 |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
ANA Aha Mele x Ukulele Picnic Concert 2022
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
Sekiguchi Band
Sekiguchi Band is a whistle and ukulele unit led by Kazuyuki Sekiguchi, producer of Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii and member of famous Japanese rock band Southern All Stars. Kazuyuki loves the ukulele and has been promoting the instrument all around the world since publishing “The Ukulele Book” in 1992. He has collaborated with Hawaii artists such as Herb Ota and Roy Sakuma, releasing many CDs and organizing several ukulele events.
[Band Members]
Whistle player Kimiko Wakiyama is a female champion of the 2007 World Whistle Tournament, with a 3-octave range. Yanagiman plays the bass, but he is also an expert producer who made many Japanese bands famous. Yu Hatakeyama is a Japan’s leading Cajon player. She has played with many famous musicians and released a Cajon instruction DVD and instruction book.
|
|
 |
|
Yoshio Nomura
In the early 1980’s, Yoshio Nomura made his debut into stardom as a pop idol with his nickname, Yotchan. He then become a guitarist for the rock-n-roll band Good-bye. His talent as a guitar player led him to join the touring band for Ayumi Hamasaki since 1998.
Yoshio is known to be a “guitar enthusiast” and has a collection of more than 300 guitars at home. His recent passion has been ukulele. For his first instrumental album titled “Ukulele for Christmas,” he played all the instruments by himself, featuring techniques to play vintage ukulele instead of electric guitar.
He has also produced his own ukulele model. “Usulele” (Usui means ‘thin’ in Japanese) became popular with its uniquely thin design. Several ukulele producers are now inspired by Yoshio’s creation, and have been distributing their own versions of a thin body ukulele. In 2020, Yoshio released his second ukulele album, “Ukulele Slow Life.”
|
|
 |
|
Lopaka Colon
Lopaka Colon is a percussionist that studied western, classical, and world percussion and drumming in college.
He is now an established percussionist and multi “Na Hoku Hanohano” award winner (Hawaii’s version of the Grammy’s). In the late 90’s, He found musical success in a band named “Pure Heart”, rated in the top 50 musical groups of all time of Hawaii and also one of Hawaii’s youngest musical groups ever to take the local music scene by storm in such a short period. The group later evolved into Colón (in honor of his father-Augie Colón). Both bands won the “Peoples Choice” award at the Hokuʻs as favourite entertainers of the year for 2 years in a row. He has collaborated with many of Hawaii’s top-notch musicians either doing studio work, live performances, or just having fun “Kanikapila” (musical jam).
Currently he is a key component in the success of several local bands like the Grammy-nominated “Wild Hawaiian” project with the Henry Kapono band, the Barefoot Natives (uncle Willie K. & Eric Gilliom), living legends C&K, the Makana trio (slack-key/world-fusion), the Waitiki 7 (Classic Exotica for modern listeners), and Don Tiki (Las Vegas type of an Exotica show band) to name a few.
Most recently, he has played a key role in a non-profit group, The Mana Maoli Collective. This collective group supports the education of native Hawaiian children in Hawaiian charter schools via benefit concerts, CD sales, cultural events and workshops.
For the first time in his musical career, he is spearheading his own group called “IntoxiKa”. It is a blend of esoteric and conscious themes with vintage interpretations of Exotica, fused with Funk, Rock, Dub(step), Latin jazz and Hip-hop grooves while honoring the forefathers of Exotica and getting the next generations’ “groove on”.
|
|
 |
|
Ku`uipo Kumukahi
Ku'uipo Kumukahi is an artist of traditional Hawaiian music who is known for her continuance of traditional performance styles and instruments. Her first solo album was "Na Hiwa Kupuna O Ku'u One Hanau," released in 1994. The album received a record-breaking nine nominations in the 1994 Na Hoku Hanohano Music Awards, the so-called "Grammys of Hawaiian Music." In the end, it won in five categories, including Female Vocalist of the Year, Best Traditional Hawaiian Album, and the Haku Mele Award for "'O Waikulumea." It was four years before Kumukahi's next album, "Na Leo Kama'aina O Ku'u 'Aina Ho'oheno," appeared; the album won a Na Hoku Hanohano Music Award for Excellence for the Use of the Hawaiian Language in Song Compositions.
|
|
 |
|
Jody Kamisato & Ukulele Hale Keiki
As a member of the “BS Band” with Bruce Shimabukuro and Gary Akiona, Jody 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".
Jody is a president of Ukulele Hale, and on a mission to spur interest in the `ukulele worldwide. His goal in life is to make a difference somehow, somewhere and to leave a legacy served with aloha. Jody Kamisato is more than just a `ukulele instructor, entertainer, and owner of `Ukulele Hale but a true ambassador of the Aloha spirit.
|
|
 |
|
Nue
(Halehaku Seabury, Kama Hopkins, Bryan Tolentino)
NUE (Nā ‘Ukulele ‘Ekolu) is an ‘ukulele trio formed by three well-known musicians with many awards. With Bryan Tolentino on the tenor 'ukulele, Halehaku Seabury on the baritone 'ukulele, and Kama Hopkins on the bass ukulele, these three Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winners, rooted in Hawai’i’s rich ‘ukulele and Hawaiian music culture, come together to showcase their ‘ukulele artistry and vocal stylings creating a unique sound!
Bryan Tolentino
‘Ukulele player, Bryan Tolentino has been known, for the past thirty-eight years, as an accompanist who performed and continues to perform, locally and abroad with some of Hawaiʻi’s most well known and accomplished Hawaiian music artists.
Bryan’s recorded on over fifty CD’s for other artists as well as compilations adding his unique “fairy dusting”, as he calls it. He says, “You must feel Hawaiian Music,” evident in his award winning recordings featured on Nā Hōkū Hanohano and Grammy nominated CD’s which have also garnered many awards. He blends all that he’s learned, as an accompanist, into his own unique sound.
Bryan has performed and recorded with notable Hawaiian entertainers such as: Raiatea Helm, Jake Shimabukuro, Herb Ohta, Jr., Halehaku Seabury, Aunty Genoa Keawe, Pomaika‘i Lyman, Karen Keawehawai‘i, Ku‘uipo Kumukahi, Marlene Sai, Jerry Santos and Olomana, O’Brian Eselu, Nathan Aweau, Frank Hewett, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong, Kalei Gamiao, ‘Elua Kane, Sonny Lim, Keoki Kahumoku, Owana Salazar, Weldon Kekauoha, Natalie Ai, ‘Iolani Kamau‘u, Napua Greig, Kuana Torres Kahele, Aaron Salā, The Side Order Band – where Bryan played with Del Beazley, Chris Kamaka and Asa Young, Keao Costa, and Blaine Kamalani Kia.
Bryan also worked with award winning hula hālau, engineers and producers. The noted halau includes: Na Wai ‘Eha O Puna, Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi, Hālau Maoli Pua, Ka Pā Hula O Kauanoe O Wa‘ahila, Keali‘ika’apunihonua Ke‘ena A‘o Hula, Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniakea and Kuhai Hālau O Kawaikapuokalani Pa Olapa Kahiko. Engineers and producers: Dave Tucciarone, Milan Bertosa, Steve Kramer, Gaylord Holomalia, Flip McDiarmid, Shawn Pimental, Kip and Max Ebersbach, all among the best in the music business.
In May 2005, Bryan opened another musical chapter by releasing his solo CD “Ka ‘Ukulele Lele” that became a Nā Hōkū Hanohano finalist for Instrumental Album of the year.
Ten years later in April 2015, he released a duet CD, “Ukulele Friends”, with Herb Ohta Jr. that received a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for 2016 ‘Ukulele Album of the Year.
In the Summer of 2016, he expanded his role by joining the Performing Arts Academy at Kamehameha Schools – Kapalama campus, educating young adults interested in learning and performing the ‘ukulele. he released a second duet CD with Herb Ohta Jr. ‘Ukulele Friends: The Sequel In December 2017. In January 2018, he was hired as a substitute to teach Hawaiian Ensemble at Punahou School.
Bryan Tolentino continues to travel locally, nationally and internationally, sharing his love for the ‘ukulele through performances and workshops.
Official Website: https://bryantolentino.com/
Kama Hopkins
Kama Hopkins grew up in a family filled with Hawaiian music and hula. By day, he is an Aide to OHA Trustee Robert K. Lindsey, Jr. By night, he is a musician. He has been playing music professionally since 2001. He is one-third of the Hawaiian Music Trio known as Holunape who are multi Nā Hōkū Hanohano award recipients. He is also a member of other talented Hawaiian music groups Māhiehie IV, NUE (Nā ‘Ukulele ‘Ekolu) and Kāneʻohe as the ‘ukulele bass player. He enjoys teaching music and the Hawaiian Language to all who are interested.
Kama is currently focusing on his Daily Mid-day Mana'o series on his YouTube Channel. Through this platform he creates a warm and inviting environment for some social distance "socializing". He always starts with a question or thought and ends with a song. At the end of the week (Sunday), he will share these songs via Facebook Live and Instagram Live for his Sunday Sing-Along, 6PM Hawai'i Standard Time.
Official Website: https://www.kamahopkinsmusic.com/
Halehaku Seabury
Landon Halehaku Seabury is a Grammy nominated and multi Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning guitarist/multi instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and vocalist from Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu. Halehaku developed an early passion for music from his parents growing up in Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu. His formative musical education began assisting his father in the KCCN 1420 AM Radio station studios as a young child. Being exposed early on to musicians like Aunty Genoa Keawe, Kealiʻi Joy, Kahauanu Lake Trio, Emperor Hanapī, Richard Kauhi, etc. set a precedent for excellence in Hawaiian music.
Hale began formal study of music early on, starting with the Hawaiian steel guitar under the tutelage of his uncle, steel guitar master Alan L. Akaka. He continued to play steel guitar as his primary instrument throughout high school studying the styles of Jules Ah See, Jake Keliʻikoa, Barney Isaacs, and his great grandfather Joseph “Steppy” De Rego.
Building a dual-fold music career as a studio session ace and independent artist, Halehaku’s musical contributions can be found on albums by Kainani Kahaunaele, Josh Tatofi, Keauhou, Keao Costa and Kekuhi Kanaka’ole, and others uncredited. As an artist with his group Nā Hoa, recording and preserving songs like Kolopā, Pili Me ʻOe, and Pua Mae ʻOle.It has since been a goal of his to combine the elegance of Hawaiian music and the bold, daring improvisation of jazz into a beautiful musical form that can and will be appreciated by both Hawaiians and Non-Hawaiian music fans alike.
|
|
 |
|
Brittini Paiva
Brittni Paiva, a multi award-winning instrumentalist, is known for her stunning articulation of what she can do on the ukulele. Brittni and her ukulele are a brilliant match: Both are humble in nature, small in size, and very powerful with proper delivery.
Brittni and the ukulele in general have gained notoriety, no longer confined by stereotypes about the instrument. There’s a global resurgence in the instrument’s popularity and she is part of the trend. Brittni is well-known in world music circles with millions of hits on YouTube. She has performed on stage with Carlos Santana when he appeared in Hawaii and has also joined famed guitarist Tommy Emmanuel on stage at the California WorldFest; she has become a 3-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner with numerous other awards and nominations throughout the years, including Most Promising Artist of the Year in 2005 for her debut release, Brittni x 3.
Brittni received two nominations for her 5th album and won both categories: Ukulele Album of the Year and Instrumental Composition of the Year from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts (Na Hoku Hanohano Awards). “Brittni brings a whole new spirit to the music and to the instrument: pop sensibilities in a smooth jazz format,” says John Schroeter, music producer and author of Between the Strings: The Secret Lives of Guitars. “It’s got a new kind of energy—it’s infectious.”
Official HP: https://brittnipaiva.com/bio
|
|
 |
|
Kala'e Camarillo
Born and raised in Kihei, Maui, Kala’e Camarillo comes from a family of music educators and entertainers. His grandfather, George Camarillo, started the first ʻukulele band in Hawai'i public schools at Waiakea Intermediate, and his father, Rama, followed in his footsteps by becoming an ʻukulele teacher as well. In addition, his mother, Cora, is the sister of multi Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner, Lehua Kalima of Nā Leo Pilimehana.
In 2017, Kala'e released his his debut album entitled “Working Man,” which garnered him a nomination at the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaii Grammys), recognizing him as one of Hawaii's "Most Promising Artists."In 2019, he followed that up with his sophomore album, "Feel at Home," which was produced by Hawaii's very own three-time Grammy Award Winning Producer, Dave Tucciarone. "Feel at Home" went on to win Kala'e his first ever Na Hoku Hanohano award for Contemporary Acoustic Album of the Year. In 2021, he released a song he wrote for his Mom, "Be Like You," which garnered nominations for Song of The Year & Single of The Year.
Official HP: https://www.kalaecamarillo.com/about
|
|
 |
|
Kamuela Kimokeo & Hi‘ikua
Hi‘ikua is a Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning Hawaiian music trio known for its falsetto singing and virtuosic playing. They have performed throughout the US and internationally. Their intention as a musical group is to honor the Hawaiian musicians who came before them while understanding that they have kuleana to tell their own musical stories for future generations to come.
Blake Leoiki-Haili is a sheet metal worker. Blake started playing music with Kamuela when he was in the 7th grade and they have been playing gigs together ever since. Blake loves to spend time supporting his two sons at their sporting events as well as spending time at home working in his māla where he and his children raise kalo.
Dr. Kalehua Krug currently serves as the principal of the Hawaiian Charter School, Ka Waihona o ka Na‘auao. Beyond being an educator, Kalehua has a passion for protecting sacred spaces in our island home. Aside from playing with Hi‘ikua, he has recorded 2 songs with his children in the group Ohana Krug Music. Their latest recording Ola i ka Wai calls for the protection of our sacred water and brings attention to our situation at Pu‘u ka Pukaki or Red Hill.
Dr. Kamuela Kimokeo currently serves as the director of the music program at Windward Community College. His doctoral reesearch focused on how people can be empowered through the composition of mele. He currently runs an online Hawaiian Music certificate program at the college that is taught by himself, Kawaikapu Hewett, Kapena De Lima, and Raiatea Helm.
|
|
 |
|
Kawena Opuni
Kawena Opuni brings years of experience as a professional hula dancer and production coordinator to Kahiapo Talent. Tony C. (Conjugacion), Weldon Kekauoha, Sean Na‘auao,The Ka‘ala Boys, The Kaimana Band, The Brown Boys and Sam Kapu III, and has danced for many of the top Hawaiian artists including Robert Cazimero, Keale, Brother Noland, Ledward Ka‘apana, 3 Scoops of Aloha, Ocean Kaowili, and many more. She has served as the Production Coordinator for Nalani Productions, and manages the choreography, costuming and scheduling for concerts and performances all over the world. She frequently performs and conducts workshops on major cruise ship lines, and was part of the performance troupe that accompanied the Governor during a visit to China to promote Hawai‘i as a visitor destination. She is a co-composer of mele, contributing her lyrics in the Hawaiian language on songs.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
