As a fan of HISessions since it launched in 2011, it was so much fun to be invited to perform on a Twitch live stream. I have so much appreciation for the high-quality videos featuring the best music from Hawaii. I am not worthy!
Thank you Jon Yamasato, Dave and Shayna Kusumoto, Darin Leong, and the entire team. Visiting the HISessions live studio was a real treat.
On Thursday, November 14, 2014, I performed at the Willows Restaurant in Honolulu, HI. Part of my performance included my fundraising campaign to bring clean water to India. The webcast is available at http://pakelelive.com.
My friend Kris saw this street sign in Honolulu and thought of me, well because, I am in New Jersey. I posit that this is documented proof that “aloha” exists in the Garden State. After all, we have Hawaiian luaus, hula, and music.
In fact, the states of Hawaii and New Jersey do not only meet at the intersection of Palolo Ave and New Jersey Ave.
Aloha from Honolulu! Today, I was invited to drop in on a HI*Sessions test shoot. HI*Sessions is a project started by Dave Kusumoto and Jon Yamasato (Pure Heart) to present intimate, quality live music performances by Hawaiian musicians to the world.
This is a very cool concept that will include video, podcast, blog and photo gallery. I am amazed at the quality of the videos that the team of dedicated volunteers are producing. I had a blast sitting in playing guitar with Jon and Darin for a tune.
I just returned from Honolulu where I visited family, played music, attended to business, and went to Nā Hōkū O Hawaiʻi Music Festival and Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards. If you’re a fan of Hawaiian music, you’d have loved the last 72 hour music whirlwind that I just experienced.
Time Out New York included Hawai’i among its “Best of 11 States” where they unearth art, food, culture and history from various states, right here in NYC. The list is far from comprehensive, but it was fun seeing my name in print. The shave ice was good too.
My wife and I made a spontaneous trip to Maui last weekend to attend the Taro Festival. It was a special weekend full of ʻono food, music, and talking story! Mahalo nui to Uncle Kevin, Uncle Sheldon, Uncle Norman and Duke for all the hospitality and late night kanikapila. It was a privilege to join the Waiheʻe jammers for such a fun time.
On February 10, 2002, I started a website called Taropatch.net to help Hawaiian music fans and performers connect with one another. It was cool to see my efforts make the newspaper.
