Me Ke Aloha Productions Hawaiian Events Info

Entries for 57th Annual Grammy® Awards Now Being Accepted!

07/01/2014

The Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) has announced that they will again assist artists in submitting their work for consideration for the 2015 Grammy® Awards. It is not necessary to be a member of either HARA or NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences – a.k.a. “The Recording Academy”) to take advantage of HARA’s assistance.

Eligibility requirements
Albums must be released between Oct. 1, 2013 and Sept. 30, 2014. Recordings must be commercially released in general distribution in the United States, i.e. sales by label to a branch or recognized independent distributor, via the Internet, or mail order/retail sales for a nationally marketed product. Recordings must be available for sale from any date within the eligibility period through at least the date of the current year’s voting deadline (final ballot).

How are recordings entered?
The Academy accepts recordings and music video entries online from Recording Academy members and record companies (registered media companies) released during the eligibility year. Most (all?) HARA Board members are also NARAS members and can therefore submit on your behalf.

Submission is as follows:

1st Round: 7/1/14 to 7/23/14 for October 2013 through July 2014 releases
2nd Round: 8/13/14 to 8/27/14 for August and September 2014 releases

For information and assistance, contact the HARA office at info@nahokuhanohano.org. (Please note that the office will be closed from noon on July 1, 2014 through July 13, 2014. The office will reopen on Monday, July 14, 2014 at 8am.)

The Grammy® Awards will take place February 8, 2015.

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Your help is needed to save a life!

06/24/2014

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PLEASE KŌKUA (help)!!! Glenn Duran, father of Erica Gideon - Richard Gideon’s wife (“Richie” of Maunalua fame) has suffered a series of sudden heart attacks, to the point where his heart is now functioning at 5% or less. Over a period of several days recently, he has repeatedly gone into cardiac arrest. Fortunately medical staff were able to “shock” him back to life, but this can’t continue indefinitely. He has been given two choices: insertion of an LVAD (left ventricular assistive device) that will save his life until a heart transplant can be done, or going to hospice - essentially giving up and waiting to die.

The latter is not an option. An easy going, fun-loving, yet humble man, Glenn’s family and friends are his life. At only 60 years old, he is the father of three, grandfather of seven, and “uncle” to countless numbers. A building engineer and carpenter by trade, “Uncle Glenn” is universally loved by family, friends, coworkers, bosses – everyone. As a building engineer some years ago, when faced with the layoff of all the men working under him but asked to stay on without them, he declined. He didn’t feel it was right or fair for him to stay while everyone else was losing their livelihood. No matter where he has worked, Uncle Glenn has quickly risen through the ranks as his bosses witness his dedication and skill. And he doesn’t just do his job – he loves to teach others and share his knowledge, showing co-workers the tricks of the trade with hands-on demonstrations while they work.

In short, Uncle Glenn has a huge heart that he shares with everyone – and now he needs our help to repair that heart. The LVAD procedure he needs is not available here in Hawaiʻi – he must fly to the mainland to receive it, and he must receive it immediately. He survived an emergency interim procedure designed to help him survive the travel to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, but he must be transported by a special MediVac unit with experienced medical personnel on board. The cost for the transportation alone is $79,000 – this doesn’t include the cost of the procedure itself or the hospital stay. There will also be expenses for his wife Maria (and possibly other family) to travel with him and stay in San Diego where the procedure will be done. Insurance will only cover a portion of the procedure.

A donation site has been set up to assist with expenses – the most immediate need is for the MediVac transportation (as of this writing, he was scheduled to fly out on Friday June 27 - pending full payment). Please help – NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL! Www.youcaring.com/GlennDuran

Glenn with daughter Erica

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West Coast Dennis Kamakahi Tribute Tour Featuring David Kamakahi, Herb Ohta, Jr., Jon Yamasato, Stephen Inglis, and Patrick Landeza

06/24/2014

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L-R: Jon Yamasato, Herb Ohta, Jr., David Kamakahi, Stephen Inglis, Patrick Landeza

The Reverend Dennis Kamakahi spent a brief 61 years among us, but in that time he gave us the immortal gift of his music. In the spirit of kōkua (assistance) and ho`omaika`i (to give thanks and blessings), five of his musical protégés will perform a series of fundraising concerts, with all proceeds going directly to the Kamakahi family. All five musicians are Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winners (Hawaiʻi’s Grammy® awards):

David Kamakahi follows in his father’s footsteps with his varied musical pursuits. He is a recording artist, music instructor (ʻukulele), producer, songwriter, and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner for his debut solo album Pa’ani and for his work as part of the popular trio Waipuna. He also recently won a Nā Hōkū Award with Herb Ohta, Jr. in the Instrumental Composition of the Year category for their song “Napili Bay,”

`Ukulele virtuoso Herb Ohta, Jr. is a long-time friend of the family and benefited from Dennis Kamakahi’s mentorship along with that of his father, Ohta-San. Considered one of today’s most prolific ʻukulele masters, he has over 50 recordings to his credit, including ten solo albums and eleven duets. He has won multiple Nā Hōkū Awards as well as Hawaiʻi Music Awards. He is also an accomplished producer, composer, and instructor, having taught such noted musicians as Brittni Paiva and Jake Shimabukuro.

Jon Yamasato, who was trained by Dennis Kamakahi on slack key guitar, began his career as the lead singer for the 5 time Nā Hōkū Award-winning trio Pure Heart (with Lopaka Colon and Jake Shimabukuro). He has recorded and performed throughout the U.S. and Japan with acts such as Herb Ohta, Jr., Na Oiwi, David Kamakahi, Darin Leong, and Justin Young. He has released several solo albums, and has also produced other bands. He is the creator of HI Sessions, a popular live music TV series featuring a variety of Hawaiʻi’s top musicians.

Slack key guitarist Patrick Landeza met and was mentored by Kamakahi in the early 1990s, and continued to tour with him over the next twenty years. He was the first mainland born artist to win a Nā Hōkū Award – in 2013 for his album Slack Key Huakaʻi. A singer-songwriter, he has released 7 solo albums; teaches slack key guitar classes; and over the years has produced mainland concerts featuring many of Hawaiʻi’s top musicians.

“Guitar slinger” Stephen Inglis was a student and friend of Kamakahi. Their album Waimaka Helelei took top honors in the Slack Key Album of the Year category in 2012 – an album that is on permanent display at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. A highly-regarded slack key guitar player and singer-songwriter, Stephen has released 7 albums, is a Grammy® nominee, and has won both Nā Hōkū and Hawaiʻi Music Awards. His music has been featured in film and television

Dennis Kamakahi spoke of performance as giving “life” to songs. With this series of memorial concerts, may those who loved him and his music come together to celebrate and honor the greatest and most prolific composer of Hawaiian music in contemporary times. E ola mau kōna mau mele – let his songs live!

Here is the tour schedule:

Wednesday, July 30 – Seattle, WA (Royal Room, 5000 Rainier Ave South)
Show: 7:30pm, Tix: $20
Tickets available online

Thursday, July 31 – Eugene, OR
(Cozmic Pizza, 199 W 8th)
Show: 8:00pm, Tix: $20
Tickets available at the door or online via Ticket Biscuit

Friday, Aug 1 – Concord, CA
(The Cue, 1835 Colfax St.)
Show: 7:30pm (Doors: 7pm), Tix: $30
Tickets available online or call (510) 423-3051

Saturday, August 2 – Berkeley, CA (Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison St)
Show: 8:00pm Tix: $37/adv $41/door
Tickets available online or by calling (510) 644-2020

Sunday, August 3 – Felton (Santa Cruz), CA (Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Hwy 9)
Show: 2:00pm, Tix: $20
Tickets available online

Sunday, August 3 - Redwood City, CA (Club Fox, 2209 Broadway)
Show: 8:00pm Tix: $25 adv, $30 door (21 and over only)
Tickets available online or by calling (877) 435-9849

Saturday, October 18 – Whittier, CA (Ruth B. Shannon Center, 13406 E. Philadelphia St.)
Show: 8:00pm Cost: $50
Tickets available online or at the Box Office at (562) 907-4203. (Tickets on sale July 10, 2014)
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NOTE: If you are unable to attend any of these concerts but would still like to help the Kamakahi family, donations can be made by clicking on the word “DONATE” at the top of the Team Dennis website; by visiting any Bank of Hawai‘i branch and making a monetary gift payable to “The Rev. Dennis Kamakahi Fund”; or by mailing a check payable to “The Rev. Dennis Kamakahi Fund” to:

Bank of Hawaii
PO Box 2900
Honolulu, HI 96846

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Services and Celebration of Life Announced for Hawaiian Music Legend Dennis Kamakahi

06/09/2014

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Services and a celebration of life for the late Dennis Kamakahi have been set for July 5, 2014. Below is the announcement by the family – photograph policies and parking information will be updated on the Team Dennis Kamakahi website.

In keeping with Dennis’s wishes for donations in lieu of flowers, monetary donations to help pay for expenses are gratefully accepted. All remaining contributions will be donated to a Kamehameha Schools scholarship fund in his name.

Donations can be made by clicking on the word “DONATE” at the top of the Team Dennis website; by visiting any Bank of Hawai‘i branch and making a monetary gift payable to “The Rev. Dennis Kamakahi Fund”; or by mailing a check payable to “The Rev. Dennis Kamakahi Fund” to:

Bank of Hawaii
PO Box 2900
Honolulu, HI 96846

REVEREND DENNIS DAVID KAHEKILIMAMAOIKALANIKEHA KAMAKAHI

Reverend Dennis David Kahekilimamaoikalanikeha Kamakahi, legendary Hawaiian musician and prolific song writer, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, kahu, kumu, friend and mentor, passed away peacefully at The Queen's Medical Center on April 28, 2014 at age 61, surrounded by family and close friends. The music of Gabby Pahinui and the Sons of Hawaii was playing in the background.

Born to Clara Aweau Ing and Kenneth Franklyn Kamakahi on March 31, 1953 in Honolulu. Survived by: wife, Robin; sons, James and David; daughter, Marlene; granddaughters, Michele and Ariana; mother, Clara Ing St. Clair; brother, Jeffrey. A 1971 graduate of Kamehameha Schools, he received numerous awards and was most proud of being a member of the Sons of Hawaii and the first modern Hawaiian composer to have his six-string guitar accepted into the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2013.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Memorial Chapel at Kamehameha Schools: visitation 8:30 am; service 10:00 am. No flowers please.

A Celebration of Dennis' Life will follow at the Great Lawn of the Bishop Museum; entry at 12 noon; pule and food served at 12:30pm. More information will be made available, including parking details, at www.teamdenniskamakahi.com

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First Time Together ~ Steven Espaniola and Kalei Gamiao!

05/16/2014

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photo provided by Steven Espaniola

photo provided by Kalei Gamiao

So Cal peeps! Hawaiʻi Music Award winner Steven Espaniola and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominee Kalei Gamiao are performing at several venues this weekend – their first-ever performances together!

They will each have copies of their albums available (Steven’s “Hoʻomaka” and “Hoʻomaopopo”, and Kalei’s “Contemporary Ukulele Instrumental” and “Redefined”) – pick up a copy if you don’t yet have one, and get it (them) autographed!

Friday May 16, Gardena, CA
Happa Restaurant - 8PM
1641 W. Redondo Beach Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90247
Tickets: $15 advance, $20 door, available at www.N8TIVE808.com

Saturday May 17, Sante Fe Springs, CA
Heritage of Aloha Festival - 1:45-2:15PM
12100 Mora Drive
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
FREE

Saturday May 17, Los Angeles, CA
U-Space
5-6pm workshop (Kalei)
6:30-7:30 concert (Steven & Kalei)
First floor of the Japanese Community and Cultural Center
244 S. San Pedro St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 323-577-5567
Workshop or Concert $20 each (both for $35)

Sunday May 18, Ventura, CA
Anacapa 'Ukulele
3-4pm workshop (Kalei)
4:30-5:30 concert (Steven & Kalei)
1899 E. Main St.
Ventura, CA 93001
Phone: 805-500-6848
Workshop or Concert $20 each (both for $35)

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Final nominees for 2014 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards announced!

04/04/2014

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The final nominees for the 2014 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards  (Hawai’i’s Grammy®) have been announced. Ballots will be mailed Friday, April 11 to all voting members, and must be postmarked by April 25. In the mean time, here’s the list. The awards will be presented on Saturday, May 24th at the Hawai`i Convention Center, and will be televised and streamed live.

2014 NĀ HŌKŪ HANOHANO AWARDS
FINAL BALLOT NOMINEES

GENERAL CATEGORIES

Female Vocalist of the Year

1. ANUHEA, Butterflies – Live

2. HULU LINDSEY, A He Leo Wale Nō E

3. ROBI KAHAKALAU, Robi Calling

4. MAILANI, Manawa

5. YOZA, Yoza

Male Vocalist of the Year

1. IKAIKA BLACKBURN, Maliu

2. ROBERT CAZIMERO, Hula 2

3. KAMAKA KUKONA, Hanu ‘A‘ala

4. KUANA TORRES KAHELE, Kāhele

5. MARK YAMANAKA, Lei Maile

Group of the Year

1. GREEN, THE, Hawai‘i ‘13

2. KUMZ, You Should Know By Now

3. KŪPAOA, Bumbye

4. NĀ LEO, Romantic Waikiki

5. WAIPUNA, Nāpili

Most Promising Artist of the Year

1. KANANI ENOS, Aloha I Ho‘okena

2. KAIHOLU, Swaying Sea

3. KIMIÈ, To The Sea

4. KAMAKA KUKONA, Hanu ‘A‘ala

5. YOZA, Yoza

Favorite Entertainer of the Year

1. IKAIKA BLACKBURN

2. ROBERT CAZIMERO

3. GREEN, THE

4. KŪPAOA

5. HULU LINDSEY

6. CHINO MONTERO

7. SEAN NA‘AUAO

8. KUANA TORRES KAHELE

9. WAIPUNA

10. MARK YAMANAKA

Album of the Year

1. A HE LEO WALE NŌ E, Hulu Lindsey; Dave Tucciarone, Kamakoa Lindsey-Asing, and Hulu Lindsey – producers

2. BUMBYE, Kūpaoa; Kellen Paik and Kale Chang – producers

3. KĀHELE, Kuana Torres Kahele; Kuana Torres Kahele – producer

4. LEI MAILE, Mark Yamanaka; Kale Chang, Mark Yamanaka, Kellen Paik, and Kalikolihau Hannahs Paik – producers

5. MALIU, Ikaika Blackburn; Dave Tucciarone and Ikaika Blackburn – producers

EP (“Extended Play”) of the Year

1. D-TOUR, John Keawe

2. I KNOW YOU BY HEART, Kūpaoa

3. LIVE UP!, J Boog

4. NĀPILI, Waipuna

5. TO THE SEA, Kimié

Single of the Year

1. “ALOHA E KOHALA,” Waipuna

2. “E KU‘ULEI, MY LOVE,” Kuana Torres Kahele and Maila Gibson

3. “I AM A QUEEN,” Lilo of Kapena

4. “LEI ‘O MĀ‘ILI / DANCE WITH ME,” Kūpaoa

5. “MAUI UNDER MOONLIGHT,” Mark Yamanaka

Song of the Year

1. “Bumbye” by Puakea Nogelmeier from BUMBYE, Kūpaoa

2. “E Ku‘u Lei, My Love” by Kuana Torres Kahele from E KU‘ULEI, MY LOVE, Kuana Torres Kahele and Maila Gibson

3. “Kawena” by Chino Montero from MADE IN HAWAI‘I, Chino Montero

4. “Lei Maile” by Kalikolihau Hannahs Paik and Mark Yamanaka from LEI MAILE, Mark Yamanaka

5. “Maui Under Moonlight” by Mark Yamanaka from MAUI UNDER MOONLIGHT, Mark Yamanaka

Instrumental Composition

1. “Mokuleia” by Ian OʻSullivan from BORN AND RAISED – NEW MUSIC FOR SOLO GUITAR, Ian O’Sullivan

2. “Nāpili Bay” by David Kamakahi and Herb Ohta, Jr. From NĀPILI, Waipuna

3. “Pūnāwai” by Jeff Peterson from SLACK KEY TRAVELS, Jeff Peterson

4. “Ray of Light,” by Pali Ka‘aihue from ALL IN, Pali Ka‘aihue

5. “Slackmenco” by Makana and Jeff Peterson from RIPE, Makana

GENRE CATEGORIES

Alternative Album of the Year

1. DATELESS IN JULY, Paradox Lockdown

2. JUST DREAM, Amanda Frazier

3. NICKEL & DIMIN’ IT, LifeinPursuit

4. VINTAGE, Jade Summers

Anthology Album of the Year

1. CARMEN TAKES THE LEAD – SINGING TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN FAVORITES, Carmen U‘ilani Haugen; Keith Haugen – producer

2. EIA, Natalie Ai Kamauu; Dave Tucciarone, Iolani Kamauu, and Natalie Ai Kamauu – producers

3. OLD FRIENDS, NEW FRIENDS, Dennis and Christy Soares; Dennis Soares – producer

4. ‘UMI: A PASS OUT RECORDS ANTHOLOGY, Various Artists; Eric Lagrimas, Abe Lagimas Jr., and Randy Wong – producers

Christmas Album of the Year

1. CHRISTMAS IN HAWAII, Dennis and Christy Soares

2. I WISH CHRISTMAS WAS EVERYDAY, Henry Kapono

3. LEI KULĀIA, Nāpua

4. MERRY UKULELE CHRISTMAS, Kalei Gamiao

5. MY ISLAND CHRISTMAS, Mailani

Compilation Album of the Year

1. CROSSINGS, Various Artists; Dennis Soares – producer

2. HAUMĀNA SOUNDTRACK, THE, Various Artists; Shawn Pimental and Keo Woolford – producers

3. HISESSIONS LIVE, VOL.1, Various Artists;   Jon Yamasato and Darin Leong – producers

4. KANA‘IOLOWALU SONGBOOK, THE, Various Artists; Brickwood Galuteria and Kenneth
Makuakāne – producers

5. LOVE YOUR MOTHER, Various Artists; Brandon Apeles and Michelle Aquino – producers

Contemporary Album of the Year

1. BUTTERFLIES – LIVE, Anuhea

2. CAST YOUR CARES, Kapena De Lima

3. LIVE ALOHA, Mānoa DNA

4. RIPE, Makana

5. ROBI CALLING, Robi Kahakalau

Hawaiian Music Album of the Year

1. A HE LEO WALE NŌ E, Hulu Lindsey

2. HULA 2, Robert Cazimero

3. KĀHELE, Kuana Torres Kahele

4. LEI MAILE, Mark Yamanaka

5. NA‘AUAO, Sean Na‘auao

Hip Hop Album of the Year

1. AKIRA PROJECT, THE, The Akira Project

2. LISTEN & SHARE, Kwalified

3. T.M.T.T.H. – TOO MUCH TALENT TO HIDE, Jazi

4. VIDDY THE HORROR SHOW, The Horror Show

5. WAIT ON ME, King Kekai

Instrumental Album of the Year

1. BORN AND RAISED – NEW MUSIC FOR SOLO GUITAR, Ian O’Sullivan

2. HE MAKANA O NĀ MELE: THE GIFT OF MUSIC: THE GOLDEN AGES OF WAIKIKI, Hawaii Youth Symphony

3. STAINLESS – STEEL GUITAR STYLINGS OF GREG SARDINHA, Greg Sardinha

4. WALKING THE PATCH, Dennis Soares

Island Music Album of the Year

1. BUMBYE, Kūpaoa

2. MAMO, Mamo

3. MANAWA, Mailani

4. ROMANTIC WAIKIKI, Nā Leo

5. TUAHINE, Hapa

Jazz Album of the Year

1. A HUI HOU – UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, Hula Honeys

2. STEP INTO MY LIFE... THE LAGACY AND THE LEGEND, Henry Allen Band with Wayne Hernderson

3. SWANKY, Patrick von Wiegandt

Music Video/DVD

1. GRAND UKULELE – LIVE IN BOULDER, Jake Shimabukuro

2. HABITUALLY LATE, VIVO

3. LETʻS PLAY MUSIC – SLACK KEY WITH CYRIL PAHINUI & FRIENDS, Various Artists; Na‘alehu Anthony and Cyril Pahinui – producers

R&B Album of the Year

1. BORN AND RAISED II – THE REBIRTH, Fiji

2. LIGHTNING, Larry Dupio

3. YOZA, Yoza

Reggae Album of the Year

1. CARRY ON, Conscious Roots

2. HAWAI‘I ‘13, The Green

3. PERSEVERANCE, Ekolu

Religious Album of the Year

1. BRAND NEW DAY, Sherry V. Graham

2. FOR THE WORLD TO SEE, Mo Scanlan

3. HOPE IS ALIVE, New Hope Oahu with Pastor Wayne Cordeiro

4. LORD OF ALL SEASONS, Carolyn Vargas

Rock Album of the Year

1. DANGEROUS CROSSING, Stuart Hollinger

2. KILROY WAS HERE, 11th Hour

3. MILE25, Mile25

4. PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS, Man On a String

5. TIKI TONIC, Tiki Taboo

Slack Key Album of the Year

1. AIKANE KUIKAWA, Paul Togioka

2. HUANANI, Ben Ka‘ili

3. KE AU HOU, Danny Carvalho

4. SLACK KEY TRAVELS, Jeff Peterson

5. SOUL SOUND SLACK, Stephen Inglis

‘Ukulele Album of the Year

1. ALL IN, Pali Ka‘aihue

2. BEGINNING, THE, Andrew Molina

3. FABLES, Corey Fujimoto

4. PURE ‘UKULELE, Herb Ohta, Jr.

TECHNICAL CATEGORIES

Graphics Award

1. KAMOKILA de MELLO, for SOUNDWAVE, Makua Rothman

2. DARYL FUJIWARA, for HANU ‘A‘ALA, Kamaka Kukona

3. LAYNE MATSUSAKI, for LEI MAILE, Mark Yamanaka

4. JASON OSHIRO, for SIMPLE SESSION, Simple Session

5. KEITH USHER AND KAMOKILA de MELLO, for NAʻAUAO, Sean Naʻauao

Liner Notes Award

1. KALE CHANG AND KALIKOLĪHAU HANNAHS, for LEI MAILE, Mark Yamanaka

2. KAMAKA KUKONA, for HANU ‘A‘ALA, Kamaka Kukona

3. CHELLE PAHINUI, for KANI PŪ KOLU, Cyril Pahinui

4. KUANA TORRES KAHELE, for KĀHELE, Kuana Torres Kahele

5. NEIL J. HANNAHS, for NĀPILI, Waipuna

ADJUDICATED CATEGORIES

HAKU MELE (COMPOSER’S AWARD)

1. “‘Ano ʻAi E Hilo” by Ka'ena'aloha Hopkins (YOU SHOULD KNOW BY NOW, KUmZ)

2. “Bumbye” by Puakea Nogelmeier (BUMBYE, Kupaoa)

3. “Kūnihi KaʻAla” by Mehanaokala Hind (HAUMANA SOUNDTRACK, Various Artists)

4. “Lei Maile” by Kalikolihau Paik and Mark Yamanaka (LEI MAILE, Mark Yamanaka)

5. “Nanina” by Kuana Torres Kahele (KAHELE, Kuana Torres Kahele)

HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE PERFORMANCE (ARTIST AWARD)

1. ROBERT CAZIMERO, for HULA 2

2. KAMAKA KUKONA, for HANU 'A'ALA

3. KŪPAOA, for BUMBYE

4. WAIPUNA, for NAPILI

5. MARK YAMANAKA, for LEI MAILE

ENGINEERING AWARD

1. KAPENA DELIMA, for PARADISE (Roman of Kolohe Kai)

2. IMUA GARZA, for FOR THE WORLD TO SEE (Mo Scanlan)

3. DAVE TUCCIARONE, for MANAWA (Mailani)

4. DAVE TUCCIARONE and LAWRENCE YURONG, for ON A PERSONAL NOTE (Kristian Lei)

5. LAWRENCE YURONG, for NA'AUAO (Sean Na'auao)

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION ALBUM OF THE YEAR

1. BORN OF SONG, Ian Shiroma

2. J, Seiji Katz

3. KO'OLUA, Koʻolua

4. MOE'UHANE, Hoene

5. NOE, Yuri Chika

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CONCERT TO BENEFIT HAWAIIAN MUSIC LEGEND DENNIS KAMAKAHI

03/18/2014

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Dennis with son David, 2012 Nā Hōkū Awards

Special Event to Raise Funds for Grammy® Winner Recently Diagnosed with Stage Four Lung Cancer

Some of the top names in Hawaiian music will join together on the evening of Monday, March 31 in Honolulu to perform at an event to benefit the legendary slack key musician Rev. Dennis Kamakahi, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer earlier this month. The fundraiser will be held at the Willows Restaurant in Mō‘ili‘ili to help defray medical costs.

Kamakahi is one of Hawaiian music’s most celebrated musicians and songwriters. He has penned some of the most well-known and famed modern Hawaiian music compositions, including “Wahine ‘Ilikea,” “Kōke’e,” and “Pua Hone.”

The author of over 500 songs, many of which have become standards in Hawaiian music, Kamakahi has won numerous awards and recognitions for his work, including a number of Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and three Grammy® awards. Formerly a member of The Sons of Hawaiʻi, Kamakahi has also won a Hawaiʻi Music Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. In 2013, Kamakahi became the first modern Hawaiian music composer to have his slack key guitar, albums, sheet music, and personal photographs accepted into the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s permanent collection.

His music has also been featured in numerous feature films, including Disney’s Lilo & Stitch 2 and the Oscar-nominated soundtrack from The Descendants.

Friends and family are hosting a benefit concert, dinner, and silent auction on Kamakahi’s birthday, March 31st at 5:30-9pm at the Willows Restaurant (901 Hausten St.) during a special edition of Pakele Live! Admission to the event is free. The performance will be broadcast live online at: http://new.livestream.com/pakele/events/2851731

“Our dad is a man of tremendous faith. We continue to pray for his full recovery and ask others to do the same. We are daily witnesses to how the kindness and concern of friends, family and fans give him strength in his battle,” said son David in a statement. “We are humbled and endlessly grateful by the outpouring of support from fans around the world. Our family looks forward to sharing dad’s birthday with everyone at this very special event.”

Artists scheduled to perform include: Waipuna (the award-winning Hawaiian music trio featuring Kamakahi’s son David); Kahulanui; Mark Yamanaka; Ledward Kaapana and Mike Kaawa; the Keawe ‘Ohana; Maunalua; Herb Ohta, Jr.; Stephen Inglis; Brother Noland; Danny Carvalho; Kūpaoa; Nā Hoa; Raiatea Helm and Bryan Tolentino; and Nathan Aweau. Ben Gutierrez of Hawaiʻi News Now and Billy V and Mele Apana of Hawaiian 105 KINE will emcee.

The Willows is generously donating 20% of the price of each buffet meal sold during the event to the benefit fund. A silent auction will take place during the concert and will feature items donated by the Corner Kitchen, East Honolulu Clothing Company, KoAloha ʻUkulele, and the Willows, as well as rare collectibles from Kamakahi’s personal music collection. Organizers are still seeking donations for the silent auction. Anyone looking to contribute items can contact event organizers at: dennisksilentauction@gmail.com . Online viewers will be able to submit silent auction bids during the show via the same email address. A final list of silent auction items will be available for viewing on the official website.

NOTE: In order to assure a seat, those planning to attend the benefit should reserve a table as soon as possible by calling the Willows at (808) 952-9200.

The family has set up an official website where family, friends and fans can receive information and make monetary gifts: http://www.teamdenniskamakahi.com/

In addition, a special account has been created at the Bank of Hawaiʻi. Those wishing to make contributions can make a monetary gift to “The Rev. Dennis Kamakahi Fund” at any Bank of Hawai‘i branch.

Donations may also be made by mailing a check payable to “The Rev. Dennis Kamakahi Fund” to:

Bank of Hawaii
PO Box 2900
Honolulu, HI 96846

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KAPONO NĀʻILIʻILI RELEASES DEBUT SOLO ALBUM

03/05/2014

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Kapono Nāʻiliʻili, known for his beautiful vocals as well as his mastery of a multitude of instruments, released Ala Iki, his long-anticipated debut solo album, on February 27, 2014. Containing a blend of classics (“Sanoe,” by Queen Liliʻuokalani), favorites (“Beautiful Kauaʻi” by Rudolph "Randy" Haleakala Farden) and songs by beloved composers such as Johnny Almeida, Kainani Kahaunaele, Charles E. King, and Lena Machado, listeners will be enchanted by both Nāʻiliʻiliʻs fresh interpretation and his masterful delivery. His performance on lead vocals as well as lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, and percussion demonstrate the reason he’s in high demand by other musicians to perform with them live and to contribute his skills to their recording projects.

His extensive experience in both the Hawaiian and Contemporary music scenes contributed to Nāʻiliʻiliʻs desire to create music that reflects himself and his influences. A graduate of the University of Hawaii with a B.A. in Hawaiian Language, he uses those language skills on most of the album’s vocals, and also gives listeners several glimpses into the reason he won Maui’s 2007 Falsetto Contest. However, equally as comfortable playing R&B, Jazz, Soul, Gospel, and Pop as he is with traditional and contemporary Hawaiian, listeners will also find his arrangements influenced by his love of those genres.

Nāʻiliʻiliʻs musical background includes a stint as the lead guitarist in the quintet for the “Hawaii Calls” concert at the Hawaii Theatre in 2008; formation of a band called The K.N. Orchestra, specializing in R&B, Soul, Jazz, and Top 40 that same year; and in 2009 the formation of a four-piece band called “Ke Kauoha the Jazz Project” with Halehaku Seabury of Nā Hoa, Ioane Burns of Nā Palapalai, and Ikaika Tecson. The band specializes in traditional Hawaiian songs set to Jazz arrangements. He is also the lead vocalist for the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning band “Pali”.

Ala Iki contains 12 tracks and was produced by Nāʻiliʻili and the multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning Dave Tucciarone (who also engineered the album). It was recorded primarily at Tucciarone’s Seventh Wave Productions studio (two tracks were recorded by Matthew Honda at Matt Honda Studio). Guest musicians include Rockford Holmes (clarinet); Kamakoa Lindsey-Asing (ʻukulele and upright bass); Casey Olsen (steel guitar); and Bryan Tolentino (ʻukulele). Zachary Lum sings backup vocals.

The CD is available on Naʻiliʻili’s website and at Me Ke Aloha. It will be available in digital format on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. Listen to clips from a few songs below!

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Herb Ohta, Jr., Keoki Kahumoku, and Chino Montero: West Coast Tour (with a stop in Arizona)!

02/10/2014

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Herb Ohta, Jr.s new album!

Keoki Kahumoku

Chino Monteroʻs new album!

Three highly acclaimed, award-winning musicians from Hawaiʻi will be touring the western U.S. next month: Herb Ohta, Jr., Keoki Kahumoku, and Chino Montero. Between them they have won numerous Grammy® Awards, Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawaiʻi’s Grammy®), and Hawaiʻi Music Awards, and both Herb and Chino will be up for additional Nā Hōkū Awards this year for their latest albums: Herb’s “Pure ʻUkulele” and Chino’s “Made in Hawaiʻi”.

Considered one of today’s most prolific ʻukulele masters (with over 50 recordings to his credit), Herb Ohta, Jr. - son of acclaimed `ukulele virtuoso Herb “Ohta-san” Ohta - began playing at age three and teaching at age nine. He was a member of the prestigious Honolulu Boy Choir, the Honolulu Children’s Opera Chorus, and the University High School Select Choir. Herb is also an accomplished producer, composer, and instructor, having taught such noted musicians as Brittni Paiva and Jake Shimabukuro. John Berger of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser has said of him, “For ʻukulele fans who prefer unpretentious technical proficiency over theatrics, Herb Ohta, Jr. is the undisputed master ʻukulele instrumentalist of his generation.”

A fifth generation slack-key guitarist, Keoki Kahumoku - son of acclaimed slack key guitarist George Kahumoku, Jr. - also plays ‘ukulele and teaches. With deep roots in Hawai‘i, he shares his passion for Hawaiian music and culture through performances and lessons, both in Hawai‘i and on the mainland, as well as at his annual Kahumoku ‘Ohana Music and Lifestyle Workshop on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. His non-profit Center for Hawaiian Music Studies provides music instruction and cultural opportunities to local youth. Keoki captures the hearts of his audience with his storytelling, wit, and easy manner wherever he performs. Like his dad, Keoki’s performance is as much about his relaxed, engaging “talk story” as it is about his wide Hawaiian repertoire. George Jr. has said that his son “has a passion for Hawaiian music in all its forms.” This passion is evident as Keoki continues to teach and share Hawai‘i’s music and culture.

Although a humble person who prefers to let his music speak for itself, Chino Montero has long been recognized by fans and fellow musicians as a musical tour de force. He is well-known for his beautiful vocals and masterful guitar work as a founding member of the bands Palolo and Manoa Madness, as a member of Amy Hanaialiʻi’s band, and for his contributions to recordings by many of Hawaii's top artists. He has performed in many countries world-wide; opened for Carlos Santana at venues across Germany; played the House of Blues in Chicago and Dallas; performed with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra; and played at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. In the liner notes for his recently released solo album “Made in Hawaiʻi," DJ Pratt of the hugely-popular band Kalapana writes: “Explosively wired guitarist Chino Montero shows his extraordinary talents through his multiple styles of Jazz, Blues, Country, Rock, and Hawaiian Slack Key. Chet Atkins comes to mind when listening to Chino's melodic guitar licks along with his fast machine gun type style with the grace of the Hawaiian Slack Key. His falsetto is truly his trade mark stemming from his Hawaiian roots, along with his remarkable guitar playing, which blends into a symphony "Made In Hawaii."

Masterful ʻukulele, slack key guitar, falsetto, and story-telling – with hula by Christina Kamailelauliʻi Wong. If this tour is coming to your town - or anywhere close - be sure to get tickets soon!

March 8 & 9, 2014 – Tempe, AZ
Arizona Aloha Festival
March 8: 4:00pm Mountain Stage
March 9: 1:30pm Discovery Stage
Tickets: FREE!

March 11, 2014 – Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara University (500 El Camino Real)
Recital Hall, Bldg 114
Tickets: $20
Doors: 6:30pm, show 7:00pm

March 12, 2014 – Felton, CA (near Santa Cruz)
Don Quixote International Music Hall (6275 Hwy. 9)
Tickets: $15 advance, $20 door (under 21 w/parent)
Show: 7:30pm

March 14, 2014 - Eugene, OR
Cozmic Pizza (199 W 8th Street)
Tickets: $10 (contact Cozmic Pizza for info)
Doors: 6:00pm, show 6:30pm

March 15, 2014 - Tacoma, WA
Asia Pacific Cultural Center (4851 South Tacoma Way)
Tickets: $20
Show: 7:00pm

March 16, 2014 – Seattle, WA
The Royal Room (5000 Rainier Ave S.)
Tickets: $15 advance, $20 door
Show: 8:00pm

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Returning to Honolulu in May! Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakāne and Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu at the Hawaiʻi Theatre!

02/09/2014

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Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakāne and his award-winning hālau Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu return to the Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu for Ka Leo Kānaka (Voice of the People), with 20 new dance pieces featuring traditional hula and Makuakāne‘s renowned hula mua, which blends Hawaiian dance with modern music.

Performances will be Friday May 9, 2014 at 7:30pm and Saturday May 10, 2014 at 7:30pm at the Hawaii Theatre Center. Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu made its world premiere of Ka Leo Kānaka at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco in October 2013 to great critical and audience acclaim.

Tickets go on sale February 25 at the Hawaii Theatre Center box office (808-528-0506 or online). Groups receive a discount of $2 off each ticket when purchasing 10 or more tickets. Hawaii Theatre Center charges a $3 restoration fee on all tickets.

(And psssst! There could be a *surprise!* Hit and Run Hula™ in Honolulu...Here are two videos of prior Hit and Run Hulas - search “hit and run hula” on YouTube for more!)

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Originally from California, Iʻve lived on Oʻahu for a number of years. Music has always been my passion and Iʻm fortunate to be able to work with and support many of Hawaiʻiʻs musicians. For such a tiny speck in the middle of a very large ocean, we have an amazing wealth of talent here!
~Lynn

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Returning to Honolulu in May! Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakāne and Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu at the Hawaiʻi Theatre!

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