ga TV!, and president of Hawai’i’s largest locally-owned internet provider (LavaNet).
Alvin Okami, founder of KoAloha Ukulele, is an inventor, innovator, composer/arranger, singer, accomplished oboist, industrial designer, and graphic designer. He started his musical
career as a singer, and soon ventured into musical composition, writing and recording his own songs. He accompanied ‘ukulele virtuoso Herb "Ohta-San" Ohta as a vocalist in the Waikiki nightclubs, and garnered praise from the likes of Matt Monroe (Born Free) and Doc Severenson (The Tonight Show). He then turned to one of his loves, the oboe, joining the Royal Hawaiian Band as the oboe soloist. He has also written tracks for commercials, one of which was featured in a national advertising campaign. He recently released a new CD, Just Uke and Me, featuring ‘ukulele masters Gordon Mark and Ohta-San.
KoAloha Ukulele began operations approximately 15 years ago, after Ohta San suggested that Alvin craft a miniature ‘ukulele for his sister’s store. Not satisfied to create a simple miniature, he embarked on a mission to make one that was tuneable and playable. Six months later he had an ‘ukulele measuring 5½ inches in length that was both playable and tuneable, exact in every detail, and painstakingly done by hand. He began crafting full sized instruments shortly thereafter, and KoAloha quickly developed a reputation for fine craftsmanship and high quality instruments, with each ukulele meticulously and lovingly crafted by hand. The Okami ohana continues to perpetuate the aloha spirit at their warehouse, in the community and around the world. (Note: Comedian Bill Cosby, an ‘ukulele enthusiast, was recently in Hawai’i and was presented with a personalized, hand crafted KoAloha ‘ukulele called a “Jukulele.” Alvin Okami later gave him a lesson at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.)
This special KoAloha Ukulele night will also feature several prize giveaways, including gift certificates to Hawaiian Moon (Aloha Wear), and two soprano KoAloha 'ukuleles with cases (retail value $590 each!).
Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! on Thursday, February 25, from 6-8+ p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). There is no cover or minimum, although your purchase of two drinks, soft drinks, or food 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 the show 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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Hawai’i artist Patrick Ching, known as Hawai’i's Nature Artist and who is an internationally known and respected painter, will do a presentation and two workshops at The Art School of Colleen Cassidy in Sarasota, FL (4613 South Tamiami Trail) on February 26-28. The presentation (Feb. 26, $40, or free to workshop participants) will include a techniques demonstration, art and nature slideshow, and Q & A session.The workshops on “Realistic Painting” (Feb. 27 and 28, $250 – or $200 for the second day if taking both days) include canvas, paints and all materials needed to complete an 11”x14” painting. Patrick's Hawaii Realistic oil painting may be may be learned quickly. He will take the mystery out of his techniques, and in one day familiarize you with your paint and materials so that you will know how to attain the colors and effects you desire. You’ll be asked to look closer at the world than you ever have before so you can figure out what layers to paint first, and next, and next. You will be able to finish a painting in one day because you will be using GENESIS non-toxic, odorless oil paints. These paints dry only when you want them to. This allows you to do several layers of an oil painting in one day.
Click here for more information. (Note: Patrick Ching autographed art and books will be available throughout weekend.)
Visit Patrick’s Naturally Hawaiian Gallery at 41-1025 Kalaniana’ole Hwy. Waimanalo, Hawaii (O’ahu).
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Mike Keale will play a final (“we really mean it this time”) free concert at Aloha Island Grille in Santa Cruz on Friday February 26 from 5:30-8:30pm. Joining him will be Timmy Kukia Hunt, Patti Maxine, and Stan Meidinger.
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Steven Espaniola will play a free concert at Tiki Tom’s in Walnut Creek, CA (1535 Olympic Blvd.) on Saturday February 27 from 6-9 pm.
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Just a reminder that the Kamehameha Schools Ho'olaule'a will be held on Saturday, February 27th, from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm at the school's Kapalama campus, with music by Ka'ala Boys, Kupaoa, Hoku Zuttermeister, Weldon Kekauoha, and Leahi. (See my previous article on this for more information.)
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O’ahu peeps! Big Island slack key artist Chris Yeaton will play a concert at the Atherton on Saturday, February 27 at 7:30pm. Chris doesn’t often play on O’ahu, so don’t miss your chance to see this talented artist. (I’ve been telling people for years to ask Chris to tell them the John Keawe story – complete with vocal imitations. It’s hilarious…) Tickets for the Atherton show are $25. Call 808-955-8821.
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Halau Hula O Na Pua O Hawaii Nei of Eugene, OR is holding a fundraiser on March 6 featuring special guest, Nā Hōkū Hanohano and Hawai’i Music Award winner, Uluwehi Guerrero. Also included will be a luau dinner, and a performance by the halau. Limited tickets are available for $35. Doors open at 5:30pm, dinner is at 6pm, and the show starts at 6:30. The show will be at River Bend Resort, 23650 Peoria Rd, Harrisburg, OR. For more information and tickets, email Maggie at yasoualoha@comcast.net, or call (541) 484-5754.
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'Ukulele master Herb Ohta, Jr. and slack key artist Patrick Landeza will be at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, WA area on March 13 and 14 for a concert (13th) and workshops (14th).
For information and tickets for the concert, visit the Washington Center website. For information on the workshops, visit the ‘Olu events web page.
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The Crackseeds of Comedy (Andy Bumatai, Mel Cabang, Paul Ogata and Kathy Tanaka) will bring their comedy routines to the Silverton Casino Lodge Events Center in Las Vegas (3333 Blue Diamond Rd.) on Saturday, March 13 for one show only. Tickets ($26 advance, $31 door) are only available by phone or at the Silverton Casino Box Office (702) 263-7777 Ext. 3129.
They will also appear at the Chabot College Theater in Hayward, CA (25555 Hesperian Blvd.) on March 19. Tickets are $23.88 advance, $28 door, and are available by calling Greg Escolta at (510) 410-1526.
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I previously mentioned that Amy Hanaiali’i would join her brother Eric Gilliom and a full band for a series of brother/sister shows at Stella Blues in Kihei, Maui on March 6, 26 & 27. Word from Eric is that the full band consists of some of Maui and Hawai’i’s greatest jazz players, all of whom he and Amy have worked with for years. They we will be performing the music he and Amy were trained on: standards, Broadway, jazz, and a little Hawaiian. Reservations for these shows are highly recommended – the venue is intimate and sells out quickly. Call (808) 874-3779.
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After a short break, the Tiki Terrace kanikapila in Chicago (1591 Lee St, Des Plaines) is returning on Wednesday, March 3 from 7 to 10 pm. Featuring live music by ‘ukulele instrumentalist Jon Prown from Milwaukee, teaming up for the first time with Chicago's own George Klinglehofer as Ili'wi Palena (7 to 8pm), with a kanikapila jam following from 8:15ish to close. Bring your ukuleles and come out for a good time! A special ‘ukulele is waiting to be raffled off to one lucky winner. If anyone has music to share, please email it to George at wgk001@aol.com and he will provide copies for everyone.
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There will be a benefit concert from 6:30 to 9pm on Saturday, March 27 at Calvary by the Sea Church in Honolulu (5339 Kalaniana`ole Highway) for Lauae Beamer, daughter-in-law of Kapono Beamer. Lauae was diagnosed with breast cancer in January – and was eight months pregnant at the time. She has since given birth to a healthy baby girl, and immediately began cancer treatments. Family and friends have organized this concert (and silent auction) to help pay for the family’s medical expenses. Performers include Kapono Beamer, Jon Osorio, Kamau, Waipuna, Kūpaoa, and Keola Beamer. The silent auction will include sails on the Hōkūle`a, a stand up paddleboard donated by surfer Duane DeSoto, pieces from artists Solomon Enos and Peggy Chun, and items from musician Jack Johnson. Tickets are $25, $50, $75, or $100, and are available online or at Native Books / Nā Mea Hawai`i at Ward Warehouse (1050 Ala Moana Blvd. 808-596-8885). Information on how to make monetary gifts to the family is also available on the website. All seats are general admission.
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HAPA will begin their North American tour next month! Here is a list of the dates and locations:
Tuesday, March 9, Des Plaines, IL Tiki Terrace 7:30pm
Wednesday, March 10, Chicago, IL Old Town School of Folk 8:30pm
Thursday, March 11, Houston, TX, McGonigels Mucky Duck 7:00pm
Friday, March 12, Austin, TX, Cactus Café, University of Texas 8:30pm
Saturday, March 13, Phoenix, AZ, The Compound Grill 6:00pm and 8:30pm
Wednesday, March 17, Cambridge MA, Passim Folk Music and Cultural Center 7pm
Thursday, March 18, Northhampton, MA , Iron Horse 7pm
Friday, March 19, Fall River, MA, Narrows Center for the Arts 8pm
Saturday, March 20, New York, NY The Sylvia & Danny Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College 8pm
Sunday, March 21, Philadelphia, PA The Tin Angel 7pm
Monday, March 22, Annapolis MD Ram's Head 8pm
Tuesday-Wednesday, March 23-24, Vienna, VA Wolf Trap 8pm
Friday, March 26, Saratoga, CA Montalvo Center for the Arts 8pm
Saturday, March 27 Rohnert Park, CA Spreckels Performing Arts Center 8pm (with Faith Ako)
Sunday, March 28 Yoshi's San Francisco CA Two shows: 5pm and 7pm
Wednesday, March 31 Ashland OR Southern Oregon University Recital Hall 7:30pm
For tickets and more information please email john@midnightdesign.com
Thursday, April 1 Eugene, OR John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts 7:30pm
Friday, April 2 Portland, OR Aladdin Theatre 8pm
Saturday, April 3 Kent, WA Kentwood High School Performing Arts Center 7:30pm
Tuesday, April 6 San Luis Obispo, CA Downtown Brew 8:00pm
Wednesday, April 7 Santa Barbara, CA SOhO 8pm
Thursday, April 8 San Juan Capistrano, CA Coach House 8pm
Friday, April 9 La Jolla, CA Sherwood Hall Museum of Contemporary Art
Saturday, April 10 Whittier College, Shannon Center Whittier, CA 3pm & 8pm (2 shows)
Friday, July 23 Oceanside CA Grace Theatre Benefit for the California Surf Museum 8:00pm
Saturday, July 24 Descanso Gardens La Canada, CA 7:00pm
Sunday, July 25 Costa Mesa CA OC Fair
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Pau for now – e malama pono a hui hou!
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