KoAloha Ukulele - Featured Artists



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.

	Manoa DNA
	www.manoadna.com 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. Check out their myspace page.
	Brittni Paiva
	www.brittnipaiva.com 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!
	Tony Gamble
	www.myspace.com/killerukulele Tony Gamble is an accomplished guitar player that has been taken by a passion for the ukulele. He is is an ESP Guitar endorsed artist with this own signature model. His guitars feature Seymour Duncan electronics as they have also been a long time sponsor of him. Tony received an award for Best Instrumentalist in 2005. He has just released his new CD, Breaking Tradition. Check out Tony's latest tracks at his myspace page

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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.
	Raiatea Helm www.raiateahelm.com 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.
	DJ Vance K Our local boy done good! DJ Vance K is the MAN in Tokyo, and you can hear him on InterFM 76.1 Japan. 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 Tokyo, make sure you check out InterFM!!
	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.
	Gordon Mark www.danielho.com/html/gordonmark.html 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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	Sean Tiwanak www.seantiwanak.com 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.
	Walt G Walt G is with a new group and we'll be posting more information soon!
	Darin Leong www.hawaiiguitar.com With a love of Hawaiian music and its community, Darin has been sharing his slack-key and classical style across the country. As a new member of the KoAloha family, Darin continues to spread the aloha spirit from Honolulu to the Big Apple.
	Jon Yamasato Jon hit the music scene is a big way as part of the former, Pure Heart. Jon's smooth steady vocals were an anchor of the band and eventually led him to a solo career. These days, he is a member of Prudential's Mukai team and spends his time off (what time off?) working at his recording studio, producing various artists.
	Iwao Yamaguchi www.iwaoweb.com In Japan, there is a name synonymous with ukulele. That name is simply known as "Iwao." Iwao had a very successful career as a guitar player, producing many albums with that first instrument. He attended a performance by Ohta-san and a new love for the ukulele grew rapidly in his heart. He now focuses his efforts into his awesome ukulele playing. There is no bigger ukulele star in Japan than Iwao. Unfortunately, Iwao has left Volcano Songs. However he will start his own label, and have his own website soon!
	Roy Sakuma World Reknown Ukulele Master Teacher www.roysakuma.net 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.
	Exit 58 www.exit58.com 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!