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| Herb Ohta Jr. is an incredible ukulele virtuoso. With numerous Na Hoku Hano Hano awards, he plays with a feeling and vibrato unheard of in Ukulele and Hawaiian music today. His instrument of choice is a custom Tenor Ukulele specially built for him by Master Luthier Paul Okami. | Daniel Ho is an extremely talented musician, versed not only in ukulele, but in piano and guitar as well. He won a Grammy Award for Best Hawaiian Music Album 2006, and also holds many Na Hoku Hano Hano awards as well. His instrument of choice is a custom D-VI Ukulele specially built for him by Master Luthier Paul Okami. |
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Victoria Vox |
www.victoriavox.com Victoria is a great new talent that has joined our family! She's from Wisconsin, but she has the aloha spirit! Victoria is playing the Pineapple Sunday, and she was at the NY Uke Fest 2006! Check out her myspace page. Victoria has just released her new album, Chameleon. Check it out at her website! |
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Imipono "Pono" Cabrinha 2003 Aloha Festival Falsetto Contest Champion Alvin Imipono Cabrinha. His sweet voice has been gathering the attention of those in the Hawaiian music community. He balances his musical career with his full time position with the City of County of Honolulu Transit Division. |
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Simon Clothier What price an English ukulele player? Such is Simon Clothier, a singer / songwriter from London, unearthed by Roy Sakuma to become the first ever European Artist to appear at Starbucks Ukulele Festival of Hawaii. Current single release Lost in Your Life / God Only Knows is available through all major download portals with a debut album release planned for late 2008. |
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DJ Vance K Our local boy done good! DJ Vance K is the MAN in Japan, and you can hear him on FM Yokohama . He also jams on ukulele, teaches ukulele and hula too! OK, he actually doesn't do hula. He's also part of the Hoku winning group, Kawaihae. Check out their myspace page here. When you're in Yokohama, make sure you check out FM Yokohama!! |
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Exit 58 Exit 58 is the latest group from Canada. They have a unique blend of vocals and acoustic instruments. Their members are Kendra, Laura and Chris. Check them out! |
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Tony Gamble Tony Gamble joins us as an accomplished musician. He is is an ESP Guitar endorsed artist with this own signature model. He has released one ukulele CD, Breaking Tradition, which was nominated in both the Hawaii Music Awards and Na Hokus. He has been playing more acoustic sets on LA's famous KROC. |
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Walt G Walt G his great new group, Kawao! Their album The Secret is Out has been a great success, and they have a new album out, The Bond that Binds, another great hit! Check them out at their myspace page. |
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Keoki and Kathy (Paulo) Hirai Husband and wife team of Keoki Hirai and Kathy (Paulo) Hirai have been making sweet Hawaiian and Gospel music together for years. They recently released a cd together with the support of the legendary Rene Paulo (Kathy's father) They currently play weekly for the guests at the Ko'olina resort on the west end of Oahu. |
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Raiatea Helm In the world of traditional Hawaiian falsetto music, a star has risen, causing a rekindling of this dormant art form. At the forefront of this movement is Raiatea Helm. She has been labeled as the heir apparent to many of the falsetto legends.Not only is her voice sweet, but she holds true to her Molokai roots in her personal life as well. Raiatea was nominated for a Grammy Award (2006) for her album, Sweet & Lovely. |
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Kawika Kahiapo Kahu Kawika Kahiapo remains a pillar in the native Hawaiian community. Through the sharing of his manao and song, Kawika has touched many lives. He is active as a member of the group Paiea and a close personal friend of international recording artist, Jack Johnson. |
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Uncle George Kahumoku One of the slack key guitar masters, Uncle George has been sharing musci and mo'olelo across the world. He has shared with local folks as well as those far away as the Queen of England. Cucumber sandwiches forever! Our D-6 model has captivated Uncle George and he has been brining it to life with his brand of Aloha. Uncle George has won a Na Hoku Hano Hano Award (2006) for Religious Album of the Year! Produced with Daniel Ho. |
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David Kamakahi Musical roots run far and strong in Hawaii families. David is the son of the legendary Uncle Dennis Kamakahi. His early career was spent accompanying his father at various performance as the ukulele player. He still performs with his father; however, his solo efforts have also been very successful as evidenced by his first Hoku award. |
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Walt Keale Uncle Moe Keale left a void in the Hawaiian music scene with his departure. His warmth and Aloha are still fondly remembered. Keeping with the family tradition of song is Walt Keale. Hailing from the Big Island of California, Walt heard the call to come to Hawaii and back to his family's roots. He has the blessing of his ohana to continue in the steps of his uncle and uphold the Keale family name. |
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Melveen Leed Another one of Hawaii's living legends, Melveen continues to wow the crowds with her abilities. She is affectionately known as"The Tita" due to her infectious and flowing personality. Recently, she has also overcome a condition that would have left most counting the days of their life. We are happy to welcome her to the KoAloha family. |
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Darin Leong With a love of Hawaiian music and its community, Darin has been sharing his |
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Manoa DNA A warm welcome to Lloyd, Nick & Alex Kawakami, aka Manoa DNA. They are just released their debut CD. These guys are great! If you want to listen to drop dead harmonies and music that will take the local scene by storm, then get a preview weekly at E&O Trading in Ward Center, Thursday nights from 7-10PM. |
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Gordon Mark One of the hidden ukulele treasures is our personal instructor, Gordon Mark. He has been named a national living treasure by the National Association of the Arts. Completing his career as an administrator in the University system, Gordon has been touring as one of the true masters of the instrument. Those fortunate enough to hear him will be treated to a repertoire ranging from classical, jazz and Hawaiian classics. |
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Brittni Paiva There is a star rising out fo the rainy town of Hilo. That star is the youthful sensation of Brittni Paiva. At the early age of 16, Brittni produced her first solo album, which features her exclusively on bass, guitar and ukulele. Her efforts have produced her a Hoku award. Strong in their faith, Brittni and her family maintain a sweet sense of humility and grace. Brittni has released her newest album, Hear... She was also featured at the NY Uke Fest 2006! Brittni has been nominated for a Na Hoku Hanohano award (2006) as well! |
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Roy Sakuma At the start of everything good, there is the base of support. KoAloha is no different. We have been surrounded by goodness that can only be repaid by measure of the heart. Roy Sakuma has extended that goodness to us. His ukulele mastery is only matched by his undying support and dedication to KoAloha Ukulele. He and his wonderful wife Kathy are forever our family. |
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Sean Tiwanak Sean is a great guy who learned ukulele at age 6. He has played guitar as well, and is versed in Slack-Key and Classical guitar. Check out his myspace page at www.myspace.com/seantiwanak. |
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Jon Yamasato Jon hit the music scene is a big way as part of the former, Pure Heart. Jon's |
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Rob Byrd Different. In a good way. Rob Byrd brings his eclectic style to ukulele. He's a former rocker converted to ukulele stylings. His solos are delightful interpretations of the four stringed wonders. |
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Sakura Sakura is a popular singer from Japan. Her unique blend of blues vocals with ukulele strumming makes her music touch the soul of her listeners. Check out her new album coming out later this year! |