Aloha mai kakou,
Kala mai (sorry) - a quick newsletter today… but more in the next one!

• Pakele Live! with Tony Solis – Gospellers, Simple Souls, Mailani
• Steven Espaniola – San Francisco
• Bryan Tolentino – Kaneohe workshops
• Kani Ka Pila – Waimea Valley (O’ahu)
• New albums coming…

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This week’s guests on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis are: Kaoru Kurosawa from the popular Japanese a cappella group Gospellers (with Pali, Brad, Darin and Jenn from the PALI band, plus Zaysha from Simple Souls backing him up); Simple Souls; and Mailani.

Gospellers, an a cappella group consisting of five of Japan’s top male vocalists, has been performing pop, R&B and romantic ballads for almost 20 years. The group has released more than a dozen albums and over than thirty singles. In August 2000, as a prelude to the release of their album Soul Serenade, the group released the single "Towani," produced by Brian Michael (Mariah Carey). Combining a traditional Japanese melody line with contemporary arrangement, "Towani" was widely played on radio stations and became one of the group’s biggest hits. In 2005, Kaoru Kurosawa released a single and a mini album featuring a song called "Tooi Yakusoku" (The Distant Promise). He may perform both "Towani" and "Tooi Yakusoku" during his Pakele Live! appearance.

Simple Souls (Jenn Wright and Zaysha Labrador), bring their unique style and acoustic sound for a return visit to the Pakele Live! stage. Don’t miss Zaysha’s powerhouse vocals or Jenn’s extensive talent in all things percussion!

Mailani (Makainai) is also making a return visit to the Pakele Live! stage, with her band (Dr. Trey, Alika Boy IV, and Seann Carroll). Known for her work as a member of one of Hawai’i’s most popular female duos, Keahiwai (with Lei Melket), as well as the group MighTy J (which also included Jenn Wright), Mailani released her long-awaited, self-titled debut solo album in 2009.

Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! on Thursday, February 18, 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.

(Reminder - the Pakele Lounge is again serving food!)

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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Steven Espaniola will play a free concert at Sundance Kitchen in the heart of San Francisco's Japantown on February 20 beginning at 9pm. Stop by for some great Hawaiian music & ono Asian/Hawaiian/Cali fusion cuisine. (1865 Post Street; 415-346-3246).

Also – check out Steven’s new blog “He Mana’o” for news, updates, and random musings!

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The 'Ukulele Club of Hawai'i is sponsoring a workshop by Bryan Tolentino on Thursday February 18 from 6-7pm at Windward Mall Center Court in Kaneohe. This is a FREE workshop geared toward people who already have at least some experience playing the ‘ukulele, and it will be followed by a mini jam session. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of Hawai’i’s most in-demand ‘ukulele players! Bryan is the person who almost every other musician in Hawai’i (and beyond) calls when they need someone to accompany them on their album, and how to properly accompany someone is one of the things Bryan will be teaching.
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The monthly kani ka pila (Hawaiian jam session) hosted by the Abrigo Ohana takes place Sunday, February 21 from 1-4 pm at Waimea Valley on O’ahu, with sound check starting about noon. Participation in the kani ka pila has been increasing every month, attracting not only local musicians, but also visitors from Alaska, Washington, California, and beyond. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and participants are free to come and go as necessary. Those who don’t play (or sing) but who simply love traditional Hawaiian music are welcome to come listen!
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Watch for new albums coming soon from Kupaoa, Jody Kamisato, O’Brian Eselu, Natalie Ai Kamauu, and more!

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Pau for now, e malama pono a hui hou!