​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 1, 2023
 
Honolulu, HI - To celebrate 15 years of making award-winning music together, the men of Waipuna (Kale Hannahs, Matt Sproat, and David Kamakahi) have released a new album entitled Uluwehi, a collection of songs that celebrate the beautiful flowers, scents, and lands throughout Hawai'i. The album features songs from renowned composers such as Queen Lili'uokalani, Edith Kanaka'ole, Johnny Almeida, Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, and Puakea Nogelmeier, as well as several original songs. Sprinkled throughout are a number of guest appearances by award-winning artists, including Weldon Kekauoha, Wailau Ryder, Jake Shimabukuro, Streetlight Cadence's Jonathan Franklin, and more.
 
Waipuna has consistently won accolades from fans and critics alike, beginning with their first critically acclaimed release Mana'o Pili, with critics praising their strong performances and their ability to honor the past while bringing a contemporary feel to the music. Their somewhat divergent backgrounds blend well: Kale is a strong vocalist and bass player, and was a founding member of the award-winning group 'Ale'a; Matt, from the famous Sproat family, won the Big Island falsetto competition; and David, son of the late Dennis Kamakahi, one of Hawai'i's most prolific songwriters and slack key guitarists, learned 'ukulele at a young age from masters such as the late Eddie Kamae and won Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards both on his own and with his father - before continuing that streak with Waipuna.
 
Uluwehi was recorded at ʻAuwaʻa Studios with their long-time engineer Kale Chang. Guest artists include Jeff Au Hoy (steel guitar), ʻIwalani Hoʻomanawanui Apo (piano), Wailau Ryder (guitar), Seann Carroll (percussion), Jonathon Franklin (fiddle), Jake Shimabukuro (ʻukulele) Kale Chang (strings arrangements and background vocals), and Weldon Kekauoha (vocals). Producers were Lea Uehara of Tropical Music (executive producer) and Waipuna.
 
From light-hearted melodies to songs dedicated to majestic cliffs and waterfalls, searches for love, and memories of times spent all over the islands, Uluwehi offers a beautiful lei of thanks and tribute to Hawai'i's composers, past and present. The album is available on all digital outlets, and the liner notes and translations will be available on the band's website (coming soon).

Here are a few song clips:

Honolulu, HI - Kīhei born Kamaka Camarillo has released a new single, E Māmā, about his personal journey to learn his mother tongue (ʻōlelo Hawaii) and Hawaiian culture. It draws its inspiration from the remarkable journey of his dear friend, Anthony Pfluke, and his quest to learn Hawaiian. Says Kamaka, "The Hawaiian language faced a dark period in its history when it was banned from spoken use in 1896. In "E Māmā," the lyrics are entirely in Hawaiian, and I adopt a perspective that invokes a call to my "parents." In this context, "māmā" symbolizes my mother tongue, and "papa" represents the culture. Because they both were "taken" from me, it is my inherent responsibility/kuleana, to embark on a daily journey of learning in hopes to reunite with them."
 
If the Camarillo name is familiar, it might be because his brother Kalaʻe has won multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards for his releases, and he comes from a long line of musicians and music educators, including but not limited to: his father Rama, a musician and also a music educator at Kamehameha Schools Maui; his great grandfather Joseph Nohea Kalima Sr., (who composed the classic traditional Hawaiian tune called “Hilo Hula"); his great uncle the late ʻukulele virtuoso Jesse Kalima; and his Aunty Lehua Kalima, a founding member of the multiple Nā Hōkū Award-winning group Nā Leo Pilimehana and a member of the group Kulāiwi. Camarillo himself is also a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and nominee.
 
Kamaka first picked up the ‘ukulele in the 4th grade during a summer ʻukulele program taught by his father. He also learned piano at a young age, but didn't begin singing until high school. He added guitar while pursuing his degree in music at UH Mānoa, studying classical guitar under Professor Peter Frary and Ian O’Sullivan. In addition to playing gigs at the Chart House and other venues, Kamaka is currently a music educator at Kaiser High School.
​
Composed by Kamaka, Nakana Wong, & Anthony Pfluke, E Māmā was produced and recorded by Imua Garza at Zeo Music. It features Camarillo, Pfluke, and Garza on vocals. Pfluke and Garza play ʻukulele, and Garza plays guitar, upright bass, keys, & percussion.
 
E Māmā is available on all digital platforms. 

​Honolulu, HI - On August 29, 2023, multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kalaʻe Camarillo will release Sands of Old Lahaina, a new single dedicated to Maui. Written the day after the devastating fires in Lahaina and Kula, Camarillo said, "The words came fast and I feel like God put the words on my heart so that I could help shine light/encourage the people of Maui to keep sticking together so that Lahaina will rise again."
 
Originally from Maui but now living on Oʻahu, Camarillo is a third-generation music teacher and professional musician, born into a family overflowing with rich musical talent. His father Rama, an ʻukulele teacher, taught him to play ʻukulele at age seven, and he later learned to play guitar, bass, and piano. His grandfather, George Camarillo, started the first ʻukulele band in Hawai'i public schools. His great uncle was the late ʻukulele virtuoso Jesse Kalima. His aunty Lehua Kalima is a founding member of the multiple Nā Hōkū Award-winning group Nā Leo Pilimehana and is a member of the group Kulāiwi. Cousin Lito Arkangel is a multiple Nā Hōkū nominee. Cousin Jesse Gregorio, Jr. plays bass for multiple Nā Hōkū Award winner Ledward Kaapana. Brother Kamaka is also a Nā Hōkū Award winner. And the list goes on...
 
Sands of Old Lahaina was recorded at Zeo Music studios with Imua Garza both engineering and producing as well as playing bass, percussion, organ, and background vocals. Camarillo sang vocals and played  'ukulele, acoustic guitar, and both lead and background vocals.
The single will be available on all digital outlets on August 29.

​​Honolulu, HI - Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kalaʻe Camarillo is preparing to release a new single on April 17, 2023. When I Miss You, a song about young love, was gifted to him by long time Maui musician and song writer Tarvin Makia (HAPA, Hauʻula, Mele ʻOhana, Tunana the Band, Faith Ako, and more), Makia wrote this song 20 years ago but never recorded it - and now felt the lyrics were more suited to be sung by someone younger, like  Kalaʻe. 
 
Originally from Maui but now living on Oʻahu, Camarillo is a third-generation music teacher and professional musician, born into a family overflowing with rich musical talent, including his uncle, the late ʻukulele virtuoso Jesse Kalima, his multiple award-winning Aunty Lehua Kalima (Nā Leo Pilimehana, Kulāiwi), and more. Brother Kamaka is also a Nā Hōkū Award winner, and he, Kalaʻe, and Lehua were asked to perform together at the 2022 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards ceremonies.
 
When I Miss You was recorded at Zeo Music studios, with Imua Garza as both the engineer and the producer as well as playing bass, percussion, drums, and organ. Camarillo sang vocals and played  'ukulele and acoustic guitar.
 
The single will be available on all digital outlets on April 17.

​Just in time for the holidays, Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kalaʻe Camarillo will release an original single entitled It's Christmas Time Again. The upbeat tune will be released on all digital outlets November 21st.
 
Originally from Maui but now living on Oʻahu, Camarillo released his debut album "Working Man" in 2017. His second album, "Feel at Home", was released in 2020 and won the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Contemporary Acoustic Album of the Year. He released an EP entitled "Child of These Islands" earlier this year, and "Be Like You," a single from that album, was nominated for two Nā Hōkū Awards - for Song of the Year and Single of the Year. He was also invited to perform the song at the awards ceremony, and was joined onstage by his brother Kamaka and aunty Lehua Kalima.
 
Camarillo is a third-generation music teacher and professional musician, born into a family overflowing with rich musical talent. His father Rama, an ʻukulele teacher, taught him to play ʻukulele at age seven. Grandfather George started the first ʻukulele band in Hawai'i public schools. His great uncle was the late ʻukulele virtuoso Jesse Kalima. Aunty Lehua Kalima is a founding member of the multiple Nā Hōkū Award-winning group Nā Leo Pilimehana. Cousin Lito Arkangel is a multiple Nā Hōkū nominee. Cousin Jesse Gregorio, Jr. plays bass for multiple Nā Hōkū Award winner Ledward Kaapana. Brother Kamaka is also a Nā Hōkū Award winner.
 
It's Christmas Time Again was recorded at Zeo Music studios, with Imua Garza both engineering and producing. Camarillo played 'ukulele, acoustic guitar, and vocals. Garza played bass, keys, and percussion. Layla Camarillo sang background vocals.

The finalists for the 2022 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards have been announced. The ballots will go out May 17th. Best of luck to all of the nominees!

​Honolulu, HI - With his beloved Hawaiʻi as the overall theme, Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kalaʻe Camarillo has written six new songs to be released as a digital EP on Friday, May 27.
 
The songs on "Child of These Islands" all have personal meaning to Camarillo. "Home, Sweet Home" is about how blessed he feels to have grown up in Hawaii, and is one of the songs he performed live with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra for their Hapa Series in February 2022.  It features an 'oli by his cousin Joshua No'eau Kalima.

"Kōlea," is a song about the journey the Kōlea bird takes from Alaska to Hawaii every year. The  mascot of the school where he works (Kapalama Elementary), Camarillo was asked to write an educational song about it to teach to his students. It has a Ka'au Crater Boys influence and features GRAMMY® nominee and multiple Nā Hōkū Award winner Imua Garza on background vocals.
 
"Old Kīhei," is a duet with the legendary multiple Nā Hōkū Award winner Robi Kahakalau ("Sista Robi"), and has an old hapa haole vibe. It's the place where Camarillo was born and raised and it's also where he and Robi, with whom he frequently performs, first met. It's a place that will always be special to them both.
 
Now living on Oʻahu, Camarillo was born and raised on Maui and is a third-generation music teacher and professional musician. Born into a family overflowing with rich musical talent, Camarillo couldn't help but follow in their footsteps - it's in his blood. His father Rama, an ʻukulele teacher, taught him to play ʻukulele at age seven, and he later learned to play guitar, bass, and piano. His grandfather, George Camarillo, started the first ʻukulele band in Hawai'i public schools. His great uncle was the late ʻukulele virtuoso Jesse Kalima. His aunty Lehua Kalima is a founding member of the multiple Nā Hōkū Award-winning group Nā Leo Pilimehana. Cousin Lito Arkangel is a multiple Nā Hōkū nominee. Cousin Jesse Gregorio, Jr. plays bass for multiple Nā Hōkū Award winner Ledward Kaapana. Brother Kamaka is also a Nā Hōkū Award winner. And the list goes on...
 
Camarillo released his debut  album "Working Man" in 2017. His second album, "Feel at Home", was released in 2020 and won the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Contemporary Acoustic Album of the Year. 
 
"Child of These Islands" was recorded at Zeo Music studios and was produced and engineered by Imua Garza. Contributors included Camarillo on 'ukulele, acoustic guitar, and vocals; Garza on acoustic & electric guitar, bass, organ, percussion, and background vocals; Layla Camarillo and Kapualei Borge on background vocals; Robi Kahakalau on vocals (Old Kīhei); and Joshua No'eau Kalima, 'oli (Home Sweet Home).
 
The EP contains six tracks and will be available on all digital outlets on May 27.

​Honolulu, HI - When Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kalaʻe Camarillo wrote and was recording Be Like You, he intended it to be a special Mother's Day gift only for his mother. But the final recording came out so much better than he anticipated, he decided to release it as a Mother's Day celebration for all moms.
 
Born and raised on Maui, the über-talented Camarillo comes by his talent naturally, with an extended family of music educators and entertainers. Family members include his auntie Lehua Kalima of the multiple Nā Hōkū Award-winning group Nā Leo Pilimehana; his great uncle the late ʻukulele virtuoso Jesse Kalima; cousin and multiple Nā Hōkū nominee Lito Arkangel; cousin Jesse Gregorio, Jr. who plays bass for award winner Ledward Kaapana; brother Kamaka (also a Nā Hōkū Award winner), and many more. His grandfather, George Camarillo, started the first ʻukulele band in Hawai'i public schools, and his father Rama is an ʻukulele teacher as well. His dad taught him to play the ‘ukulele at age seven, and he later learned to play guitar, bass, and piano. He and cousin Dane Lum Ho won Tom Moffat's statewide band competition “Band Champ” while in high school, resulting in the opportunity to open for two major acts: America and The Stylistics. Camarillo released his debut  album "Working Man" in 2017. His second album, "Feel at Home", was released in 2020.

Now living on Oʻahu, Camarillo is a third-generation music teacher and a professional musician. He previously performed with bands such as Simply Sedd, but currently performs solo, occasionally with his brother, and more frequently with the legendary multiple Nā Hōkū Award winner, Robi Kahakalau ("Sista Robi").
 
Be Like You was recorded at Zeo Music with GRAMMY® nominee and multiple Nā Hōkū winner Imua Garza engineering. Camarillo sang vocals and played acoustic guitar, and Garza played electric guitar, bass, drums/percussion, and organ.
 
Be Like You will be available on all digital outlets on Friday, May 7.

​Loa Greyson, son of Samoan music great Jerome Grey, has released his version of the senior Grey's song Island Beauty, a tribute to the senior Grey's late wife Emily. It is the second in a series of songs Greyson is recording as a tribute to his dad in hopes that he can bring the senior Grey's music to the mainstream. Greyson earlier released an upbeat version of Grey's Eleni, a somewhat light-hearted song about a tin of mackerel, which quickly became a popular protest song about Samoa's politicians who were living comfortable lives while the poor of Samoa struggled to make ends meet.
 
Originally entitled Samoan Beauty, Grey released the song in 1980 on his We Are Samoa album with his group Ava. It was produced by Frank Day and the late Tom Moffatt - Hawai'i's legendary concert promoter and DJ, who loved Grey's music and who flew Grey and his band from Samoa to Hawai'i twice to record two albums.
 
Greyson produced his version of Island Beauty with Shawn Ishimoto, Marc Solomon and Soli Satele. Musicians on the single were: Francois Deann II (keyboards); Shawn Ishimoto (drums and guitar); and Brandon Shaw (bass). Soli Satele and Greyson sang background vocals. The single was engineered, mixed and mastered by Marc Solomon. It is available on all digital outlets.
 
The lyric video of Island Beauty was released simultaneously with the single, and features Soli Satele in addition to Greyson. 
​

A long-time member of Hawai'i's music scene (he played his first Waikiki gigs with Aloha Dalire and Kawika Trask back in 1994), Kalani Miles has released his first solo recording - an EP entitled He Mele No Papa, Songs for Dad - dedicated to his late father, Mitchell Miles, Sr. who had long wanted to record some songs but passed in 2017 before he got the opportunity. The seven song EP begins with Miles, Sr.'s favorite song, "Waipahe'e", and you can hear him singing briefly at the beginning of the song with music pulled from a casual recording at a back-yard party. The EP consists of three original songs and four cover songs that were some of Miles Sr.'s favorites.
 
A Maui police officer by day, Miles is a two-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award finalist, first with the group Matagi on their debut CD, and later for a collaboration on a single entitled "Sincerely" with Hawai'i's iconic legend Fiji. He also released a CD with the group Hoala. A self-taught 12 string guitarist (he also plays bass and 'ukulele), Miles was inspired by the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, Ho'okena, the Brothers Cazimero, Roddy Lopez of the Pandanus Club and more. Early in his career he traveled with the Hawai'i Visitors Bureau promoting Hawai'i abroad, and he currently continues to perform live at venues across Maui during the evening hours.
 
In recording this EP, Miles called upon a wide variety of musician friends from several islands to lend their talents, including: Kevin Brown (kiho'alu guitar); Mike Casil (percussion); Kason Gomes (backup vocals, guitar, ukulele, and bass); Keola Grace (upright bass); Keani Kahuhu (cello); Sonny Lim (steel guitar); Kaulike Pescaia (ukulele); Nalei Pokipala (background vocals); Wailau Ryder (guitars and bass); and Dwight Tokumoto (acoustic steel guitar).
 
The EP was produced by Miles and recorded and engineered at I-Vibe Studio by Michael Casil. It is available on all digital outlets.

​As he prepares to release his third album ("We Will Rise") of all original music, Maui's Anthony Pfluke has released the album's first single "World Undone". Written in 2016, Pfluke said, "I’ve always enjoyed sharing the message of this song, but now seems like the time for it to be featured as the first single off my album." The song's refrain, "trying to find my way back to the place I was born... in a world that's come undone" is particularly appropriate to the times we're now living in.
 
Although only 20 years old, Pfluke has been playing 'ukulele since he was ten, and has a wealth of experience performing at venues all over Maui, the west coast, and in Japan. Influenced by a variety of artists including Ledward Kaapana, Bob Marley, Mike Love, Trevor Hall, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, and Dennis Kamakahi, he has performed with and opened for many of Hawai'i's top names, as well as performing alongside artists such as Willie Nelson, Steven Tyler, and Jack Johnson at the “Concert for Our Lives" in 2018. He has also performed at slack key festivals and events such as the APP World Tour stand up paddling competition.
 
Pfluke's first teacher was Kumu Kealoha Delos Santos, and multiple Grammy® winner George Kahumoku Jr. mentored him on slack key guitar. Four years ago, Kahumoku said, "I've watched his talent grow into one of the shakers and movers of the next generation of Hawaiian music. Sometimes I forget that he is still a 16 year old, because he already plays and sings like a pro."
 
"World Undone" was produced, recorded, and engineered by multiple Grammy® and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Dave Tucciarone. Pfluke is on vocals and plays ‘ukulele and guitar. Contributing artists include Kapono Nā’ili’ili (percussion), and Dave Tucciarone (bass). It is available on all digital outlets.

Wailuku, HI  - On July 17, 2020, Kumu Hula, Grammy® nominee, and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kamaka Kukona will release his single POLI KAMAHA’O commemorating the one year anniversary of the arrests of some of Hawai'i's most respected and beloved kupuna (elders) on the Ala Kupuna at Mauna Kea. In his words, "To stand there in person and see them get taken away has made us even stronger. I've been keeping these words and sentiments warm upon my heart for a year, and I'm now ready to share them with the world. Music heals."
 
Kamaka went on to say, "When we arrived at Mauna Kea on July 16, 2019, the sacred beauty of this special wahi pana (legendary place) captured my heart forever. It was in an instant that I knew I would do anything to help protect our mountain."
The 33 kupuna who were arrested on July 17, 2019, were kia'i (protectors or guardians) of the mountain. They were there in opposition to the construction of what's known as the Thirty Meter Telescope, a project which would desecrate what Hawaiians consider to be a sacred place. All maintained "kapu aloha" during the arrests, an entreaty by cultural practitioners to act only with love and kindness. They were charged with "obstructing a government operation".
 
The arrests struck a deep, long-lasting, emotional chord world-wide, in both Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians alike, and served to focus increased attention on the people's attempt to prevent further desecration of cultural lands. Kamaka's song speaks of the beauty of the mountain, the love that was cultivated by the sweet voices of the kupuna as they sang at that place of refuge, peace, and safety, and how missed is Poli'ahu, the Snow Goddess of Mauna Kea.
 
An award-winning kumu hula (hula teacher) and recording artist, Kukona won awards for each of his first two albums (including Male Vocalist of the Year twice), and his original song Nani Piʻiholo, recorded by the group Kahālāwai, is currently nominated for Song of the Year.
 
Poli Kamaha’o was recorded at I-Vibe Studios in Kula, Maui and was written and produced by Kamaka Kukona. Wailau Ryder played guitar and bass, and  Michael Casil sang background vocals and also produced. The single will be available on iTunes (Apple Music) and all digital outlets.
​Here is a clip:

Anaheim, CA - Earlier this year, Loa Greyson, son of Samoan music great Jerome Grey, released his version of the elder Grey's famous song Eleni. It was the first in a series of songs Greyson is recording as a tribute to his dad in hopes that he can bring the elder Grey's music to the mainstream. First released in 1980, the subject of the somewhat light-hearted song is a tin of mackerel - one of the few affordable food products available at the time - and the various ways people cooked it, but with lyrics that included references to the cost of other food that only the rich could afford, it quickly became a popular protest song about the country's politicians who were living comfortable lives while the poor of Samoa struggled to make ends meet.
​
Although Greyson's single of Eleni is an upbeat version with a wide range of contributing musicians (including Greyson's brother Taumata Grey, a member of the popular group Common Kings)  the video, which will be released June 30, is a slower, more mellow studio session recorded at Empower Logic Studio with Greyson on lead vocals and guitar, Aaron Kaili on bass, Swells OC on keyboards, Mario Montes on drums, and Soli on background vocals. 

The nominees for the 2020 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards have been announced! The final ballot will be posted online on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held at the Hawai‘i Convention Center on Thursday, September 10, 020. Congratulations to all of the finalists!
 
Album of the Year
21°N 158°W by Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko Records)
Ka Lei Moana by Kupaoa (Hulu Kupuna)
Kalawai‘anui by Amy Hānaiali`i (Ua Records)
Lovely Sunrise by Nā Wai 'Eha (NWE Records) Ua
Kui A Lawa by Josh Tatofi (90211000)
 
EP (“Extended Play”) of the Year
Higher by Kamuela Kahoano (Green Light Go HI Productions)
Ke Alana by Ka'imi Hanano'eau (Loihi Inc)
Lana'i On My Mind by Hawaiian Time (Hawaiian Time 0001)
Steel Paradise by Joel Katz & Greg diPiazza (No Label)
Written by Ana Vee (Ana Vee)
 
Hawaiian EP (“Extended Play”) of the Year
Hiki Mai E Ka Lā by Kenneth Makuakane (Makuakane Music)
I Luna by Leomana (Leomana Music)
Ka Mea 'Uao by Malulani (Malulani Music)
 
Single of the Year
Desecration by Ekolu (Waiehu Records)
Grandpa by Anuhea (Anuhea Jams / 12)
My Hawai'i by The Green feat. Sean Na'Auao, Kaumakaiwa, Kumu Hina (Easy Star Records ES-3077)
Take Aloha With You by Kūpaoa (Hulu Kupuna)
You are My Sunshine (This Little Light of Mine) by Kimie Miner (Haku Records)
  
Hawaiian Single of the Year
Ke Alii by Kahalawai (no label)
Kuu Lei Makamae by Natalie Ai Kamauu. (Keko Recordsd)
Lilinoe by Waipuna (Poki Records / SPCD 9090)
Melia by Josh Tatofi (90211000)
Waolani by Kupu Dalire-Naauao. (Kupz Music)
Welo Mau Loa E Ku'u Hae Hawai'i by Sean Na`auao. (Maliona Records)
 
Music Video of the Year
Hawaii 78 - Song Across Hawaii by Mana Maoli Collective (No Label).
Hawaiian Lullaby by Josh Tatofi (Haku Records).
Let Me Down by Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko Records).
Take Aloha With You by Kūpaoa (Hulu Kupuna).
You Are My Sunshine (This Little Light of Mine) by Kimie Miner (Haku Records).
 
Hawaiian Music Video of the Year
Kalawai'anui by Amy Hānaiali'i (Ua Records).
Ku Ha'aheo e Ku'u Hawai'i by Various Artists (Kanaeokana).
Ku'u Lei Makamae by Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko Records).
Mauna Kea Ku'u Iwi Hilo by Amy Hānaiali'i (Ua Records).
Melia by Josh Tatofi (90211000).
 
Instrumental Composition of the Year
Cyril's Mele by Jeff Peterson from Ka Nani O Ki Ho'alu, The Beauty of Slack Key , Jeff Peterson, composer (Peterson
Daydream by Kenneth Makuakane from Kauaheahe , Daydream, composer (Makuakane Music)
Le'a Le'a Wale by Abe Lagrimas, Jr. & Lance Takamiya from 'Elua: 'Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar , Lance Takamiya,
My Friend by Joel Katz from A Beautiful Sound Of Hawaiian Steel Guitar, Joel Katz, composer (No Label)
Sherwoods by Kamuela Kahoano from Higher, Kamuela Kahoano, composer. (Green Light Go HI Productions)
 
Song of the Year
For The Lahui by Josh Tatofi from Ua Kui A Lawa . Josh Tatofi and Hinaleimoana Wong, composers. (90211000)
Ka Lei Moana by Kupaoa from Ka Lei Moana . Puakea Nogelmeier and Kellen Paik, composers. (Hulu Kupuna)
Kalawaia`anui by Amy Hanaiali`i from Kalawai‘anui . Amy Hanaiali`i Gilliom and Kumu Micah Kamohoalii`i, composers.
Ku Ha'aheo e Ku'u Hawai'i by Various Artists from Kuha'o Maunakea . Hinaleimoana Wong, composer. (Kanaeokana)
Nani Pi'iholo by Kahalawai from Kahalawai , Carlson Kamaka Kukona III, composer.
 
Female Vocalist of the Year
Amy Hanaiali`i for Kalawai'anui (Ua Records).
Hawane Rios for Ku Kia'i Mauna Together We Rise (Religion Records A&C).
Karlie G for Karlie G Christmas (KGM Productions).
Maggie Herron for Renditions (Herron Song Records).
Natalie Ai Kamauu for 21°N 158°W (Keko Records).
 
Male Vocalist of the Year
Izik for &Bougainvillea (Zeo Music).
Josh Tatofi for Ua Kui A Lawa (90211000).
Kala'e Camarillo for Feel At Home (No Label).
Kaulike Pescaia for Ku'u Huaka'i (no label).
Kupu Dalire-Naauao for Chasing Legacy (Kupz Music).
 
Group of the Year
Ei Nei for Hui! (Ei Nei).
Ekolu for 20 Year Anniversary
Kupaoa for Ka Lei Moana (Hulu Kupuna).
Na Wai 'Eha for Lovely Sunrise (NWE Records).
The Green for Black & White (Easy Star Records, ES-1071).
 
Most Promising Artist(s) of the Year
Ei Nei for Hui! (Ei Nei).
Hawane Rios for Ku Kia'i Mauna Together We Rise (Religion Records A&C/RAC002-8).
Kamaka Camarillo for S.O.U.L. Songs of Unexpected Life (No Label).
Kaulike Pescaia for Ku'u Huaka'i (no label).
Kuikawa for Ku I Ka Wa (Kuikawa Music).

Alternative Album of the Year
&Bougainvillea by Izik. (Zeo Music)
Belly Of The Whale by Ydine. (anOtherEvolution)
Fanny Pack by The Barbarellatones, Robbie Quine & Joel Katz. (No Label)
Lainey and the 93 by Johnny Helm. (No Label)
Strum Along by Ka'imi Hanano'eau. (Loihi Inc)
 
Anthology of the Year
20 Year Anniversary 'Timeless' by Ekolu (Waiehu Records) Lukela Keala & Kapena DeLima, Producers
A10 / Best of Anuhea by Anuhea. (Anuhea Jams) Rylee Anuhea Jenkins, Producer.
From These Shores by Various Artists. (Aloha Got Soul) Roger Bong, Producer
Ho'ulu'ulu Momi by Kenneth Makuakane. (Makuakane Music) Kenneth Makuakāne and Wayne Hirano, Producers
Sweet Memories by Ben Kaili. (No Label) Ben Kaili, Producer
 
Compilation Album of the Year
E Lei Ho‘i, E Lili‘uokalani by Various Artists. (Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust) Hawaiian Lullaby by Various Artists. (Haku Records) Moon Kauakahi, Producer.
Island Style 'Ukulele 3 by Various Artists. (Neos Productions V142) Bob and Pati St John, Producers Kuha'o Maunakea by Various Artists. (Kanaeokana) Zachary Lum, Chad Takatsugi, Shawn Pimental, Producers.
Lei Nahonoapi'ilani by Various Artists. (North Beach West Maui Benefit Fund) Nicholas Lum, Producer
 
Contemporary Album of the Year
Cassettes by Johnny Valentine. (StudioValentineOneMusic)
Island Beyond the Stars by Pena Bu. (Bu Roc Records)
Ku Kia'i Mauna Together We Rise by Hawane Rios. (Religion Records A&C) Summer To Winter by Kolohe Kai. (R K D Inc.)
WOT?! by Kamuela Kahoano. (Green Light Go HI Productions)
 
Contemporary Acoustic Album of the Year
D.K. Live at the Atherton by Duncan Kamakana. (Mo`olelo Records) Fab4on4Strings by BEAT-LELE. (Beatlelele Music)
Feel At Home by Kala'e Camarillo. (No Label)
Take Me Home by Kaleo Phillips. (Mo'olelo Hui Hana Keaka)
Time To Be by Marvin Tevaga. (Siva Hawaii Inc.)
 
Hawaiian Music Album of the Year
Hui! by Ei Nei. (Ei Nei)
Kahalawai by Kahalawai. (MyDaze Entertainment)
Kalawai‘anui by Amy Hanaiali`i. (Ua Records)
Ku'u Huaka'i by Kaulike Pescaia. (no label)
Lovely Sunrise by Na Wai 'Eha. (NWE Records)

Hawaiian Slack Key Album of the Year
Ka Nani O Ki Ho'alu, The Beauty of Slack Key by Jeff Peterson. (Peterson Productions)
Kahakauila by Patrick Landeza and Ian O'Sullivan. (Addison Street)
Renaissance Man by George Kahumoku, Jr.. (Kealia Farms Records)
 
Hip Hop Album of the Year
Kuleana by Thomas Iannucci. (No Label)
Kupa'a by Lou Dogg. (Dubb City Productions)
Lofi Dreaming by Kowrites. (808 KO Music)
Second Language by Illnomadic. (Zenbu Records)
The Menehune Giant by Punahele. (Zenbu Records)
Winter: A Sonic Adventure by Keola. (Climbing Tree Records)
 
Instrumental Album of the Year
A Beautiful Sound Of Hawaiian Steel Guitar by Joel Katz. (No Label)
Electric Sky by Chris Stark. (No Label)
'Elua: 'Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar by Abe Lagrimas, Jr. & Lance Takamiya. (Pass Out Records / POR2011)
IntoxiKA by IntoxiKA. (No Label)
John Valentine Presents Guitars of Hawaii Today, Vol. 5 by John Valentine. (StudioValentineOneMusic)
Kauaheahe by Kenneth Makuakane. (Makuakane Music)
Six Fathoms Down by Peter deAquino. (Peter D. LLC)
 
Island Music Album of the Year
21°N 158°W by Natalie Ai Kamauu. (Keko Records)
Inspired by Bobby Moderow Jr.. (Lokahi Records / LKH104)
Ka Lei Moana by Kupaoa. (Hulu Kupuna)
Kahi Aloha by Ahumanu. (No Label)
Ua Kui A Lawa by Josh Tatofi. (90211000)
 
Jazz Album of the Year
Lessons From Oliver by Reggie Padilla. (No Label)
Renditions by Maggie Herron. (Herron Song Records)
Sax & Steel-Hula Blues by Bill Noble and Dwight Tokumoto. (MP364)
 
Metal Album of the Year
Come On Get Heavy: A Metal Tribute To The Partridge Family by Tin Idols. (Tin Idol Productions)
III by Storm. (Tin Idol Productions)  
Ominous New Dawn by Abysmia. (Tin Idol Productions)
 
R&B Album of the Year
Live at the Atherton by Maryanne Ito. (Aloha Got Soul / AGS-021)
Lovevol by Nick Kurosawa + Ohtoro (Zenbu Records)
Popolo Kid by Tre Tru. (Island Mojo)
Rabbitt by Rabbitt. (The Auxilary)
S.O.U.L. Songs of Unexpected Life by Kamaka Camarillo. (No Label)
 
Reggae Album of the Year
Best Yet by Inna Vision. (Roots Musician Records)
Black & White by The Green. (Easy Star Records)
Diamond In The Rough by Justin Phillips. (Phat Bula Records)
Sense of Purpose by Maoli. (Awong Entertainment)
Story Teller by Ryan Hiraoka. (Rubbah Slippah Productions LLC)
 
Religious Album of the Year
Himeni by Darrell Guy Aquino. (Mana Records)
Ho‘onani Kakou Ia Ia by Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus. (No Label)
Ke Aupuni O Ka Lani by Kenneth Makuakane. (Makuakane Music) Scripture Songs by New Hope Oahu. (Dream Label Group)
The Bicentennial Collection by Kawaiaha'o Church Choir. (KC2020)
 
Rock Album of the Year
After the Fact by Square Shapes. (No Label)
Cosmic Stowaway by Al Overton & Rick Robbins. (NA)
Electric Junk by Jeff Dahl. (Iwannabeahoople Records)
Forever and Forever by Beware The Bear. (Audio Ramen)
Love and Lightning by Lightning Larry Dupio. (No Label)
 
Hawaiian Language Performance
He Lei Aloha No Nā Mo‘opuna by Kawaikapuokalani Hewett (Kawaikapuokalani Hewett)
Hui! by Ei Nei (Ei Nei)
Kū I Ka Wā by Kūikawā (Kūikawā Music)
Ke Aupuni O Ka Lani by Kenneth Makuakāne (KMM4012)
Ku‘u Huaka‘i by Kaulike Pescaia (no label)
Lovely Sunrise by Nā Wai ‘Ehā (NWE Records)
Pa‘a Mau by Kaniala Masoe (No Label)
 
Haku Mele
Aloha ‘Āina ‘Oia’i’o by Kainani Kahaunaele, from Kūha‘o Maunakea, Various Artists (Kanaeokana)
Kū Ha’aheo e Ku’u Hawai’i by Hinaleimoana Wong, from Kūha‘o Maunakea, Various Artists (Kanaeokana)
Lei Ana Maunakea I Ke Aloha 'Oia'i'o by Keola Donaghy and Leihuanani Keali‘inohomoku, from Lei Ana Maunakea I Ke Aloha 'Oia'i'o by Leihuanani Keali‘inohomoku (‘A‘ali‘i Records)
Nā Pu’uwai Haokila by Zachary Alaka‘i Lum, from Kūha‘o Maunakea, Various Artists (Kanaeokana)
Pua Hau ‘Ula by Kalikolīhau Paik and Kellen Paik, from Ka Lei Moana, Kūpaoa (Hulu Kupuna)
 
General Engineering
Dave Tucciarone for Inspired by Bobby Moderow Jr. (Lokahi Records / LKH104).
Glenn Awong for Sense of Purpose by Maoli (Awong Entertainment).
Kapena De Lima for Island Beyond the Stars by Pena Bu (Bu Roc Records).
Kapena De Lima for Ua Kui A Lawa by Josh Tatofi (90211000).
Noah Cronin for Still Kickin’ by Landon McNamara (Sea Major Seven).
 
Hawaiian Engineering
Bob St John for Island Style 'Ukulele 3 by Various Artists (Neos Productions V142).
Joseph Bomarrito for Legacy The Brown Family by Kevin Brown, Ikaika Brown & Ka Ena Brown (Misty Waters).
Michael Casil & Wailau Ryder for Pa'a Mau by Kaniala Masoe (No Label)
Michael Casil for Kahalawai by Kahalawai (My Daze Entertainment)
MichaelGrande for Lovely Sunrise by Nā Wai ʻEhā(No Label)
 
International Album Special Recognition Award
Be Still My Heart, Hiliu (Hiliu Music)
Ka‘apuni, Kaulana (Kaulana Entertainment)
Kona Street, 'Ukulele Swing Trio (JB Music)
Macro Lei Jazz, Macro Lei Jazz (Breeze and Tone Level)
Ukulele Collection Dragon Quest, Ryo Natoyama (King Records)
 
Liner Notes
Moon Kauakahi for E Lei Ho‘i, E Lili‘uokalani by Various Artists. (Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust)
Christ Stark for Electric Sky by Chris Stark (No Label)
Kawaikapuokalani K. Hewett for He Lei Aloha No Nā Mo‘opuna by Kawaikapu (Kawaikapuokalani Hewett)
Dane Fujiwara, Grant Kono, and Ekolu Chang for Hui! by Ei Nei (Ei Nei)
Kalikolīhau Paik for Ka Lei Moana by Kupaoa (Hulu Kupuna)
Kamaoli Kuwada, Zachary Lum, Chad Takatsugi for Kuha'o Maunakea by Various Artists (Kanaeokana)
 
Graphics
Rylee Anuhea Jenkins and Colleen Wilcox for A10 / Best of Anuhea by Anuhea (Anuhea Jams)
Johnny Valentine for Cassettes by Johnny Valentine (StudioValentineOneMusic)
Zachary Manzano for Himeni by Darrell Guy Aquino (Mana)
Waialani Artates and Kumu Micah Kamohoali'i for Kalawai‘anui by Amy Hanaiali'i. (Ua Records)
Daryl Fujiwara for Lovely Sunrise by Nā Wai ‘Ehā (NWE Records)

​Anaheim, CA - As part of a tribute album to his father, the revered Samoan folk-pop artist Jerome Grey, Loa Greyson (a.k.a. Tini Grey) is releasing a remake of his dad's original song, Eleni. The 1980 song is about all the different ways the people of Samoa cooked a tin of mackerel - one of the few affordable food items available at that time - but it also became a well-known protest song throughout the country for its lyrics about the country's politicians living very comfortable lives while the majority of the people were very poor. The song was revolutionary because of its lyrics, but the recording production was unprecedented. There was nothing like it at the time - it was a new sound for Samoan music with its fusion of pop, jazz, and funk. The song resonated with the people and became an instant radio hit.
 
During his earliest years Greyson's family lived in Samoa, followed by a move to Hawai'i. During his time in Hawai'i he was a member of the popular Polynesian R&B group Reign, with Kale Chang, Loa Faimealelei, Afatia Thompson, and Kuhio Yim. Now living in California, while raising his family of five kids with wife Angela Baraquio Grey (Miss America 2001) Greyson was motivated to continue his father’s legacy following the elder Grey’s stroke during a stage performance in 2007. He embarked on a solo music career releasing albums, EPs, and singles, making television appearances and videos, and traveling to perform at venues nationwide.
 
In recent years Greyson also performed occasionally with his dad, but in August 2019, the elder Grey suffered another stroke. This, following the loss of Greyson's mother in March 2019, created a sense of urgency to complete a tribute album that Greyson had begun working on after his mom passed – something he'd hoped would reintroduce his dad's music to a younger generation and continue his legacy, but also help raise his dad's spirits and let him know that his music would not be forgotten. The album will contain over 20 of Jerome Grey's original songs, including "We Are Samoa", arguably Grey's most well-known song and one which is now considered the unofficial national anthem of Samoa. 
 
Eleni, both the single and the upcoming album of the same name, is produced and performed by Greyson, his brother Taumata (who is a member of the group Common Kings), Shawn Ishimoto, Marc Solomon and Soli Satele. Executive Producers are Greyson, James Ng, Lina Tran and The Ho'olina Foundation. Musicians include Greyson, Taumata Grey, Jerome Grey, Shawn Ishimoto, Marc Solomon, Derek Nakamoto, Francios Dean II, John Leilua, Soli Satele, Vaea A'etonu, James Ng, Drew Tretick, Ira Nepus, Brandon Shaw, Shiabe Bok Pangelinan, and Matthew Margallo. Featured guests include Sisa Grey Uiagalelei, Anamativa Grey Niumata, Cheyenne and Taralyn Maneafaiga, Juliet Figarski, Ben Figarski, Angela Baraquio Grey, Vaea A’etonu, Silulu A’etonu Grey, Kelemete Meredith and the Grey grandkids.  Recorded, mixed and mastered by Marc Solomon.  Mixed also by Craig Burbidge.
 
The single will be available on Spotify, iTunes and other digital platforms including TikTok on February 29, 2020. 

                                                        # # #

Building on the success of his debut album E Mama (which received multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominations in 2019), Mauiʻs Kaleo Phillips has released his second album, Take Me Home. The album, which includes nine original and two cover songs, was written in a variety of genres from Hawaiian to country, rock, and more, and honors family and friends, as well as others who have helped shape his life.
 
The emotional cover song, Take Me Home, was written during a particularly difficult time in Phillipsʻ life. Phillipsʻ eldest son Hoaka wrote Fallinʻ, a bonus track he performs with his dad. A variety of well-known, award-winning artists contributed their talents to the album as well, including Kumu Hula, Grammy nominee, and multile Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Kamaka Kukona, who  created the translation for Randy Lorenzoʻs "The Ballad of of Keawaiki", which features Lorenzo himself on vocals and was recorded by Kapena DeLima at his Bu Print Studios.  
 
A veteran of Hawaiʻiʻs music scene, Phillips comes from a musical family. Like his father, James Hinano Phillips ( who performed with a variety of artists including Manu Kahaiali‘i - Willie K’s father - John Kane,  Aunty Waddi Kaina, and Martin “Gramps” Pahinui), Kaleo also supports other artists, both as a performer and songwriter. He has toured extensively throughout Hawaiʻi, as well as on the continent and in Japan, and he performs regularly with Willie K. His support of others in the music industry is apparent in the list of those who contributed to this album, including Ikaika Blackburn (of the award-winning and Grammy-nominated band Nā Hoa); Merrie Monarch and multiple Na Hōkū Award winner Napua Grieg; and more.
 
Take Me Home was produced by Phillips, Michael Casil, and Wailau Ryder, and recorded at Casilʻs I-Vibe Studios. Contributing musicians include Ikaika Blackburn, Michael Casil, Napua Grieg, Randy Lorenzo, Hoaka Phillips, and Justin Phillips on vocals; Kapena DeLima on guitar, bass, piano, drums, and percussion; Wailau Ryder on guitar and bass; Joshua Kahula on guitar and bass; Josh Hearl, Randy Lorenzo, and Ryan Rego on guitar; and Dane Pateo, Jr. and Thomas "Poni" Calep on piano/keyboards.
 
Take Me Home is available on all digital outlets. The CD will be distributed in Hawaii by Island Heritage.

Here are some song clips:

Wailuku, HI - Kumu Hula, GRAMMY®  nominee, and two-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Male Vocalist of the Year Kamaka Kukona will release his third album, Kahekeonāpua, on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2020. The album is a collection of some of his most favorite songs, including many new originals and some classic covers, all of which are aimed at one's deepest emotions. It opens with keiki from Kukonaʻs Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua chanting in the background as he speaks, and closes with the keiki joining him as they alternate between his voice and theirs - a beautiful testament to both his love of and devotion to hula and to guiding and nurturing his young haumana (students).
 
The original mele (songs) on the album include the hit single Lovely 'Ala Mēlia, released in August 2019 and written to honor his late mother, Lovena "Ala" Pagay Vise; Kamakaokeliʻi - Murray Boy's Lullabye a song written for his beloved dog; the title track Kahekeonāpua, a new composition honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani and the resilient kūpa’a (loyal) aloha ‘āina of the Hawaiian people; and Sailing Away From Me, a song previously released as a single and one that is a departure from Kukona's usual style, and where the catchy, upbeat tempo decries the pain behind the lyrics.
 
Among the classics chosen for the album are Kui Lee's Lahainaluna; Lena Machado's Kamalani O Keaukaha; Sam Liʻa Kalainainaʻ Hiʻilawe; and Ray Charles' You Don't Know Me.
 
In addition to being an award-winning Kumu Hula, Kukona won Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawaiʻiʻs Grammy) for each of his first two albums, Hanu ʻAʻala and ʻAla Anuhea. Hanu ʻAʻala was also nominated for a 2015 GRAMMY® Award - the only Hawaiian album in the category that year.
Kahekeonāpua was produced by Kukona, Michael Casil, and Wailau Ryder, and recorded at I-Vibe Studios. Guest artists include Wailau Ryder (guitar, ʻukulele, electric bass); Michael Casil (background vocals, drums, percussion); Kaniala Masoe (background vocals, Lahainaluna); Josh Hearl (guitar, You Don't Know Me); Kana Pikini (bass, Sailing Away From Me); Paul Bunuan (saxophone); James De Bos (trombone); Rona Landrigan and Ae Kyong Yoon (violin); Teresa Skinner (viola); Cheryl Lindley (cello); and Sal Godinez (keyboards/piano, Kamalani O Keaukaha).
 
The album is currently available for presale on iTunes, and will eventually be available on all digital outlets. The CD and will be distributed in Hawaii by Island Heritage.

Here are some song clips:

California and Oregon friends! Six-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners Waipuna (Kale Hannahs, David Kamakahi, and Matt Sproat) are headed your way in February and March! Here's their schedule:
 


February
​
·       Feb 8 – Saturday – Forest Grove, OR – Show: 7:30 PM (Doors 6:30 PM)
Featuring Pacific University Hawaiian Club
Pacific University Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center – Forest Grove, OR
Click Here for more information and tickets
 
·       Feb 9 – Sunday – San Louis Obispo, CA – Show: 7:00 PM (Doors 6:30 PM)
Featuring Halau Hula Na Mele O Ke Kai
Cal Poly Spanos Theatre – 1 Grand Ave., San Louis Obispo
Click Here for more information and tickets
 
·       Feb 12 – Wednesday – Berkeley, CA – Show: 8:00 PM (Doors 7:00 pm)
Featuring Kauamakaiwa Kanakaʻole & Shawn Pimentel
Freight & Salvage – 2020 Addison St., Berkeley
Click Here for more information and tickets
 
·       Feb 13 – Thursday – Saratoga, CA – Show: 7:30 PM (Doors 7:00 pm)
Featuring Kuhai Halau O Mehana Pa ʻOlapa Kahiko
Montalvo Arts Center; Carriage House Theatre – 15400 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga
Click Here for more information and tickets
 
·       Feb 16 – Sunday – Sacramento, CA – Show: 8:00 PM (Doors 7:00 pm)
Featuring Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie & Halau Kahulaiwai
The Sofia – 2700 Capitol Ave, Sacramento
Click Here for more information and tickets
 
March
 
·       March 12 – Thursday – Eugene, OR – Show: 7:30 PM (Doors 6:30 pm)
Featuring Halau Hula O Na Pua O Hawaiʻi Nei
The Shedd Institute; Jaqua Concert Hall – 285 E. Broadway, Eugene
Click Here for more information and tickets
                  
·       March 14 – Saturday – Whittier, CA - * 2 Shows* @ 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM (Doors 1:00 pm & 6:30 PM)
Featuring Halau Hula Na Mea Kanu O Laka O Hawaiʻi
Whittier College; Ruth B. Shannon Center – 13406 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier
Click Here for more information and tickets
 
·       March 15 – Sunday – San Diego, CA – Show: 5:00 PM (Doors 4:00 pm)
Featuring Keahi & Kaʻuka, Pali, & Healiʻiʻs Polynesian Revue
San Diego Performing Arts Center – 4579 Mission Gorge Pl., San Diego
Click Here for more information and tickets 
​
 As always, they will have prize giveaways at each show, including some of Mattʻs famous koa jewelry!

Honolulu, HI - After three years together, Hawaiian music artists Ei Nei (Dane Fujiwara, Grant Kono, and Ekolu Chang) have released their debut album entitled Hui! Experienced musicians - each member of Ei Nei has an extensive musical background and has played with numerous other musicians, together and separately - and winners of the 2017 Kani Ka Pila Grille talent search, Hui! perfectly reflects the talents that audiences have admired since the group's inception, both their individual vocal abilities and their beautifully rich harmonies.
 
Hui!  is a blend of two original tracks, one never-before-released cover, and nine covers that reflect special moments along their musical journey. Keu a Ka U‘i is an original mele (song) written by Grant, who wrote it in honor of his home in Oneawa, Kailua while he was in college. It talks of where pua kenikeni bloom and their fragrance being second to none, where songs of old are still heard, and where the warm breeze is a constant reminder of the treasures still to be found in Kailua.
 
Wailuku is an original by Dane, written on his way to work at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama one morning, about his hometown growing up. Now living on O'ahu, Dane  treasures growing up in Wailuku (Maui) and hopes the mele brings forth the feeling of being home, wherever that may be, for the listener. He calls it a thank you note to his family and community.
 
Nā Kuahiwi Kaulana is a mele composed by the late Bill Ali‘iloa Lincoln, from the archives of Ka Waihona a Ke Aloha at Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language. Released for the first time, the mele takes you on a journey from Mahukona, (a landing for boats and ships in the old days on the Kohala coast) through the rolling hills of Kohala up to the chilly rains of Waimea. It also pays honor to three of the most prominent kiaʻi of Hawaiʻi island; Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai.
 
Hui! was produced by Bailey Matsuda, recorded and engineered by Gaylord Holomalia at Island Sounds Studio, and mixed/mastered by Milan Bertosa. Guest musicians include Dr. Keawe Lopes (piano on Keu a Ka U‘i), Casey Olsen (steel guitar on Hilo Hula and Na ‘Ōno o Ka ‘Āina, and Kupu Dalire-Na‘auao (guitar on Silverswords).
 
The album is available now on digital outlets, and will be released on CD in January.  www.eineimusic.com/

​Here are some clips:

      
 
           

             KAMAKA KUKONA
          Sailing Away From Me
        HANU ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
 
 
 



AWARD-WINNING ARTIST AND KUMU HULA KAMAKA KUKONA
RELEASES NEW SINGLE
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2019
 
Wailuku, HI - Grammy® nominee and two-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Male Vocalist of the Year  Kamaka Kukona is releasing a second single from his upcoming new album.
 
Entitled Sailing Away From Me, the original song was written based on personal life experiences, much the same as the first single, entitled Lovely 'Ala Mēlia, which was written in honor of his late mother Lovena "Ala" Pagay Vise. Sailing Away From Me is a departure from Kukona's usual style, and the catchy, upbeat tempo decries the pain behind the lyrics. Although primarily sung in English, there is an unexpected and delightful change in tempo in a verse two-thirds of the way through the song, when Kukona temporarily switches to 'ōlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language).
 
Kukona, who is also the award-winning Kumu Hula of Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua, won Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawaiʻiʻs Grammy) for each of his first two albums, "Hanu ʻAʻala" and "ʻAla Anuhea". His third album, Window to My Soul, which this song is part of, is scheduled for release in January 2020.
 
Sailing Away From Me was recorded at I-Vibe Studios with Michael Casil engineering. Guest musicians include Wailau Ryder (guitar), Kana Pikina (bass), Michael Casil (drums), Paul Bunuan (saxophone), and James De Bose (trombone).
 
The song is scheduled to be released this week Friday, November 8, on iTunes. Below is a clip...
 
                                                         # # #

Two-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Male Vocalist of the Year Kamaka Kukona is releasing a new single written to honor his late mother, Lovena "Ala" Pagay Vise, who passed away in April. 

Entitled Lovely 'Ala Mēlia, the song compares Kukonaʻs mother to her favorite flower, the mēlia (plumeria) blossom. "When you look upon a tree filled with beautiful blossoms of melia and see how strong and regal and beautiful they are, and as their days pass, and they become frail, a slight breeze comes blowing and they begin to fall from the tree like rain from the heavens. What better way to honor your parent than by comparing them to their most favorite flower?"

Kukona, who is also the award-winning Kumu Hula of Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua, won Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawaiʻiʻs Grammy) for each of his first two albums, "Hanu ʻAʻala" and "ʻAla Anuhea". He is currently working on a third album, to be released in January 2020.

Lovely 'Ala Mēlia was recorded at I-Vibe Studios with Michael Casil engineering. Guest musicians include Wailau Ryder (guitar and bass), Michael Casil (background vocals), and Cheryl Lindley (strings). 

The song will be released Friday, August 16, on iTunes.

​Entries for the 62nd annual GRAMMY® Awards are now being accepted! If you have a recording that you would like to be considered, here is some information you'll need, and info I'll need if you want me to enter for you. (Please note that the entry deadlines are shorter this year!)
 
• Submission of recordings to be considered is limited to Recording Academy® members.
 
 • Only recordings that are COMMERCIALLY RELEASED in the United States are eligible for consideration.

• The 1st round entry period is for recordings released from October 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. The deadline to submit entries to The Recording Academy®  is 6pm PST July 8, 2019.

• The final round entry period begins July 17, and is for recordings that will be released in July and August, including those that have a scheduled release date between August 1 and August 31. [PLEASE NOTE: unlike in years past, releases scheduled for September will not be accepted this year. They will be pushed to next year's entry process.)

There are many categories and genres represented in the GRAMMY®  Awards. For Hawaiian music, the category is Regional Roots, and albums must contain "at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental regional roots music". This award goes to the artist(s), producer(s), and/or engineer(s). 

Information that is required  in order to submit: 

1.  Category 

2.  Artist type (solo, duo or group, collaboration of various artists)

3.  Artist name 

4.  Album title  

5.  Release date (street date/in-store date, month/ day/year)

6.  Recording date(s), or range of dates (examples: 2017 - 2018, June 2018, March - August 2018, etc. This does not need to be exact!)

7.  UPC or ISRC #

8.  Credited record label

9. Distribution (eligible retail or streaming service). Artist websites do not qualify.  Streaming distribution links are now being accepted - and are in fact, preferred - in lieu of physical product for most categories, but services are limited to Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal. A link to the recording must be provided. In cases where a recording is not available on these services, physical product will continue to be required.

10.  Physical format to be submitted to The Recording Academy®  (commercial CD preferred, vinyl, or boxed set).

11.  Label copy credits/liner notes (see list of required info in the file below)
 
Note: An album must contain at least five tracks (different songs, not different mixes) and have a total playing time of at least 15 minutes, or it may have any number of tracks if the total playing time is at least 30 minutes.
 
Need help? Not a member of The Recording Academy (NARAS)? I can enter for you. Contact me at mkaloha@gmail.com.
 
The Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) is also offering assistance. Contact the  office at info@nahokuhanohano.org.
 
The entry deadline is coming up SOON, so don't delay!

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. 
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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.

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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.
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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.
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Sky is survived by her long-time companion Kimo La’au, her children Imaka Lindsey, Kilohana Lindsey, and Makana Rossetti-Ota, and six grandchildren.
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