On my iPod right now - a pre-release copy of Steven Espaniola’s long-awaited new album "Hoʻomaopopo"!!!

I was blessed to be in the studio through much of the recording process for this album and got to hear how it evolved over time, but to hear it as a finished project (after super-producer Dave Tucciarone - the man with the ears that should be insured by Lloydʻs of London and who has produced numerous award-winning albums - finished doing all his secret magic stuff), oh my...

The album features two original songs: “Ka Wahine Helekahi (written by Steven and Puni Patrick), and “Ku’u Lio” (written by Steven and Keola Donaghy). A third song (and my personal favorite), “Ka Ipo Lei Manu” by Queen Kapiʻolani, features an oli (chant) by Kumu Hula Kawika Alfiche. Other songs include Meleana E, Kona Moon, Waiulu, E Kuʻu Lei E Kuʻu Ipo, Ka Anoʻi, “Mom” by Lena Machado, and “Aloha Koʻolau” by Dennis Kamakahi. (Clips from each song are available below.)

The album also features some well-known guest artists, including Bryan Tolentino; Waipuna’s Matt Sproat; Jeff Peterson; Casey Olsen; and Kumu Kawika Alfiche.

The official release date for "Hoʻomaopopo" is June 25 (and it will be available on my website), but those of you in Northern California can be among the very first to buy a copy on Saturday, June 22 at the Aloha by the Bay Music Series featuring Steven, Raiatea Helm, and Nathan Aweau, who just won two more Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards for his album ʻIo (Island Music Album, and Song of the Year for the beautiful “Uhiwai”).

For information (and tickets) on the Aloha by the Bay concert, go to the Nihonmachi Street Fair website.  

Steven will also be playing at a number of other venues, both in California and Hawaiʻi. Here is a sampling:

June 29 - Michaan Theatre, Alameda, CA (with Eric Lee)

July 27 - Surf Spot, Pacifica, CA

July 28 - Pono Hawaiian Grill, Santa Cruz, CA

August 29 - Pakele Live, The Willows, Honolulu, HI (6:30-8:30pm HST – this show will also be streamed live)

August 30 - Corner Kitchen, Honolulu, HI (6:30-8:30pm)

Herb Ohta, Jr., Jon Yamasato, and Keoki Kahumoku are traveling to seven U.S. cities for a summer tour beginning July 24!

Considered one of today’s most prolific ʻukulele masters, Hawaiiʻs Herb Ohta, Jr. - son of acclaimed `ukulele virtuoso Herb “Ohta-san” Ohta - has teamed with former Pure Heart lead singer Jon Yamasato for the second time, recording “Take 2” - an album showcasing the talents of each. Both Herb and Jon have been recognized many times for their music, having won or been nominated for over two dozen awards between them – and together they were recently nominated for yet another award: Instrumental Composition of the Year for “Willows,” a song they co-wrote for “Take 2.” A talented guitarist, Jon is also instantly recognizable as the voice behind the wildly popular trio known as Pure Heart (of which Jake Shimabukuro was a member). He contributes both vocals and guitar to his projects with Herb. Jon is also the co-creator of the acclaimed television and YouTube music series “HI Sessions.”  Of Herb, John Berger of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser said, “For ʻukulele fans who prefer unpretentious technical proficiency over theatrics, Herb Ohta, Jr. is the undisputed master ʻukulele instrumentalist of his generation.”

On the bill with Herb and Jon will be Keoki Kahumoku, son of acclaimed slack key guitarist George Kahumoku, Jr.  Keoki is a fifth generation slack-key guitarist, ‘ukulele performer, and teacher, with deep roots in Hawai‘i. He is also an award-winner in his own right, having performed on five Grammy® award-winning slack-key compilation albums. He captures the hearts of his audience with his storytelling, wit, and easy manner wherever he performs.

Join Herb, Jon, and Keoki for an evening of both contemporary and traditional Hawaiian songs and story-telling, with liberal doses of humor added to the mix!

Here is their tour schedule:

Weds. July 24 – Chicago, IL
The Tiki Terrace (1591 Lee St., Des Plaines)
Show: 7pm
Tix: $20 advance, $25 door
(Tickets available at Tiki Terrace)  

Friday July 26 – Tucson, AZ
Berger Performing Arts Center (1200 W. Speedway Blvd.)
Show: 7pm
Tix: $20 advance, $25 door
(Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets)

Saturday July 27 – Mesa, AZ
Mesa Arts Center (One East Main St.)
Show: 7pm
Tix: $22
(Tickets available through Mesa Arts Ctr.)

Sunday, July 28 – San Diego, CA
AMSD Concerts – formerly Acoustic Music (4650 Mansfield St)
Show: 7:30pm
Tix: $22 reserved, $49 dinner package (Click on the link to their website to purchase tickets)

Tuesday, July 30 - Gardena, CA
Happa Restaurant (1641 West Redondo Beach Blvd.)
Show: 7pm
Tix: $20
(Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets)

Thursday, August 1 - Eugene, OR
New Hope Christian College (2155 Bailey Hill Rd)
Show: 7pm
Tix: $20
(Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets)

Friday, August 2 - Portland, OR
The Old Church (1422 SW 11th Ave)
Show: 7pm
Tix: $20
(Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets)