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