The 42nd Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards take place Saturday May 25 at the Hawai’i Convention Center. Some of the greatest names in the Hawai'i music scene will perform at the Awards ceremony, including:

​
●      Anuhea
●      Brickwood Galuteria
●      DeShannon Higa
●      Eric Lee
●      Henry Kapono
●      John Akapo
●      Kalani Peʻa
●      Kamuela Kahoano
●      Karlie G
●      Kealiʻi Reichel
●      Keauhou
●      Keoni Ku
●      Kimié
●      Ledward Kaapana
●      Nā Hoa
●      Nā Wai ʻEhā
●      Robi Kahakalau
●      Sean Cleland
●      Sean Naʻauao
●      Waipuna

The show is sold out, but it will be televised live beginning at 7pm HST on K5 (Spectrum Channel 22 and Hawaiian Telcom Channel 13). Both the pre-telecast awards and televised awards can be viewed online at https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/nahoku/ beginning at 5:30pm HST.

​         BOBBY MODEROW, JR.
                     INSPIRED
                Lokahi Records       https://www.bobbymoderowjr.com/





​Honolulu, HI - Bobby Moderow, Jr., founding member of the six-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award--winning group Maunalua, is releasing his long-awaited debut solo album "Inspired". The album showcases Moderow's prowess as slack key guitarist, singer (including his trademark falsetto), and songwriter. It features a blend of three original songs and covers of favorite, meaningful songs written by others. A Hawaiian cowboy at heart but staying true to his slack key roots, some songs are in Hawaiian and others have a bit of that country flair.
 
"Inspired" begins with a treasured recording of Moderow's mentor, the late renowned slack key master Raymond Kane, who walked onstage during Moderow's 1990 performance at the first-ever Hilo slack key festival and explained to the audience the meaning behind the song he had begun to play. It is the only recording of them together. Moderow apprenticed under Kane, who was proclaimed a National Living Treasure by the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts in 1987, and awarded funding for the apprenticeship program under which Moderow studied. As part of his desire to give back for all the he received under "Uncle Raymond", Moderow in turn teaches others, including groups of elementary school children at the Grammy® Museum for the past few years. He is also currently teaching at the University of Hawai'i West Campus on O'ahu.
 
"Rainbow", one of Moderow's original songs, was inspired by his eldest daughter leaving home for college, but it's also for others who have left Hawai'i to pursue their passions elsewhere. The song's message is that no matter where life leads you, you can always follow your rainbow back home to your roots.
 
In "Music in Heaven" Moderow writes about his passion for music and his musical heroes who have passed on, and how he prays that the music won't stop when he passes. As he was sitting in a coffee shop trying to finish writing the song, struggling to find an ending, a homeless man who was listening told him how much he liked the song and said, "Why don't you just take your guitar up there?" Thus, the closing lyrics were born.

James Taylorʻs "Carolina In My Mind" is Moderow paying homage to the musicians who have given him so much. His great respect for Taylor, whose music helped Moderow realize that itʻs ok to express yourself through music, is the reason for this songʻs inclusion on the album. This
particular song is difficult to play, but the way Taylor plays it is similar to the slack key styling that Moderow loves so much.  

"Inspired" was produced by Moderow, Kamuela Kimokeo, and two-time GRAMMY® Award winner Dave Tucciarone (who also engineered) - all of whom also worked on the vocal and music arrangements. Guest musicians include Kimokeo; Makana (slack key guitar on "Ka'a Ahi Kahului"); Zanuck Lindsey (Telecaster on "Rainbow"); and steel guitarist Denny Hemingson (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers) on "Music in Heaven" and "Woke Up With You on my Mind".

This is Bobby Moderow, Jr. Inspired.

The CD will be available in retail stores beginning May 17, and at online outlets soon after. 
                                                  # # #

Listen to clips of a few songs from "Inspired"

The services and celebration of life for Hawai’i’s beloved Jacqueline “Skylark” Rossetti will be held on two days in May and June 2019.

The first celebration will be on O‘ahu at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell on Saturday May 18.

The doors to the Waikiki Shell will open to the public at 5:00 p.m. with the service and celebration starting at 5:30 p.m.

The second celebration will be on Saturday, June 1 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo, Hawai'i. Public visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, with the celebration starting at 1:30 p.m.

                                                 ~~~~~~~~

Skylark Rossetti, legendary Hawai’i broadcaster, passed away from complications from end-stage renal disease surrounded by family and friends on March 20, 2019. She was 65 years old. In addition to being part of the broadcast community, she consistently pushed the envelope in the promotion of Hawaii music, especially music in the Hawaiian Language, or ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i.

After graduating from the Kamehameha Schools in 1971, Skylark attended San Francisco City College. While in California, someone mentioned she should try a job in radio because of her collection of Hawaiian music. She started working at radio station KPOO in San Francisco, where she excelled. Upon returning home she worked at radio KNDI, continually working her way up and eventually running the station - something that was unheard of by a woman in the 1970s. While at KNDI, she became a voice for the young artists and groups of Hawai’i, including lifelong friends the Mākaha Sons of Ni‘ihau.
​
Skylark also worked with other legends in the broadcast community, including a young program director named Krash Kealoha, and a young hula dancer, entertainer, and actor named Kimo Kahoano. Together, they created the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in 1978, to celebrate excellence in Hawai’i’s music industry.

Skylark not only hired many of today’s well-known broadcasters (or gave them their start), she mentored many in music, broadcast knowledge, and emcee duties, working with three generations of Hawaiian broadcast personnel. With her voice and her presence, she became one of the pillars in the Hawaiian music and broadcast industry. She emceed Ho‘ike night at the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, and she also worked the television broadcast of the Festival itself. She broadcast from the launching of Hokule’a, and she was one of the first on Kaho‘olawe in the protest days of the 1970s. She also advocated for and told the stories of many issues of Hawai’i and Hawaiians.

In radio, she stepped away from KCCN in 1986 to start a hybrid of Hawaiian and Top 40 music. In 1990, along with General Manager Michael Kelly and radio announcer Billy V, she put KCCN FM 100 on the air - the world‘s first radio station playing Hawai’i and Hawaiian music 24 hours a day on the FM dial. KCCN FM 100 would be the #1 station in Hawai’i within a year.

Rossetti moved to Hilo in 1992 and became part of the broadcast industry and community on Hawai’i Island with radio stations KWXX-FM and KAPA Hawaiian FM. She also worked with Economic Development and the County of Hawaii.

She was recognized as Outstanding Hawaiian Woman of the Year in 1984, Broadcaster of the Year in 1991, and won two Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, first in 1993 and then in 1996. In 2011, she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts.
​
Sky is survived by her long-time companion Kimo La’au, her children Imaka Lindsey, Kilohana Lindsey, and Makana Rossetti-Ota, and six grandchildren.
                                                 # # #

​Hawai’i musicians! Did you release a CD, EP, single, music video, or music DVD for retail sale in the 2018 calendar year (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)? The deadline to submit entries for the 2019 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards is Friday, January 18, 4pm HST! (Note: that’s received by, not postmarked by.)
 
The guidelines, entry form, and the “documentation of release and commercial availability” form are all available below, and online at the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) website. Please read them carefully! You can submit the entry form online, or download, print, and mail. You must also submit a minimum of three physical copies of the music (on CD) or video (on DVD) - more copies are needed if you're submitting in some categories. Note: because digital submissions were problematic last year, all submissions this year must be hard copy - sorry!
 
A few things to keep in mind:

• Your entry must have been available for retail sale by December 31, 2018, and you must be able to document it. Commercial availability (“retail sale”) does not include  your website or at gigs. Eligible retail sale locations include brick-and-mortar stores, online stores (other than your website), and digital sites such as CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, etc. Streaming services like Pandora, YouTube, and Spotify are also eligible - provided they’re generating revenue.

 

• Even if your release was digital-only, you must submit the appropriate number of physical copies (on CD or DVD). This includes all entries - CDs, EPs, singles, videos and DVDs. (Note: many newer laptops and desktops no longer come equipped with a CD or DVD burner. If you don’t have one, find a friend who does, or search for local businesses that provide the service!) You can also buy a burner relatively inexpensively to hook up to your laptop or desktop.

 

• Be sure to use certified mail or get a receipt from the post office for use as proof that you mailed all entry materials in sufficient time to arrive at HARA before the deadline. Last year several entries that would otherwise have been disqualified were "saved" because the senders had proof of mailing dates. (A padded flat rate envelope or small flat rate box works well, too, as they have tracking numbers assigned that can be looked up online.

 
Questions? Contact the HARA office at (808) 593–9424 or by email at
info@nahokuhanohano.org.

Due to popular demand following their highly successful 2017 tour of the U.S., multiple award winners Nathan Aweau, George Kahumoku, Jr., and Kawika Kahiapo will embark on another U.S. tour beginning in February 2019.

Below is the tour schedule - tickets for some of these concerts are already on sale and are selling quickly, so don't wait to purchase them!




​Tues Feb 7 Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, Minneapolis MN  7:00 PM
http://www.dakotacooks.com

Sat Feb 9 Old Town School of Music, Chicago IL 8:00 PM
http://www.oldtownschool.org

​Sun Feb 10 Music Box Cleveland, Cleveland OH
7:00 PM
http://www.musicboxcle.com

Wed Feb 13 Cutting Room, New York NY 7:30 PM
http://www.cegpresents.com

Fri Feb 15 Club Passim, Cambridge MA
2 Shows: 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
http://www.passim.org/calendar

Sat & Sun Feb 16 & 17 Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Vienna VA  8:00 PM both nights
http://www.wolftrap.org

Thurs Feb 21 Bing Crosby Theater, Spokane WA  8:00 PM
http://www.bingcrosbytheater.com

Fri & Sat Feb 22 & 23  The Triple Door, Seattle WA
 8:00 PM both nights
http://www.tripledoor.net

Tues Feb 26 Lincoln Theatre, Mt Vernon WA 7:30 PM
http://www.lincolntheatre.org

Wed Feb 27 Alberta Rose Theatre, Portland OR 8:00 PM
Alberta Rose Theatre tickets

Thurs Feb 28 The Egyptian Theatre, Boise ID  8:00 PM
http://www.egyptiantheatre.net

Sun March 3 Humboldt State University – Center Arts, Arcata CA
2 Shows: 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM
http://www.centerarts.humboldt.edu

Tues March 5 Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse, Berkeley CA  7:30 PM
http://www.thefreight.org

Wed March 6 Harris Center for the Arts, Folsom CA  7:30 PM
http://www.harriscenter.net

Thurs March 7 Blue Note Napa, Napa CA
2 Shows: 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM
http://www.bluenotenapa.com

Fri March 8 Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, Palo Alto CA
6:00 PM
http://www.sanjosejazz.org

Sun March 10 Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz CA  7:30 PM
http://www.riotheatre.com

Fri March 15 California Center for the Arts, Escondido CA  7:30 PM
http://www.artscenter.org

Sat March 16 Whittier College, Whittier CA
2 Shows: 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
http://www.shannoncenter.org/boxoffice.html

Thurs March 21 Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix AZ  7:00 PM
http://www.mim.org

Fri March 22 South Broadway Cultural Center, Albuquerque NM
7:30 PM
http://www.ampconcerts.org

Sat March 23 Daniels Hall, Denver CO  8:00 PM
http://www.swallowhillmusic.org

Sun March 24 The Guitar Sanctuary, McKinney TX  9:00 PM
http://www.theguitarsanctuary.com

Fri & Sat March 29 & 30 The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Las Vegas NV   7:00 PM both nights
http://www.thesmithcenter.com

 
 
                              SUNWAY
                               STORM
                 Princess Lily Records, LLC
               http://www.sunwayhawaii.com
 
 
 

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2018
 
Honolulu, HI – As a prelude to a long-awaited new album by fan favorite Sunway, she has released Storm, the first single from an album due out in early 2019. Storm was written by Sunway and her husband, multi-platinum award-winning composer Joerg Alfter, who also produced the single and played keyboards. Zanuck Lindsey (Kalapana, Kapala, Hula Joe and the Hutjumpers, and many more) lends his guitar expertise, and Arex Ikehara plays bass.
 
Fans who have watched the lyric video to “Storm” have praised the song’s energy and metaphors. One fan wrote, “The lyrics have a depth of feeling… There is pain; but also triumph, and spirit. It is the battle song of one [who] is both a survivor and a warrior.” Upon release to Sunway’s social media pages, the video immediately garnered nearly 5,000 “likes” and continues to grow - reminiscent of her 2010 video of The Boys of Summer, which ultimately accumulated nearly 75,000 “likes” on YouTube and attracted the attention of Warner Bros. France, resulting in its inclusion on California Groove III, a compilation CD that also featured such artists as Hall and Oates, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Foreigner, Linda Ronstadt, Michael McDonald, Al Jarreau, the Doobie Brothers, Toto and more.
 
Sunway’s ability to engage on social media with her sense of humor, wry observations of everyday life, and stories about her cats has served her well. Followers and fans eagerly await her posts - and in turn, her music releases. It's been nearly five years since her last release, Honoli'i (a Hawaiian-themed ballad written to commemorate the late father of a friend who came from the song’s namesake town), so the unexpected release of Storm, with the promise of an album to come in the near future, was a welcome surprise.
 
Storm is now available as a digital download only on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and other digital platforms. (There are no plans to release it on CD.)

Here is a link to the lyric video for Storm: bit.ly/2yhqR2G
 
                                                    # # #

Did you (or do you plan to) release a recording between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018? If so, it’s time to enter your release for GRAMMY® consideration, and I can help!
 
Submissions for GRAMMY® consideration can only be made by Academy Members (or registered media companies). Only recordings that are COMMERCIALLY RELEASED in the United States are eligible for consideration. Recordings that are sold only through artist websites or at gigs are not eligible. All releases must be available for sale, via general distribution, to the public by Sept. 30 and through at least the date of the current year’s voting deadline (final ballot: Dec. 13, 2018 - Jan. 9, 2019).
 
The first round entry process is for albums released from October 1, 2017 thru July 31, 2018 and begins Monday July 2. It closes Monday July 16 at 3pm HST. The final round entry process is for August and September 2018 releases (including those that have a scheduled release date between September 1 and September 30, 2018), and begins Wednesday August 8. Final round entries close on Wednesday August 22 at 3pm HST. (These are firm deadlines!)
 
Entry for Hawai'i artists is open to all genres! The Regional Roots category (for our Hawaiian music) requires that lyrics be comprised of 50% or more 'ōlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language), but there are many other categories - including instrumental categories where I’ve entered recordings in the past on behalf of ‘ukulele players.
 
If you’d like me to enter your recording for consideration, here is some of the information I’ll need:

• Recording Type (album, digital, etc.)
• Artist Type (solo, group, various - for compilations, etc)
• Artist Name(s)
• Release Title (exact title)
• Album release date
• Distribution (Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, etc. - and a link if online)
• Album recording date(s) or range of dates (example: January - April 2017)
• Album UPC
• Credited record label
• Format to be submitted to Academy (commercial CD, vinyl, boxed set, etc)

 
There may also be more information required, but I won’t know until they open the online entry process. I will also need at least one copy of the album (certain genres require more).
 
For more information, or to request that I submit your album for GRAMMY® consideration, please contact me as soon as possible via email at mkaloha@gmail.com
​

The 41st annual celebration of Hawai'i's music, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawai'i's GRAMMY® Awards), takes place Saturday May 19 at the Hawai'i Convention Center. For the first time, the show will not be separated into pre-telecast and broadcast portions, but will be broadcast in its entirety in Hawai'i on KFVE TV and online worldwide on the KFVE website beginning at 5:30pm HST.
 
Viewers and attendees will not want to miss the very special opening of the show, which celebrates the "Year of the Hawaiian", as officially proclaimed by Gov. David Ige in February. It begins with performances ranging from ancient times by a Merrie Monarch winner, to more recent times with past Nā Hōkū winners and current nominees, to an oli by a very special guest who will also co-host the show with Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts board member (and Hawai'i News Now award-winning news journalist) Ben Gutierrez!
 
In addition to the 36 awards that will be presented, there will be 15 live performances by a variety of artists. The always-exciting performances will again include pairings of current nominees either with each other or with industry icons. Some of those pairings this year include: Jack Johnson with Kawika Kahiapo, Paula Fuga, and Lopaka Colón; Nathan Aweau with Keauhou; Kamaka Kukona with Kimié; Napua with Josh Tatofi; and Pat Simmons, Jr. with Stef Mariani.
 
Here is the complete list of performers:
● Backwards Shaka
● Beat-Lele
● Deems Tsutakawa and Friends
● Ekolu
● Evan Khay
● Greg Sardinha
● Halemanu
● Ho’okena
● Jack Johnson
● Jeff Peterson
● Josh Tatofi
● Kahulanui
● Kamaka Kukona
● Kapena
● Kawika Kahiapo
● Keahi Conjugacion
● Keauhou
● Ken Makuakane
● Kimié Miner
● Lance Takamiya
● Larry Dupio
● Mailani
● Mango Season
● Napua
● Nathan Aweau
● Pat Simmons Jr.
● Paula Fuga
● Shawn and Lehua
● Stef Mariani
● Tsun-Hui Hung
● Zach Manzano

Honolulu, HI – Three-time Male Vocalist of the Year and winner of well over a dozen Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawai'i's GRAMMY® Award), Nathan Aweau released his 6th solo album, Mau Loa, on May 4, 2018.  Filled primarily with slower, sentimental songs, the album also contains a light-hearted song about the town of Ewa on the west side of Oʻahu (The Ewa Song), written by Byron Yasui, and E Nānā, an energetic, mischievous song that was released as a single in late 2017 and which has already become a fan favorite.
 
Aweau dedicated Mau Loa to his late father and "first and favorite music teacher", Lemuel Aweau, who passed in 2017. The album contains several heart-wrenching songs written especially for him, including "One More Road", which was written many years ago but never performed or recorded until after the elder Aweau passed. Also included are several hauntingly beautiful love songs, including Maka Onaona and Kipona Aloha.
 
Born into a musical family, Aweau is not only known for his beautiful vocals, but also for his musical prowess, particularly on the bass guitar (his Bass Etude album won Jazz Album of the Year honors in 2005). Often described as a musician's musician with an in-depth understanding of orchestration, Aweau is proficient on piano, guitar, ‘ukulele, saxophone, percussion, and bass. He also writes, records, engineers, and produces all his own material. Much sought-after, he has performed with numerous musicians, was a member of the award-winning groups Ka'eo, the Ali'i's, and HAPA, and played with the legendary Don Ho for 16 years. Most recently, he contributed a song entitled Ko'olau Uʻi to the group Waipunaʻs 10th anniversary CD. Written by his cousin, the late Dennis Kamakahi, it was the debut of Ko'olau Uʻi, which was written in memory of Dennis' great grandfather James Hoʻolulu Aweau, about a journey along the Ko'olau mountains.
 
With the exception of The Ewa Song, Mau Loa follows the pattern for all of Aweauʻs solo releases: he wrote and arranged every song, sang all vocals (including background), played every instrument, and recorded, engineered, mixed, and mastered it at his In My Bathroom Studios.
The CD is currently available at Me Ke Aloha (http://mkaloha.com/). Wider release through other online and retail outlets will follow.

Honolulu, HI – In celebration of their 10th anniversary, Hawai'i's popular, multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning trio Waipuna (Kale Hannahs, Matt Sproat, and David Kamakahi) is releasing a 15 track, self-titled album that is a collection of songs that endeavor to answer the question, "Aia i hea ka waiwai a Waipuna?" (loosely translated as "where is the richness or the value of Waipuna? Is it in the meaning of the songs, or their relationships, or..."). The answers come in the form of songs written by or performed with friends and mentors, those who they respect and admire, and those from whom they've learned, as well as songs that honor the 'āina (land).
 
Among the guest artists are: composer and kumu hula Cody Pueo Pata, performing a chant at the end of "E Ho'i Na Wai", originally a water pule (prayer) or chant he wrote in 2001; Nathan Aweau, debuting a song about a journey along the Ko'olau mountains written by his cousin, the late Rev. Dennis Kamakahi, in memory of Dennis' great grandfather (James Ho'olulu Aweau); singer-songwriter (and kahu) Kawika Kahiapo performing Jack Hayford's "Majesty"; and Grammy® nominee, kumu hula, and Maui resident Kamaka Kukona singing a song by Alice Namakelua about Maui's famous streams and other well-known Maui features.
 
Waipuna also features a special mele inoa, or name song, written by composer Puakea Nogelmeier; several songs written by band member Kale Hannahs; and additional guest appearance by Aaron Sala (piano), Sean Carroll (percussion), Greg Sardinha (steel guitar), and Kale Chang (background vocals). The liner notes include comments by various composers about the songs they wrote, including Tony Conjugacion and Kawaikapuokalani Hewett.
 
Waipuna began as a duo in 2008 when Kale and Matt, both of whom had extensive music backgrounds (Kale was a founding member of the multiple award-winning group 'Ale'a, and Matt is a member of the famous Sproat family of musicians) joined forces. While working on E Ho'i Mai, the follow-up to their critically-acclaimed first album Mana'o Pili, they brought  David in to record several songs - and liked the sound so much that they asked him to join the group. The combination works - each of the group's releases (four albums and a single) have been honored with Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards - Hawai'i's Grammy® Award, and they have loyal fans all over the world.
 
Scheduled to hit store shelves April 24, Waipuna was produced by Lea Uehara, Kale Chang, and Waipuna, and recorded at Chang's 'Auwa'a Studios. The album will be available at local stores and online at Me Ke Aloha. Listen to a few clips from the album below. 

​Finalists for the 41st annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards have been announced! Voting for eligible HARA members will begin April 5.
 
The Awards will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Tickets will go on sale April 5, 2018. The show will also be broadcast live on KFVE TV and online at the KFVE website.

2018 NĀ HŌKŪ HANOHANO AWARDS – Finalists
 
GENERAL CATEGORIES
 
Album of the Year
1. ‘Ala Anuhea – Kamaka Kukona (Hanu), Dave Tucciarone and Kamakoa Lindsey-Asing, producers
2. Ho‘okena 3.0 – Ho‘okena (Huliau, LLC), Ho‘okena, producer
3. I Ke Kō A Ke Au – Keauhou (Keauhou), Keauhou, producer
4. Makawalu – Nāpua (Pihana Productions), Dave Tucciarone and Kamakoa Lindsey-Asing, producers
5. Palena ‘Ole – Kapena (KDE), Kapena, producer
 
EP (Extended Play) of the Year
1. Aia I Laila Ka Wai – Various Artists, Keola Donaghy and Joel Katz producers (Institute of Hawaiian Music)
2. His Songs, His Stories, His Style – Brother Noland (Brother Noland)
3. Musicians Helping Musicians, Friends Helping Friends – Kuleana Breakfast Club (Kuleana Breakfast Club)
4. Pali Ke Kua – Mailani (Hā Enterprises)
5. This Mountain – Pat Simmons, Jr. (Pat Simmons, Jr.)
 
Single of the Year
1. Autumn Leaves (Live) – Keahi Conjugacion (No Hum Yet)
2. In My Life – Maggie Herron (Herron Song Records)
3. Sincerely – Matagi (with Fiji) (Mea Nui Records, LLC)
4. We Are Hawai‘i’s Finest – Ekolu (Waiehu Records)
5. We Give You Glory – Gabby Pahinui (Bless Up Productions)
 
Hawaiian Single of the Year (new)
1. E Nānā – Nathan Aweau (Bass Plus Music Arts)
2. Kanakaloka – Kalani Pe‘a (Kalani Pe‘a Music)
3. Kaulana Ka Inoa ‘o Hōkūle‘a – Chad Takatsugi featuring Nā Hoa and Kuini (no label)
4. Ku‘u Lei Puakenikeni – Shawn and Lehua (Kalima Music, LLC)
5. Nou E Pauahi – Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises)
 
Song of the Year
1. Bamboo – Kimie Miner, from Proud As the Sun (Haku Records), Kimie Miner, Imua Garza, Jesse Epstein, and
Isaac Moreno, composers
2. E Nānā – Nathan Aweau, from E Nānā (Bass Plus Music Arts), Nathan Aweau, composer
3. Kewalo Uka – Keauhou, from I Ke Kō A Ke Au (Keauhou), Jonah Kahanuola Solatorio, composer
4. Ku‘u Lei Puakenikeni – Shawn and Lehua, from Ku‘u Lei Puakenikeni (Kalima Music, LLC), Frank
Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Shawn Pimental and Lehua Kalima, composers
5. When I Come Home – Kapena, from Palena ‘Ole (KDE), Kenneth Makuakāne, composer
 
Instrumental Composition of the Year
1. Indie Man – Kamuela Kahoano from Portraits (Green Light Go HI Productions), Kamuela Kahoano, composer
2. Journey Across the Sea, The – Greg Sardinha, Tsun-Hui Hung, and Jeff Peterson, from Across the Sea (Keala
Records), Greg Sardinha and Tsun-Hui Hung, composers
3. Kahulanui Boogie Woogie – Kahulanui from Mele Ho‘oilina (Kahulanui, LLC), Bill Noble, composer
4. Kailua Rain – Kuleana Breakfast Club from Musicians Helping Musicians, Friends Helping Friends (Kuleana
Breakfast Club), David Kauahikaua, composer
5. Ke Ali‘i Ki‘eki‘e – Kenneth Makuakāne from Simply for Ke Akua (KMM), Kenneth Makuakāne and
Kawaipunaoha‘ao Makuakāne, composers
 
Female Vocalist of the Year
1. Sandy Essman – ‘Ale‘a (Tin Idol Productions)
2. Mailani – Pali Ke Kua (Hā Enterprises)
3. Stef Mariani – Stay Gold (Klever Kitty Records)
4. Kimie Miner – Proud As the Sun (Haku Records)
5. Nāpua – Makawalu (Pihana Productions)
 
Group of the Year
1. Bryan Tolentino & Herb Ohta, Jr. – ‘Ukulele Friends, The Sequel (Neos Productions)
2. Ho‘okena – Ho‘okena 3.0 (Huliau, LLC)
3. Kahulanui – Mele Ho‘oilina (Kahulanui, LLC)
4. Kapena – Palena ‘Ole (KDE)
5. Keauhou – I Ke Kō A Ke Au (Keauhou)
 
Male Vocalist of the Year
1. Lito Arkangel – Ku‘upau (Lito Arkangel)
2. Brother Noland – His Songs, His Stories, His Style (Brother Noland)
3. Jack Johnson – All the Light Above It Too (Brushfire Records)
4. Kamaka Kukona – ‘Ala Anuhea (Hanu)
5. Kenneth Makuakāne – Simply for Ke Akua (KMM)
 
Most Promising Artist of the Year
1. Beat-Lele – Beat-Lele: An Ukulele Tribute to the Beatles (Beatle-lele Music)
2. Kala‘e Camarillo – Working Man (no label)
3. Halemanu – So the Story Goes (Sounds Like Hale)
4. Leipono – Ku‘u Pualei (no label)
5. Pat Simmons, Jr. – This Mountain (Pat Simmons, Jr.)
 
GENRE CATEGORIES
 
Alternative Album of the Year
1. Anaspond – Mele‘uhane (Tiki Time Records)
2. Human – Kukahi Lee (Makali‘i Productions)
3. Portraits – Kamuela Kahoano (Green Light Go HI Productions)
4. Retrograde – Evan Khay (Evan Khay)
5. Stay Gold – Stef Mariani (Klever Kitty Records)
 
Anthology of the Year
1. 30th Anniversary – Pandanus Club (KMM)
2. Best of Metal Kalikimaka Vol. 1 - 3 – Tin Idols (Tin Idol Productions)
3. Family Memories – The Best of Dad, Nick, and Alx – Manoa DNA (ASFI)
4. Happy to Be Me – Randy Parker (Mauka Productions)
5. Jus’ Bes’ – Led Kaapana (Jus’ Press Productions)
 
Compilation of the Year
1. Nā Leo Kau‘i Ō Hawai‘i – Various Artists (Neos Productions)
2. Nā Mele ‘Ukulele – Various Artists (Neos Productions)
3. Season of Change, A – Various Artists (Elation Records)
 
Contemporary Album of the Year
1. All The Light Above It Too – Jack Johnson (Brushfire Records)
2. Aloha Spirit – Tavana (no label)
3. John Valentine Hawaii: Back In My Day – John Valentine (Studio Valentine One Music)
4. Palena ‘Ole – Kapena (KDE)
5. Proud As the Sun – Kimie Miner (Haku Records)
 
Hawaiian Music Album of the Year
1. ‘Ala Anuhea – Kamaka Kukona (Hanu)
2. Ho‘okena 3.0 – Ho‘okena (Huliau, LLC)
3. I Ke Kō A Ke Au – Keauhou (Keauhou)
4. Ku‘upau – Lito Arkangel (Lito Arkangel)
5. Makawalu – Nāpua (Pihana Productions)
 
Hip Hop Album of the Year
1. ArtChiTexture – Cedric Clinton (no label)
2. Makana – Illtalian (no label)
3. My Time, No Lie – Slikk (Aloha Hye Records)
4. Open Eyes – Geronimo (no label)
5. Rubberbandz & Contraband – Aktion (Twentybirdz)
6. TRULife – Tre Tru (Island Moho Ent.)
 
Instrumental Album of the Year
1. Across the Sea – Greg Sardinha, Tsun-Hui Hung, and Jeff Peterson (Keala Records)
2. Aloha, This Is Who We Are – Lance Takamiya (Lance Takamiya / Pass Out Records)
3. Na Waiho‘olu‘u – Dennis Soares (Elation Records)
 
Island Music Album of the Year
1. Aloha From My Hawai‘i – Michael Chock (Seawind Productions)
2. Coming Home – Cane Fire (Cane Fire Music)
3. Island Treasurers – Damien Paiva (no label)
4. People and Places of Na Ko‘olau – Rod Young and Gordon Broad (Moon Surfer Productions)
5. So the Story Goes – Halemanu (Sounds Like Hale)
 
Jazz Album of the Year
1. Deems Tsutakawa and Friends – Live in Hawaii – Deems Tsutakawa and Friends (J-Town Records)
2. Live at Studio 6 – Rich Crandall Trio (Music Formats)
3. Mele Ho‘oilina – Kahulanui (Kahulanui, LLC)
4. Rendezvous At Eight – Jimmy C (Jimmy C)
5. Swanky at Abbey Road – Patrick von Wiegandt featuring Ginai (von Wiegandt Productions)
 
Metal Album of the Year (new)
1. Guns, God, Gold – Champions of Terminal (Tin Idol Productions)
2. Medusa Live at Kumu Kahua Theatre – Storm (Tin Idol Productions)
3. New Genesis – Sin73 (Tin Idol Productions)
4. Tribute – Makona (Tin Idol Productions)
5. Zodiac – Storm (Tin Idol Productions)
 
Music Video of the Year (new)
1. Bamboo – Kimie Miner (Haku Records)
2. E Nā Kini – Kalani Pe‘a (Kalani Pe‘a Music)
3. E Pili Mai – Nāpua (Pihana Productions)
4. Kewalo Uka – Keauhou (Keauhou)
5. When I Come Home – Kapena (KDE)
 
R&B Album of the Year
1. Genres of Soul – RJ Kaneao (Groove Plant Hawaii)
2. Point Panic – Mango Season (no label)
3. Universal Invitation – Goldawn Won & The Universe (808 Connects)
 
Reggae Album of the Year
1. Almost Famous – Backwards Shaka (Yucky Apple Studios)
2. Live What You Love – Mark Saito (Mark Saito Music)
3. Marching Orders – The Green (Easy Star Records)
 
Religious Album of the Year
1. Carry Me On – Mark Riley (Music Missions International Kauai)
2. Greatest Love, The – Nigel Kauanui (no label)
3. Kingdom– New Hope Oahu Music (Dream Music)
4. Simply for Ke Akua – Kenneth Makuakāne (KMM)
5. Souljahs of Jesus Christ – Sons of Yeshua (Bless Up Productions)
 
Rock Album of the Year
1. Along These Lines – Zach Manzano (Zach Manzano)
2. Eklectic – Stuart Hollinger (Baby Boy Productions)
3. Lightning Strikes Hilo – Larry Dupio (no label)
4. Lock – The Bandhas (Ultramega Records)
5. Lovechile – Lovechile (Pass Out Records)
6. Shining – Pierce Bivens (Bandwagon Studios)
 
‘Ukulele Album of the Year
1. More Than This – Kris Fuchigami (Kris Fuchigami)
2. My Dog Has Fleas – Arlie-Avery Asiu (Arlie-Avery Asiu)
3. New Journey, A – Andrew Molina (Shadow Uke Music)
4. Soliloquy – Arden Fujiwara (no label)
5. Spotless Mind, The – Neal Chin (Nose Butter Productions)
6. ‘Ukulele Friends: The Sequel – Bryan Tolentino & Herb Ohta, Jr. (Neos Productions)
 
TECHNICAL CATEGORIES
 
Graphics Award
1. Wailani Artates for Makawalu – Nāpua (Pihana Productions)
2. Scarlet Eskildsen for Mele Ho‘oilina – Kahulanui (Kahulanui, LLC)
3. Daryl Fujiwara for Ku‘u Pualei – Leipono (no label)
4. Kamea Hadar for Marching Orders – The Green (Easy Star Records)
5. Scott Johnson for Jusʻ Besʻ – Ledward Kaapana (Jus’ Bes’ Productions)
6. Ranae Keane-Bamsey for Honi Honi – Bula Akamu (no label)
7. Raul Soria, Jr. for Isochronism – Aphesis (Made in Pain)
 
Liner Notes
1. Kamaka Kukona for ‘Ala Anuhea – Kamaka Kukona (Hanu)
2. Maila Gibson for Ho‘okena 3.0 – Ho‘okena (Huliau, LLC)
3. Zachary Alaka‘i Lum for I Ke Kō A Ke Au – Keauhou (Keauhou)
4. Pono Murray for Ku‘u Pualei (no label)
5. Anela U‘ilani Tanigawa for Makawalu – Nāpua (Pihana Productions)
6. Napua Wong for Tree of Life – Mokihana Flood (Moki Records)
 
ADJUDICATED CATEGORIES
 
Haku Mele
1. ‘Ala Anuhea – by Kamaka Kukona, from ‘Ala Anuhea – Kamaka Kukona (Hanu)
2. Aloha Maunalua – by Nicholas Keali‘i Lum, from I Ke Kō A Ke Au – Keauhou (Keauhou)
3. Lei Nani Kalaunu – by Kīhei Nahale-a, from Makawalu – Nāpua (Pihana Productions)
4. Lei O Kaiona – byManaiakalani Kalua and Kīhei Nahale-a from Makawalu – Nāpua (Pihana Productions)
5. Mā‘eli‘eli – by Zachary Alaka‘i Lum, from I Ke Kō A Ke Au – Keauhou (Keauhou)
 
Hawaiian Language Performance Award
1. Ho‘okena – Ho‘okena 3.0 (Huliau, LLC)
2. Keauhou – I Ke Kō A Ke Au (Keauhou)
3. Kamaka Kukona – ‘Ala Anuhea (Hanu)
4. Leipono – Ku‘u Pualei (no label)
5. Nāpua – Makawalu (Pihana Productions)
 
Engineering – General
1. Kapena De Lima for Palena ‘Ole –Kapena (KDE)
2. Imua Garza for Retrograde – Evan Khay (Evan Khay)
3. Imua Garza and Zeo Music for Dewfall – Czarina del Mar (Czarina del Mar)
4. Leslie Ludiazo, Wendell Ching, Jules Washington, and Brian Fennell for Marching Orders – The Green
(Easy Star Records)
5. Zach Manzano for Along These Lines – Zach Manzano (Zach Manzano)
 
Engineering – Hawaiian
1. Charles Michael Brotman and Lito Arkangel for Ku‘upau – Lito Arkangel (Lito Arkangel)
2. Kale Chang for Huaka‘i Ku‘u Poli – Kamanawa (Keala Records)
3. Dave Tucciarone for ‘Ala Anuhea – Kamaka Kukona (Hanu)
4. Dave Tucciarone for Ku‘u Pualei – Leipono (no label)
5. Dave Tucciarone for Makawalu – Nāpua (Pihana Productions)
 
International Album – Special Recogniton Award
1. Paradise Magic – Ho Capito (Earth Groove)
2. Colors – Hook (Fukuhara Naoki)
3. Ku‘u Hale ‘O Kope – Kahealani (Kissa Kope)
4. Menehune – Kentaro Tsushima (Kepani Records)
5. Sunset Breeze – Ukulele Swing Trio (JB Music)
6. Ke Ola Hou – John Taisuke Yamada (JST)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 27, 2017
 
Honolulu, HI – As a prelude to his upcoming new album ("Maka Onaona" - Gentle Eyes - scheduled for release in April 2018), multi-talented, Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Nathan Aweau has released an original single entitled E Nānā ("Hey, look my way"). The song is the opposite of the usual kolohe (mischievous) lyrics in Hawaiian songs where the woman is usually the "tease". This time it's written from the man's point of view. With an energetic, playful melody, the song is written and performed in Hawaiian. The English translation of the lyrics read, in part, "I am a peacock, teasing you, enticing you. Look here! I am strong, energetic for you. Come to me."
 
Aweau was born into a musical family. His early years consisted of piano, guitar, and ‘ukulele lessons, followed by saxophone, percussion, and bass. He began his professional career in college, accompanying such well-known performers as Gabe Baltazar, Henry Kapono, Loyal Garner, and Nohelani Cypriano. He was also a member of the award-winning groups Ka'eo, the Ali'i's, and HAPA, and played with the legendary Don Ho for 16 years. He's known for his hauntingly beautiful vocals (he’s won Male Vocalist of the Year honors three times – more than any other artist), and his passion for and proficiency on the electric bass resulted in a 2005 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Jazz Album of the Year for his CD Bass Etude – just one of the many music awards he’s won.
 
As is the case for all of his solo releases, ‘E Nānā is 100% Aweau. In addition to his vocals, he played all the instruments; wrote and arranged the song; and recorded, mixed, and mastered it at his In My Bathroom Studios.
 
The single is a digital-only track currently available on iTunes, with other digital outlets to follow. Here is a clip:

​​                       


 
       ALOHA AUTISM
                     Pono Records
             www.alohaautism.com
 

 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2017
 
Honolulu, HI - To raise funds to assist those with autism, multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning recording artist Kawika Kahiapo, himself the father of a son with autism, has produced Aloha Autism, an album featuring songs by over a dozen of the top names in Hawaiian music. The high prevalence of children afflicted with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (estimated by the Centers for Disease Control at 1 in 68 in the United States alone) is becoming more well-known, and when contacted by Kawika and asked if they were interested in participating in this project, each artist was quick to say yes. As a result, the album features music by artists well-known throughout Hawai'i, and in some cases, the world - including Jack Johnson, Jake Shimabukuro, Amy Gilliom, Nathan Aweau, and many more.
 
Kahiapo initiated this project thanks to a long-standing friendship between his family and Don and Julianne King, co-founders of the Hawaii Autism Foundation. Both families are well aware of the need for education, programs, and treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders, and children in Hawaii have a particularly difficult time accessing treatments due to geographic isolation and costs. To help fill that need, the Kings founded the Hawaii Autism Foundation in 2007 to assist Hawaii families in both finding and funding treatments. The Foundation also develops resources that will ensure that children have the tools and transitional support they need in order to reach their full potential and thrive as adults.
 
To assist the Foundation in furthering its work and services, Kahiapo did what he knows best - he pulled some of his musician friends together to create the special benefit CD. Tracks include: Home (Jack Johnson); Master of Ceremonies (Johnny Helm); Shine On (John Cruz); Molokai On My Mind (Blayne Asing); "Walking With You (Makana); Ku’u Momi Makamae (Nathan Aweau); Little Lullaby (Brother Noland); Father to Son (Kawika Kahiapo); What Love (Na Leo); Go For Broke (Jake Shimabukuro); Every Child a Promise (Robi Kahakalau); Stand In the Light (Henry Kapono); Saved (Imua and Tiffa Garza); Ka Malu Akua (Amy Gilliom).
 
Produced by Kahiapo, all tracks on Aloha Autism were previously recorded, appear on the individual artists' own CDs, and were donated to this project. Imua Garza remixed and balanced each track for inclusion on this album.
 
Proceeds from the sale of Aloha Autism will be donated to the Hawaii Autism Foundation (hawaiiautismfoundation.org), to benefit The ARC in Hawaii (http://www.thearcinhawaii.org/) and the Kahumana Learning Center (https://www.kahumana.org/learning-center). Both organizations serve people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
 
Aloha Autism is scheduled for release November 10, 2017, and will be available in digital format on iTunes, CD Baby, and other digital outlets, and in CD format at mkaloha.com and cdbaby.com.
 
In addition, the Hard Rock Cafe is sponsoring a CD Release Party on November 19, 2017 2-5pm, featuring performances by Amy Hanaialiʻi, Johnny Helm, Robi Kahakalau, Kawika Kahiapo, Lehua Kalima, Henry Kapono, and Jake Shimabukuro. Admission includes a copy of the CD, heavy pupu buffet, and drinks. For ticket information, go to www.alohaautism.com (presale tickets only - seating is limited!).

                                                   # # #

​For those who want to submit albums for consideration at the 60th Annual GRAMMY® Awards (taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York City on January 18, 2018), the first round submission process is now open!

The 2018 GRAMMY® Awards are for albums released from October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017.
 

• First round submissions are for albums released from October 1, 2016 to July 31, 2017. The submission period closes July 17.

 

• Final round submissions open August 9, and are for albums released from August 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017. The final round submission period closes August 23, 2017. (And yes, you do need to submit albums that haven't yet been released if your release date is set between August 23 and September 30! There are provisions for that...)

  
As most of you know, Hawai'i no longer has a category dedicated solely to Hawaiian music. We were rolled into the Regional Roots category in 2012, which also includes Cajun, Native American, New Orleans brass band, Polka, and Zydeco. For a Hawaiian album to be eligible in the Regional Roots category, the Hawaiian language must be used in 51% or more of the vocal tracks on the album, and eligibility will be determined by the screening committee.
  
You must be a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) to submit a recording for GRAMMY® consideration. If you're not a NARAS member and would like my help in entering your album for consideration, please contact me!
 
GRAMMY® Voting: If you're not a NARAS member, you must join by September 15, 2017 in order to vote on the first round ballot, and by November 15 to vote on the final  ballot (and be eligible to purchase tickets to the Awards telecast).
 
Questions? Contact me!

​Mele Mei (actually, Mele Apelila, Mei, and Iune - April, May, June) is upon us, and there will be lots of events happening! Back this year is Mele Mei Sundays at Kani Ka Pila Grille in the Outrigger Reef. Hereʻs the schedule, mark your calendars!
 
May 7
Kaiao  4:30-6:30 pm
Brother Noland 7-9 pm
 
May 14
Kaimi Hananoeau  4:30-6:30 pm
Nathan Aweau  7-9 pm
 
May 21
Keauhou  4:30-6:30 pm
Maunalua  7-9 pm
 
May 28
Kunia Galdeira  4:30-6:30 pm
Kupaoa  7-9 pm
 
#melemei  #supporthawaiismusicians

Awards season is in full swing! The GRAMMYs® are on Sunday - best of luck to Hawai'i's own Kalani Pe'a, who's nominated in the Regional Roots catgeory! The Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawai'i's GRAMMYs®) are in May - but here are some upcoming Nā Hōkū-related dates you need to know:
 

• The preliminary ballot packet is scheduled to be mailed to voting members of the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) on Friday, February 24, 2017
• The finalists will be announced Monday, April 17
• The final ballot packet will be mailed to voting HARA members on Wednesday, April 19
• Tickets for the Nā Hōkū Awards Show will go on sale on April 17
• The 40th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards will take place on May 20 at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center

 
If you are not a member of HARA (musicians and qualified music-related industries), you must apply for membership no later than February 14 in order to vote on the preliminary ballot. You can apply for membership on the HARA website here.

If you are a former voting member or need to RENEW your membership, the deadline is February 17 (in order to vote on the preliminary ballot). You can renew here.

​Hawai'i musicians! Did you release music or a music video between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016? Then it's time to submit your work to the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts for consideration in the 2017 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards! Deadline to submit is 4pm on January 20, 2017.
 
New this year are some rule changes and clarifications, a new (additional) form, and a submission fee. Please be sure to read the submission guidelines carefully - here is the link.
 
​You may submit your entry(s) either online or by hard copy. My advice? When submitting on behalf of my clients, I always print a copy of the form and fill it out by hand, then use that information to submit online. (It's easier to have everything I need at hand in one place, rather than clicking back and forth through the various online pages.) Click here to download and print a hard copy of the submission form.

Here is the link to the online submission form.

There is also a new form required this year: a "Documentation of Release and Commercial Availability". Click here to download and print.

Also new this year is a $10 processing fee for each submission, which may be paid online when you submit your entry, or by enclosing a check or money order payable to the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts when you submit the copies of your recording(s).
 
Good luck to all who enter!

In a departure from his usual, award-winning slack key guitar style, multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and singer-songwriter Kawika Kahiapo is releasing an album featuring 'ukulele and just a few acoustic instruments. Says Kahiapo of the album he entitled "Uke and Call Me Cousin", "I wanted to approach this project old-school style... with a casual, easy-going tone, just like the good old days, jamming with the cousins. These songs and their essence speak for themselves: a little nostalgia and a lot of soul."
 
Indeed, "Uke and Call Me Cousin" is reminiscent of the casual “garage parties” that are common in Hawai'i to this day. Held at the Kahiapo family home when Kawika was growing up, the parties were frequented not only by family, but by artists such as the world-renowned slack key master Gabby "Pops" Pahinui - and you never knew what song someone was going to play next. In keeping with that style, the album is a blend of songs from a wide variety of artists, with a few original songs thrown into the mix. From classics like "Teach Your Children" and "The Sound of Silence" to Hawaiian favorites like "Kaneohe" and "Kaulana Nā Pua", Kahiapo's smooth vocals and beautiful arrangements make you want to lean back, relax, and just listen. His stripped down version of his award-winning hit song "Life in These Islands", originally released by his former group Kaukahi, will instantly transport listeners to Hawai'i regardless of where they are when they listen to it. His song "Another Time" is especially poignant, given the recent loss of his dear friend and fellow musician, Palani Vaughan.
 
Kahiapo is the winner of numerous awards, including both Island Music ("Ku'u 'Āina Aloha") and Slack Key ("Ho'omaluhia") Album of the Year at the 2015 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards; three Nā Hōkū Awards in 2007 for his former group Kaukahi's debut album "Life in These Islands" (Song and Group of the Year), and the Ki Ho'alu (slack key) Award; and he was featured on the GRAMMY® award-winning album, "Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key".
 
Produced by Kahiapo and Imua Garza, "Uke and Call Me Cousin" was recorded, engineered, and mixed by Garza at his Zeo Music Studios. Kahiapo plays a KoAloha tenor 'ukulele and a Kanile'a baritone 'ukulele. Garza plays upright bass, banjo, cajon, and keyboard.
 
The release date is set for December 23, 2016. The CD will be  available at Me Ke Aloha, and digitally online at CD Baby, iTunes, and other standard sites. Wider release through other retail outlets will follow. 

Continental U.S.A.! Are you ready for some award-winning Hawaiian music in 2017? Nathan Aweau, Kawika Kahiapo, and George Kahumoku, Jr. are headed your way! Here's the schedule - get your tickets before they sell out!

Feb 06  Triple Door, Seattle, WA, Tickets
Feb 07  Triple Door, Seattle, WA, Tickets
Feb 08  Triple Door, Seattle, WA, Tickets
Feb 09  Alberta Rose Theatre, Portland, OR, Tickets
Feb 11  Humboldt State University - Center Arts, Arcata, CA, Tickets
Feb 15  Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis, MN, Tickets
Feb 16  Folk Alliance International, Kansas City, MO Info
Feb 17  Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, IL  Tickets
Feb 18  Club Passim 1st Show, Cambridge, MA, Tickets
Feb 18  Club Passim 2nd Show, Cambridge, MA, Tickets
Feb 19  George Flynn Concerts, Clinton, CT, Tickets
Feb 24  UF Performing Arts, Gainesville, FL, Tickets
Feb 25  The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA, Tickets
Feb 27  St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Chatham, NJ Tickets
Mar 01  Weis Center for the Performing Arts, Bucknell University,
             Lewisburg, PA, Tickets
Mar 03  California Center for the Arts, Escondido, CA, Tickets
Mar 04  South Broadway Cultural Center, Albuquerque, NM, Tickets
Mar 05  James A. Little Theater, Santa Fe, NM, Tickets
Mar 08  Freight and Salvage, Berkeley, CA, Tickets
Mar 10  Harris Center, Folsom, CA, Tickets
Mar 12  Kuumbwa Jazz, Santa Cruz, CA, (Tickets available soon)
Mar 15  Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA, Tickets
Apr 08  Musco Center for the Arts , Orange, CA, Tickets
Apr 09  Campbell Hall, UCSB, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA,
             Tickets

          

​Known locally in Hawaii for performing a version of the hit song "Fish and Poi" in a Burger King commercial, and nationwide for his performances as part of team Adam on The Voice, singer-songwriter Duncan Kamakana (Osorio), will release his original single "Midnight Stones" on Friday October 21. The son of Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Jon Osorio ("Hawaiian Eyes", "Hawaiian Soul") and brother of celebrated slam poet Jamaica Osorio, both of whom chant and sing back-up vocals on the song, Kamakana says he wrote Midnight Stones as a song of hope, one that he hopes will help unify the Hawaiian people. Says Kamakana, "As we as Native Hawaiians continue to find our place in the current state of Hawaii, it is important that we continue to imua (go forward) together."
 
Despite growing up surrounded by music, until he entered his 8th grade year at Kamehameha Schools Kamakana was more interested in sports (he was honored for his prowess in soccer, basketball, and football). There, for the first time, he picked up a guitar and discovered a passion for singing and songwriting. He was accepted into the prestigious Concert Glee Club as a bass, and the high caliber of the musicians there encouraged him to express himself musically.
 
With his song "Midnight Stones", which Kamakana said seemed to just write itself, he explores the effect of war on people. The first verse is a loosely translated version of King Kamehameha's famous speech “Imua e na Poki'i”, written during his quest to unify the islands and depicting the march to battle. The second verse is about beginning the journey home after the battle has been fought, and references Hawaiians as a voyaging people. It is also is meant to acknowledge the important work being done by the Hokule'a. (With the ugliness of war behind you, the horizon line is all that's left for you.) The third verse describes the soldiers returning home from battle, searching for comfort in their journey.  
 
Although the lyrics are primarily in English, they incorporate many aspects of Hawaiian writing, including the idea of "kauna", or hidden meaning. Says Kamakana, "Every line in the song is a reference to more than one idea,  and like a lot of my favorite Hawaiian songs, "Midnight Stones" says a great number of things while using just a few words."  
 
"Midnight Stones" was produced by Shawn Pimental, and engineered by Pimental and Michael Grande of Studio Ala Moana. It features Kamakana on guitar and vocals; Pimental on bass, drums, and percussion; and Grande on piano and organ. Kamakana sings lead vocals, Jon and Jamaica Osorio sing backing vocals and chants.
 
The single will be available in digital format only on iTunes and at other outlets. In the mean time, here's a behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Midnight Stones":

​Up-and-coming Hawaiian slack key guitarist, singer/songwriter and composer Aja Gample has released her debut album entitled, Huaʻi (to uncover, to break forth, to reveal), a title  which seemed befitting to her as the concept for her debut CD. Huaʻi is a collection of four original songs and three cover songs for which she wrote new arrangements. Included on the album is "Pua Mai Ka Lani", the first song Aja ever wrote. It was inspired by a dancer she admired, and talks about the way she dances, the grace, beauty and prowess that she possesses as a dancer, and what Aja thinks all dancers strive to portray when sharing a story. Enchanted when watching her dance for the first time, Aja she tried to capture that moment in song.
 
Born and raised on the island of O'ahu, Aja began playing ʻukulele at age six and guitar by age ten. Her grandfather began teaching her kī ho'alu (Hawaiian slack key guitar) when she was 12, and it quickly became her passion. Continuing to learn and be mentored by renowned Hawaiian musicians, the talented young artist has been increasingly asked to share her music, and in addition to her solo performances, has become a regular performer at slack key festivals. Hoping to one day share her culture with the world through her passion for kī ho'alu and Hawaiian music, she says she recently learned something very important: “Pono au kekuleana a e hoʻomaukaʻōlelohawaiʻi no ka mea he hawaiʻi au.” ("I have a responsibility to perpetuate the Hawaiian language because I am Hawaiian.") Taking this to heart, she set about composing more stories and songs, and the release of this, her debut album, has put her further down that path.
 
In keeping with the concept of Huaʻi, Aja wanted to showcase not only her ability to compose original songs, but also to arrange existing works such as "ʻĀ ʻOia!". Written by John Kameaaloha Almeida, "ʻĀ ʻOia!" is a song that pays homage to her roots. Aja wrote her own arrangement of the song, creating an introduction that is a short medley with "Take The A Train" which quickly transitions into "ʻĀʻOia!"
 
Hua'i was recorded primarily at Blue Planet Sound in Honolulu, with the exception of "Hula Blues" and "Mele Moemoea", which were recorded at Rainbow Studios in Burbank, CA. Aja sang all vocals and played guitar. Guest artists include: Daniel Gibson (percussion); Chris Kamaka (bass); Kapō Ku (ʻukulele); and Joe Lamano (bass).
 
The CD is currently available at Me Ke Aloha online, and at Na Mea (Ward Warehouse). Download versions are available on CD Baby, iTunes, and Amazon.

​Here are a few clips from the album:

The First Round online entry process to submit entries for the 59th annual GRAMMY® Awards is now open!

Recordings released from October 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016 are eligible in this first round. (Note: only recordings that were COMMERCIALLY RELEASED and available nationally in the United States are eligible for consideration, meaning they are available at a brick-and-mortar store, or online at CD Baby, iTunes, or one of the other commercial outlets. Recordings that are only available on a record company's or musician's website - or at their performances - are not eligible.) The first round entry period ends July 20, 2016 at 6pm PST.
 
Final Round submissions (for recordings released from August 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016) open August 10, and close August 24, 2016. (And yes, if you release an album after the final submission date and up to September 30, you must still submit your GRAMMY® entry by August 24 at 6pm PST. I know, I know - confusing, yes? But I didn't make the rules!) 
 
You or your record or media company must be a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS - or "The Academy") in order to submit. I am again submitting on behalf of eligible clients (and a friend or two), so if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!
 
NOTE: IF YOU RELEASED AN ALBUM IN THE HAWAIIAN MUSIC GENRE, PLEASE SUBMIT AN ENTRY! One of the reasons we lost our own, separate Hawaiian Music category several years ago and were rolled into the Regional Roots category is that there weren't a sufficient number of entries each year to warrant keeping the Hawaiian category. If we are ever to get our own category back, we must increase the number of entries!

Kahala Mall will be featuring a variety of musical entertainment this summer, from traditional Hawaiian to Pop, Indie, Folk, and Jazz. The concerts will take place every weekend from now through July. All performances will be held at Center Court (unless otherwise noted), and are free.
​

June 25: Kapena 12-1pm; Kamakakehau Fernandez 2-3pm
 
June 26: Chris Salvador 12-1pm; Jeremy Cheng 2-3pm
 
July 2: Kupaoa 12-1pm; Hoku Zuttermeister 2-3pm
 
July 3: Sean Na'auao 2-3pm
 
July 9: Melaniie 12-1pm
           Jason Laeha 1-2pm
           Simple Souls 2-3pm
           Evan Khay 3-4pm (Macy's Wing)
 
July 10: Sean Cleland 12-1pm
              Wood & Stone 2-3pm
              IZIK 3-4pm (Macy's Wing)
 
July 16: Ben and Maila 12-1pm; Yoza 2-3pm
 
July 17: Randy Allen 12-1pm
 
July 23: Keilana 12-1pm; Duncan Kamakana 2-3pm
 
July 24: Jessica Joy & Shay Marcello 12-1pm; Izik 2-3pm
 
July 30: Randy Allen 12-1pm; Jason Laeha 2-3pm
 
July 31: PaizLee 2-3pm
 
The mall is located at the corner of Waialae and Kilauea Avenues.

​Hawai'i's popular live music TV show Pakele Live is holding its annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards preview show on Thursday May 26, featuring 2016 nominees Chad Takatsugi (for his debut solo album "Ahuwale"); Nathan Aweau (for his album "'Āina Hānau"); Natalie Ai Kamauu (for her album "LaLaLaLa"), and Sean Na'auao (for his album "Lehua Beauty"). All four artists are prior nominees and winners (Chad when he was with the popular group 'Ale'a) and they continue to record albums that delight audiences, critics, and radio program directors alike.
 
Beginning at 6:30pm, the artists will perform 30 minute sets in the following order (also listed are the categories in which they or their albums are nominated):
 
Chad Takatsugi - Ahuwale
Hawaiian Album of the Year
Graphics
Liner Notes
Haku Mele (3 nominations in this category!)
Hawaiian Language Performance
Engineering
 
Nathan Aweau - 'Āina Hanau
Male Vocalist of the Year
Album of the Year
Single of the Year (for "In the End - HI Sessions")
Song of the Year
Instrumental Composition of the Year
Favorite Entertainer
Island Music Album of the Year
 
Natalie Ai Kamauu - LaLaLaLa
Female Vocalist of the Year
Album of the Year
Single of the Year
Song of the Year
Favorite Entertainer
Hawaiian Album of the Year
Engineering
 
Sean Na'auao - Lehua Beauty
Male Vocalist of the Year
Album of the Year
Favorite Entertainer
Hawaiian Album of the Year
Engineering
 
The show will take place from 6:30-8:30pm at the Willows Restaurant   (901 Hausten St., Honolulu), and is free to the public. If you would like to make a reservation, please call (808) 952-9200. The show will be streamed live .