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Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii is proud to present many wonderful
and renowned musicians at the picnic every year. Not only
musicians from Hawaii, but also from Japan and other places
will gather and share their talented skills. |
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Kazuyuki Sekiguchi
(producer)
Born in Niigata, Japan in 1955. While attending
Aoyama Gakuin University, Kazuyuki joined as a bass
player in the group "Southern All Stars".
In 1978, the band debut its original music "Katte
ni Sindbad".
In 1991, Kazuyuki met Ukulele musician Herb Ohta
who had been promoting the art of Ukulele throughout
Japan by producing books, video and CD's. Besides
performing, Kazuyuki expresses his creativity through
novels, essays, and a series of written columns.
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IWAO
In 1989, a demo tape he sent to a record company
has opened the doors for IWAO as he made his debut from a major record company,
Columbia Records in Japan. He has released 9 albums as a singer
song writer. IWAO met guitarist, Yoshiyuki Sahashi
in 1991, as he was introduced to the world of Ukulele. IWAO was greatly
inspired by Herb Ohta, he has been drawn to Ukulele
since. By the time in 1997, he was mainly known
as a Ukulele Player/ Guitarist. In 1999, He has
released an album "Ukulele Man". So far,
IWAO has released 8 albums and 2 maxi single. IWAO
frequently plays together with recording artists
from Hawaii such as Herb Ohta, Herb Ohta Jr. and Jake
Shimabukuro. In 2006, he released an album "Hawaiian
Morning" by Geneon Entertainment has co-featured
with Kazuyuki Sekiguchi of the Southern All Stars, Japan's
highly known Kumuhula and Singer Sandii and fast
breaking Hawaiian Duo Laula. IWAO, as a guitarist, enthusiastically supports concerts and recordings
for Shinji Hara, Shintaro Moriyama, Ketsumeishi
and various arena. |
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JazzoomCafe
Yuta Uchiumi, aka "JazzoomCafe" is known as Japan's established technical ukulele player. His finger tricks and "speed playing" techniques are beyond comparison.
He was the MVP winner at the International Ukulele Contest 2011 held in Oahu and was featured on local publications in Hawaii.
JazzoomCafe also appeared in one of the largest ukulele festivals in Korea. His stage style is very unique. His Martial Arts costume on stage reminds of his previous career as a wrestler in Japan. JazzoomCafe has also released an iPhone application "JazzoomCafe's Hi-tech Ukulele." He also appeared in the Ukulele Super Jam in May, 2012 held in Tokyo, and was also an invited guest performer at the New York Ukulele Festival 2012 in June.
http://jazzoomcafe.com/
iPhone application: "JazzoomCafe's Hi-tech Ukulele"
Facebook：
http://www.facebook.com/yuta.Jazzoomcafe.uchiumi |
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Kimiko Wakiyama
International champion whistler. Born in Fukuoka,
Japan. Garaduate of Kunitachi University of Music.
Kimiko Wakiyama, the champion whistler, who won
the women's crown at the 2007 International Whistlers
Convention (IWC 2007) in North Carolina. Wakiyama,
can whistle across a range of three octaves, which
means almost all vocal music is within her scope.
Beautiful feminine sound marks as " Lovely
Tune ". Debut album, " The Whistling Paradise " (April 23, Victor Entertainment), was released
as the first female solo artist. Without being bound
by the general image of whistling, thriving through
out TV programs and movies.
kimikowakiyama.com |
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Kiyoshi Kobayashi
Kobayashi started out on guitar as he was strongly influenced by the Gypsy Swing's guitarist in the earlier days of his career. He is now probably better known as one of the leading ukulele players in Japan. Kiyoshi also writes books on learning how to play and appears in instructional DVDs in Japan. Born in 1955, prior to teaching ukulele, he was a jazz guitar instructor at a university in Tokyo for years. He was the first Japanese to perform at the French Django Reinhart Festival (1985). His musical style is versatile anywhere from Jazz, Hawaiian, Pops, to chanson. |
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Ukulele Orchestra Of Japan
A ukulele orchestra lead by ukulele player Kiyoshi Kobayashi. A professional ukulele orchestra is a rare find not just in Japan but anywhere in the world. Their versatile performances ranging from Jazz, popular music, Hawaiian have attracted many fans through their appearances at small and large events in Japan. Ukulele Orchestra Of Japan transcends the traditional ukulele styles. They also appeared two songs in the album "Ukulele Jibli no Mori", a compliation album covering all the hit soundtracks from the Jibli animation movies. |
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Hiroshi Okada
First Japanese winner in the category of Hawai’ian language and the winner at the Maui’s Falset Competition in 2005.
Hiroshi Okada released his own CD in Hawaii in 2006. He has also been actively performing at large Hula competitions in Hawaii.
He is also known as one of the first Japanese finalists at the Na Hoku Hanohano Award in 2007. |
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BEGIN
*Appearance at the Ukulele Museum Benefit Concert (Feb 9) and 5th Annual Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii (Feb 10)
Begin is a popular Japanese three-man pop group from Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, Japan. The members of "BEGIN", Higa Eisho, Shimabukuro Masaru, Uechi Hitoshi, were childhood friends and grew up together since elementary school. Made their debut with the single "Koishikute" in 1990. Their originality in music expanded through different activities; a self-produced concert in June 2001, "Ichigo Ichie" the most simple 4 string instrument the band invented in 2003 and many others. In November 2011, the band made their appearance at a concert in San Paulo, Brazil and attracted 6,500 audiences.
Their sound contains many elements of traditional Okinawan folk music, and prominently features the sanshin, an Okinawan three-stringed banjo. Perhaps their most famous song is Nada Sousou. The band released their latest album in October 24th, 2012 "Tropical Foods," and scheduled to run a Japan tour.
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Kiyosaku (of MONGOL800)
Kiyosaku is the bass player/vocal of the Japanese band "MONGOL800", a Japaense band from Okinawa, Japan. Kiyosaku formed MONGOL800 with band members Takashi Gima and Satoshi Takazato in 1998. In 1999, the band made their indies debut. Their second release "MESSAGE" became the first independent album in history to reach #1 on the Oricon Charts in 2001, a history-making accomplishment! Despite low commercial attention, the album made a million sales, has sold more than 3 million copies to date.
In 2013, the band will celebrate its 15th anniversary and is schedule to release their best album in January and their 6th original studio recording, album "GOOD MORNING OKINAWA" the month after. They will kick off their Japan tour from March 2013 making apperances at small and large venues nationwide.
While the band remains tight and continues its musical exploration, each member has also been actively involved in other musical projects independently; producing songs for other artists/musicians and actively joining different band projects.
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Hirokazu Ogura
Probably one of the most talented and experienced guitarists in Japan who've played on stages and joined studio recordings for major acts such as Southern All Stars, Keisuke Kuwata, Shigeru Izumiya, Noriyuki Makihara, Masaharu Fukuyama, Misato Watanabe and many more. Ogura has also been known as a music producer and joined numerous well-known projects in Japan. He also collaborated with Kazuyuki Sekiguchi and contributed as an arranger in few ukulele albums Sekiguchi has released in the past. Ogura also appears in one of the tracks in Sekiguchi's latest album "Ukulele Caravan." He is also known as an Udon (Japanese wheat noodle) enthusiast and an "Abassador to Udon" (received from his hometown Kagawa Prefecture). His love for Udon has driven him to promote the food culture throughout Japan.
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*Appearance at the Ukulele Museum Benefit Concert (Feb 9) ONLY
John Cruz
John has distinguished himself as one of the most talented artists that has ever come from Hawaii. He was named the Best Singer Songwriter by Hawaii Magazine in 2008. This well-earned reputation became even more solidified when he released his long-awaited second album, One of These Days in 2007. It debuted firmly at #1 in Hawaii, #2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and #6 on the Billboard World Chart. The Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts gave the CD its highest honor in 2008, by awarding John the Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Contemporary Album of the Year. Honolulu Magazine named the album one of the "Top 25 Greatest Hawaii Albums of the New Century" in 2012. It delivers more of the warm, heartfelt melodies and passionate, soulful vocals that John's fans have grown to know and love. Look for album #3 sometime in 2013.
http://www.johncruz.com/ |
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Herb Ohta
Born in Honolulu1934. Start to play Ukulele since
7 years old. His early mentorship by Eddy Kamae
Ohta-san played as an amateur in Ed Salivan Show
in 1955. The first recording album "SUSHI"
made the hit through out the United States in 1964.
His lovely "A Song for Anna" written for
him by French composer Andr Popp was an international
hit in 1974 and has sold over six million copies.
He continues his concert tour which ignited the
fire of Ukulele boom in the 90's in Japan.
http://www.ohtasan.com/ |
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Ku`uipo Kumukahi
Ku`uipo Kumukahi is one of Hawai`i's top entertainers,
well-loved for her slackkey guitar and soothing
vocal stylings. Currently performing Friday nights
at Helumoa, Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki, Ku`uipo
has recorded 15 CDs in Hawai`i and Japan.
She and her recordings have won numerous Na Hoku
Hanohano Awards: Engineer Award; Liner Notes Award;
Graphics Award; Haku Mele (Song-Writing) Award;
Hawaiian Language Performance Award; Hawaiian Album
of the Year; Most Promising Artist; twice Female
Vocalist of the Year; Island Music Album of the
Year (2010); the prestigious Album of the Year Award
and the Traditional Hawaiian Album from the Hawaii
Music Awards.
A native of Ale`amai, Hawai`i, Ku`uipo's teachers
of Hawaiian traditions, morals and values were her
parents – Ululani & Kamuela Kumukahi. She is
the 5th generation living on Hawaiian land granted
by the royal patent of Kamehameha III to her mother`s
great grandfather and her father was a manaleo (native
Hawaiian speaker) from Okoe, Kona Hema.
From childhood, Ku`uipo was exposed to a fusion
of Hawaiian and contemporary life. Inspired by family
and the music of The Halekulani Girls, Marlene Sai,
Genoa Keawe and Haunani Kahalewai, Ku`uipo decided
to sing and play Hawaiian music.
She taught herself to play the `ukulele at the age
of 8, then the guitar and bass, and the Hawaiian
slack-key style of guitar playing. Ku`uipo is now
considered one of Hawai`i's finest slack-key players
and her Hawaiian Language performance in singing
is impeccable.
She is a hula student of Kumu Hula Karen Ka`ohulani
Aiu, in ho`opa`a training (chant and drumming to
accompany dancers). This delights Ku`uipo because
it is the ancient form of what she already does
as a musician and singer.
Ku`uipo currently serves on the board of the Hawai`i
Academy of Recording Arts as it's president, the
artisitc director for the Hawaiian Music Hall of
Fame Serenaders. She is a cofounder of the Maiki
Aiu Foundation, a teacher in Hālau Hawai`i, and
is a record producer for the label Ke`alohi, Ululani
Records & Ululani Media, produces the biennial
Mali`o Concerts and annual Lei of Stars Concert
for the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
Ku`uipo has judged various music competitions, including
as the overall judge for the Kamehameha Schools
Song Contest. Ku`uipo narrated the Hawaiian language
version of Hawai`i Public Television's noted Biography
Series documentary on Princess Ruth Ke`elikolani.
Ku`uipo Kumukahi, "the Sweetheart of Hawaiian
Music," performs with life-long friend Ben
Ka`ili.
http://ekuuipo.com/
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Natalie Ai Kamauu
Hawai`i's best kept secret is no secret anymore.
In 2005, Natalie Ai Kamauu released her first album, "`E" and was awarded the very next year
by The Hawai`i Academy of Recording Artists with
the title of "Female Vocalist of the Year".
Natalie just released album #2, "`I".
Hawai`i's 2006 and 2009 "Female Vocalist of
the Year"... Miss Aloha Hula Natalie Ai Kamauu.
http://natalieaikamauu.com/
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*Appearance at the Ukulele Museum Benefit Concert (Feb 9) ONLY
Raiatea Helm
At 21 years old, she was one of the youngest performers to attend the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California. It was a remarkable achievement when you consider that she comes from the tiny island of Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i, a mere wisp of volcanic land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Raiatea Helm’s recent appearance onto the national music scene with her Grammy Nomination was a natural progression of her growth within the Hawaiian music community. Her debut recording, "Far Away Heaven," captured the prestigious Female Vocalist of the Year and Most Promising Artist Awards from the 2003 Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Artists (HARA). Raiatea Helm continued her award-winning tradition two years later with the release of her second CD "Sweet and Lovely." (Raiatea Helm Records). At the 2005 HARA Awards ceremony, she was recognized again as Female Vocalist of the Year and also received the coveted Favorite Entertainer of the Year Award. With the additional acknowledgement for technical merit in Engineering (Dave Tucciarone) and Graphic Design (Mele McPherson), she now claims six Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Few performers of any age can match that achievement.
http://raiateahelm.com
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ManoaDNA
Officially formed in the summer of 2005, Manoa DNA has become Hawai’i’s newest and hottest band. Manoa DNA’s energy and intense harmonies create a sound that will sweep you off of your feet.
“DNA” stands for Dad, Nick and Alex- and yes, it is all in the genes. For three years, Manoa DNA has been captivating audiences across the country and the Pacific. This talented family band brings 3-part harmony, upbeat sounds, and infectious enthusiasm to every stage. Their first two cds generated four Na Hoku nominations and won the 2007 Hawaii Music Award for Contemporary Album of the Year. And they continue to inspire rave reviews.
http://www.manoadna.com/ |
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Kalei Gamiao
Kalei’s been at the forefront of today’s ukulele revolution since 2008 when his debut album, “Contemporary Ukulele,” kicked up the demand for performances in the U.S., Japan and Thailand, exposing Kalei to thousands of ukulele enthusiasts. Their hunger for his music inspired him to create www.uketheory.com where fans from around the world can learn many of his challenging techniques. Social media sites and the web provide instant access for his fans to stay connected to his music, performance calendar, and the explosive world-wide popularity of the ukulele. |
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Jody Kamisato
Jody Kamisato was born on Christmas Day, December
25, 1977, in Honolulu, Hawai`i. Music has been an
integral part of Jody's upbringing. At just seven
years of age, Jody’s elementary school teacher gave
Jody his first `ukulele lesson. At the age of eight,
he began performing with the Honolulu Boy Choir.
During the next five years he had the opportunity
to travel all over the United States, record on
an album, and sing on several national T.V. shows
as well as commercials.
As a member of the “BS Band” with Bruce Shimabukuro
and Gary Akiona, they performed throughout Hawai`i
and toured Japan on numerous occasions to do live
shows and `ukulele workshops. In 2005 Jody's original
song "Ainakoa" was selected for "Aloha
Tofu's" official commercial song. In spring
of 2006 the "BS Band" released their first
album entitled "Incognito." Later that
year, Jody completed his first DVD entitled "Island
Style Ukulele".
In June 2007, Jody opened his own `ukulele school
called `Ukulele Hale located in Kaimuki. With a
talented and dedicated staff, he foresees a bright
and successful future and looks forward to a variety
of exciting projects with `Ukulele Hale including
community service opportunities, public performances
and a future Japan tour.
http://ukulelehale.com |
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Aldrine Guerrero
Aldrine Guerrero is a local ukulele player from the island of Kaua'i.
Originally from the Philippines, Aldrine started out at local Kauai coffee shops and churches to stages that range from coast to coast continental US to international performances. Aldrine's style of ukulele has been spread throughout the world through live performances and through the streams of YouTube; gaining 28,000 subscribers to his channel that has accumulated over 7 and a half million views. Guerrero is also one of the founding fathers of Ukulele Underground alongside Aaron Nakamura and Ryan Esaki. Ukulele Underground was created in 2007 with the goal of growing the next generation of ukulele players around the world. By providing quality video ukulele lessons for songs and techniques, a pool of knowledge from the largest community of ukulele players on the internet, and access to some of the most valuable resources in ukulele. Ukulele Underground reaches to all continents of the world, bringing in about a million views every month from almost 70,000 forum members including 5,000 active members. Guerrero shares his love for the ukulele through his songs, teachings, friendships, and bonds that are made through music.
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Bruce Shimabukuro
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bruce Shimabukuro grew up playing the ukulele for as long as he can remember. Playing the ukulele was a hobby that was encouraged by his mom and his older brother, not necessarily his activity of choice. Instead, Bruce enjoyed hanging out at the park, playing basketball and spending time with his friends…just like every other kid in his neighborhood. When play time was over, Bruce would then find himself at home practicing and playing the ukulele with his older brother, Jake.
Releasing four of his own albums and having many opportunities to perform around the world, Bruce also developed an interest in teaching the ukulele. After high school, he began teaching the ukulele and has been doing it ever since. Bruce opened his own ukulele school in 2001 where he taught and shared his experiences with the local community.
After 13 years of teaching and 15 years of performing/recording, Bruce recently opened his very own ukulele store, “The Ukebox,” in Waikiki, Hawaii. He inventories ukuleles ranging from $60 - $3,500. A ukulele player, a ukulele teacher, and now a businessman….over the years, Bruce has become quite the all-around guy when it comes to ukuleles.
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Dr. Trey feat. Johnny Helm
Tracey Terada, aka Dr. Trey has made his life’s mission to show the world that the `ukulele is one of the most versatile instruments ever created. His passion for the music and the `ukulele has lead him to becoming a Na Hoku Hanohano award winning producer of Pure Heart (with Jake Shimabukuro). Currently, Dr. Trey has teamed up with Mailani Makainai to create an unstoppable team that brings a fresh and exciting approach to traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music.
Dr. Trey continues to record, produce, perform and teach `ukulele. His commitment to his craft is reflected in his own words, “respect the `ukulele, as it is not only an instrument, but also a culture… a lifestyle!”
Kanile`a `Ukulele is honored for the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Trey, Mailani and the whole Four Strings Studio team.
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KAPENA
Kapena, considered to be one of Hawaii's premier island bands has 20 Hawaiian Music CD's to their credit. Although the band has been through some changes, its founding member, Kelly Boy De Lima is still the band leader. Kapena continues to be an institution that embraces what islanders fell in love with when they first heard their unique sound of their "feel good music".
In 1998, Kelly introduced his fans to the next musical generation, his three children. Kapena, Kalena, and Lilo who sing, dance, and play multiple instruments. They have played on the Kapena stage in Hawaii and have toured with the band to the Mainland, Japan, and Pacific Islands.
Kelly keeps the two bands working hard. They perform weekly at Hawaii venues – Duke's at the Outrigger Waikiki, Gordon Biersch at the Aloha Tower Market Place, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Sheraton Waikiki, as well as conventions and casual island celebrations.
http://www.kapena.com/
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Singto Numchok
(From Thailand)
Singto Numchok won Ribbee's 1st Thailand Ukulele Contest, he became a mainstream artist in Thailand. His singles always reach top position on Thai music chart nation wide.
He plays an important role in making ukulele popular in Thailand. He has been joining with Ribbee Ukulele Thailand to participate in Ukulele Festival Hawaii (41st and 42nd) and Thailand Ukulele Festival (2011 & 2012) and Ukulele Super Jam in Tokyo and Kobe (2012).
Singto recently releases his new single and his music becomes number one hit in Thailand. He also work with Japanese ukulele artist, Kyas on Kyas's solo album in Japan.
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