events Archives - Page 4 of 10

Epilogue: Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival Warms East Coast Audiences

April 29, 2015Permalinkeventshula, New Jersey, New York, public, Virginia Leave a comment

There is a mystique surrounding slack key guitar music – it is very personal, and can be very magical in feeling.
– Quote from Keola Beamer’s “A Brief History of Slack Key Guitar”

Three shows in three days, covering over 525 miles across 3 states, with 7 musicians. That was the East Coast swing of the 2015 Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, and I’ll forever be pinching myself that I was a part of it. As a rabid fan of the festival for over 15 years having attended the event on Oahu, Maui, and Kaua’i, I’ll be the first to tell you to go see the show if you have the opportunity. The format is a fun one-stop-shop where you can watch guitarist after guitarist share their passion for slack key guitar, each in a different and unique way. While I may have dreamed about having a slot on the roster, the realist in me knew that it would never happen. Well, chalk one up for the dreamers because it happened.

My Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Adventure

April 21, 2015Permalinkevents, featured, newsNew Jersey, New York, public, Virginia View all 3 comments

Remember that there is no perfect life, just perfect moments. And it’s these moments you must cherish; it’s these moments that make the whole journey worthwhile. — Ritu Ghatourey

In a few days, I’ll be performing at the 2015 Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival — specifically at the New Jersey and Virginia shows — and it simply blows my mind. Seriously. I have been a fan of the festivals for at least 15 years having attended multiple shows on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. For over 30 years, the festivals have been THE place to spend a day watching all your idols play on a single stage.

Shake off the Winter Blues and Live ALOHA at P.S.199!

March 23, 2015Permalinkeventseducation, public Leave a comment

You should play with real musicians; the best music comes from real people interacting with each other.
– John Fogerty

HAPA and Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima o Nuioka Warm New York City with Hawaiian Music and Hula

February 23, 2015Permalinkevents, featuredNew York Leave a comment

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher. -Oprah

I’ve been extremely blessed to perform with HAPA on multiple occasions over the past five years. Each time is special, and I am filled with gratitude every time Barry Flanagan so generously shares his stage with me. If my solo guitar of previous years was my opportunity to share aloha, how could I amplify the aloha this year? Well, my answer was to be joined by fellow musicians Claudia Goddard and Chris Davis and the dancers of Pua Ali’i ‘Ilima o Nuioka!

St. Louis School Celebration in New York for Mariota Family

December 12, 2014Permalinkeventseducation, New York, private party Leave a comment

It was a great privilege to be hired by St. Louis School to bring Hawaiian entertainment to its New York gathering in support of Heisman Trophy finalist Marcus Mariota. The gathering took place at Lexington Brass in Manhattan where school administrators, alumni, and Marcus’ family were in attendance. We had a great time meeting everyone and sharing in the excitement and anticipation. Three local news stations from Hawai’i covered the event.

Kumu Hina film screening with special performance by Kealiʻi Reichel

December 10, 2014Permalinkeventshula, New York, non-profit Leave a comment

This evening, I had the privilege of participating in a wonderful program, a screening of Kumu Hina with a special musical performance by Hawaiian music stars Kealiʻi Reichel and Shawn Pimental, presented by The Ford Foundation and Philanthropy New York. It was a sold-out New York crowd.

Grammy Award-Winning Musicians From Hawaii to Perform at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chatham, NJ October 14th, 2014

September 8, 2014Permalinkeventshula, New Jersey, public One comment so far

Chatham, NJ, (September 5, 2014) – The Masters of Hawaiian Music Tour featuring multiple Grammy award-winning artists George Kahumoku, Jr., Ledward Kaapana and Richard Ho?opi?i comes to St. Paul�™s Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ on Tuesday, October 14, 2014. Tickets for the 7:00 pm show are $25 advance purchase/$30 at the door and can be purchased at http://hawaiian.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 800-838-3006. Proceeds will benefit St. Paul’s programs and outreach.

Hawaiian Wedding Music: Songs for Ukulele or Slack Key Guitar

August 25, 2014Permalinkevents, FAQwedding View all 2 comments

Wedding music during your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception sets a mood and reflects the style of your celebration. Your music selection can be a fun way to personalize your special day. While trying to pick songs that move or inspire you, it can be overwhelming with seemingly infinite choices. It is not every day that you and your friends discuss, “What are popular ukulele songs for a wedding ceremony?”

The good news is that Hawaiian music features some of the world’s most beautiful love songs. Be careful though because what sounds like a beautiful song might be a protest song or too risque when you delve into the lyrics. It pays to do a little homework on Hawaiian songs to make sure that the poetry is befitting of your wedding. Read this article, “Wedding Music Police.” Read more →