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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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ARTIST LINEUP FOR UKULELE PICNIC IN HAWAII 2017
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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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Seiji Katz
Seiji Katz is one of the top ukulele players in Japan. Seiji's music transcends the confines of genre and his pop-rock style is like nothing else in the world. Since his first ukulele solo album released in 2010, Seiji has been releasing albums every year. All four releases to date have already been sold-out in less than a year. Rumor says that Seiji's albums are expected to be sold out almost immediately! Seiji's 4th album "J" (released in November, 2013) was nominated as one of the finalists for the 37th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards 2014 in the category of “International Album Recognition Award." In 2014, Seiji's original song “Minami no Shima no Coconut" was aired in Japan's high-rated, longest-running music show on NHK “Minnano Uta." Seiji released his 5th album “KATZ sings HULA vol.1" in November, 2015. Seiji also publishes a number of scorebooks, instructional books, DVDs and his collection of re-arranged musical pieces are extremely popular. Some of these products are published internationally and available overseas. Seiji has also been actively performing abroad at live gigs and festivals outside Japan. He is also best known as “Yon-sama of the ukulele scene" (a pun of a popular Korean celebrity Bae Yong Joon's nickname `Yon-sama'). Seiji's true identity has been known as the costume-clad ukulele performer “Ukulele Elvis."
Official website: http://katz-seiji.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 as many call him the "Ukulele Maestro."
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.
Kiyoshi is the director of the "Ukulele Orchestra of Japan", a 38 piece ukulele orchestra group in Japan. He believes there are countless possibilities on the ukulele. He says, "Because ukulele makes music, and music is so important for people to live a full life."
Ukulele Orchestra of Japan Website: http://www.uoj.jp/ (Japanese only)
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Hiroshi Okada
2005, Hiroshi received 1st prize in the Hawaiian Falsetto Contest "Richard Hoʻopoʻi Leo Kiʻekiʻe" in Maui, as well as in the Hawaiian Language category -- both were firsts for a Japanese native. 2006, First CD released in Hawaii. Started to perform at major Hula competitions and events throughout Hawaii. 2007, Became the first Japanese finalist at the Nā Hōkū Hano Hano Award ("Hawaiian Grammy" Award). Continued to perform Hawaiian music in many countries, not only in Japan and Hawaii. Currently, Hiroshi teaches Ukulele classes and voice classes in Japan and other countries, in addition to his performances. He continues to be an ambassador of ALOHA and wonderful Hawaiian culture through his music.
Official website: http://www.hiroshiokada.com/
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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.
Official website: kimikowakiyama.com |
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Keiko (Ao Aqua)
Coming soon! |
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Herb Ohta, Nando Suan & Angela Ambrocio
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.
Official website: http://www.ohtasan.com/ |
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Robi Kahakalau
As many of us call her, "Sistah Robi", is considered one of Hawai`i's most popular entertainers, and is unquestionably one of our most versatile female vocalists.
Robi began her own musical career in 1990, when she joined the Hawaiian Style Band and sang lead on their two highly acclaimed albums, 1992's "Vanishing Treasures" and 1994's "Rhythm of the Ocean". She began her solo career with 1995's "Sistah Robi", which made her a star in Hawaii and won several Hawaiian music awards. "Keiki O Ka'Aima", released in 1997 solidified her status as Hawaii's female vocal sweetheart. Robi put her singing career on hold for a few years, as she became an associate professor of Hawaiian language and studies.
She has won multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards for excellence in the Hawaiian recording industry. Her distinctive voice, creative energy, as well as mastery of seven languages (one of them being Hawaiian) puts her in a class of her own.
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Herb Ohta Jr.
International recording artist Herb Ohta, Jr.,
is considered to be one of today's most prolific
`ukulele masters. Influenced by Jazz, R&B, Latin
and Brazilian music, he puts his stamp on Hawaiian
music by pushing the limits of tone and technique
on this beautiful instrument. The son of `ukulele
legend "Ohta-san", he started playing
at the age of three, and teaching at the age of
9. He now shares the music of Hawai`i, and the beauty
of the `ukulele with people around the world, performing
and conducting instructional workshops. This seven-time
Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominee (Hawaiian equivalent
to the Grammy) and two-time Hawai`i Music Award
winner effortlessly translates the beauty and culture
of Hawai`i through his creative expression of music.
With eight solo albums, seven duet albums in circulation,
and contributions on more than 40 recordings, he
is well on his way to matching his father's legacy.
His latest release, "Cocolo:`Ukulele J-Ballads"
was a Japan only release in June of 2009. In 2010
Herb is celebrated his 20th Anniversary in the music
industry releasing two new recordings, "`Ukulele
Nahenahe" & "Take 1".
Official website: http://www.herbohtajr.com/ |
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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. |
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KAPENA
Kapena, considered to be one of Hawaii’s premier island bands has more than 20 Island 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 fans first heard the unique sound of their “electrifying” Kapena music.
In the early 2000’s, Kelly Boy introduced Hawaii to the next generation of Kapena, his three children—Kapena, Kalena and Lilo.
With the next generation came a new, fresh Kapena sound. Kelly Boy’s three children have gained success of their own, writing new original music and being nominated and winning multiple Na Hoku Hanohano awards. This new Kapena band offers a diverse new package for the old diehard Kapena fans as well as a new generation of Kapena fans.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kapenamusic
Instagram: @kapenamusic
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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.
Official website: http://ukulelehale.com |
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Honoka & Azita
Composed of Honoka Katayama and Azita Ganjali, the young and dynamic ‘ukulele duo first met at ‘Ukulele Hale, a ‘ukulele studio founded by Jody Kamisato. Both girls garnered exceptional credentials as soloist, including individual awards in ‘ukulele competitions throughout Hawai’i.
In 2012, these young ladies combined their creative forces and began performing together as a duo. The two entered the 2013 International ‘Ukulele Contest taking home 1st place in Group Division and were also awarded the highly prestigious title of MVP.
Soon after, Honoka & Azita were invited to Okinawa, Japan to open for the famous Japanese band BEGIN at the annual "Utano Hi" concert. The duo performed for over 8,000 people and were also featured on nationwide TV.
Gaining worldwide attention for their electrifying performances, Honoka (18) and Azita (16) have become internet sensations drawing legions of fans across the globe, from high profile celebrities to popular television programs.
The girls recently recorded on the Island Style ‘Ukulele 2 album, which received the 2015 Nā Hoku Hanohano Award for Compilation Album of the Year, the Hawaiian equivalent of the Grammy Awards.
In the summer of 2015, the girls embarked on a highly successful 5-week tour throughout Japan. They were also invited to perform at the 3rd Annual Czech ‘Ukulele Festival in Prague, and in 2016 headlined both the Ukulele Festival in Niue and The New Zealand Ukulele Festival at Vector Arena.
Honoka & Azita recently returned from their successful 3-week Japan Tour and released their highly anticipated EP album in August 2016, which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Top 100 World Music Albums.
Honoka & Azita are looking forward to sharing their music and aloha all over the world.
Website: http://www.honokaandazita.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honoka.azita
Twitter: https://twitter.com/honokazita
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honoka.azita/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/honokazita |
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Bryan Tolentino
Bryan Tolentino is a self-taught ‘ukulele player who began playing the instrument at the tender age of 10. His early influences were the musical groups The Sons of Hawaii and The Sunday Manoa. After graduating from Saint Louis School in 1979, Bryan and some friends formed a musical group called The Side Order Band. Bryan's repertoire is a mixture of Hawaiian, contemporary, and original songs, blending creativity and diversity with the ‘ukulele.
Bryan has performed with the late Aunty Genoa Keawe, Karen Keawehawai’i, Jerry Santos and Olomana, Natalie Ai Kamauu, Napua Greig, Kuana Torres Kahele, Aaron Sala, Weldon Kekauoha, Hoku Zuttermeister and many more. He also found himself in growing demand for his contributions to dozens of recordings. He also released his own solo album “Ka ‘Ukulele Lele” in 2005 and released a duet recording with Herb Ohta, Jr. called “ʻUkulele Friends” in 2015.
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Kalei Gamiao
With 3 completed nominated albums to his name Kalei Gamiao 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 market. After the release of his second album entitled “Redefined” in 2012 a greater demand for more of his music and performances exposed Kalei to hundreds of thousands of ukulele enthusiasts from around the world as he continues to tour countries such as Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the U.S mainland. When his latest album “Merry Ukulele Christmas” released in 2013 as a seasonal project it propelled and broadened Kalei’s repertoire to new levels as many web and social media sites provide instant access for his fans to stay connected to his music and the explosive world-wide popularity of the ukulele.
As a true ukulele virtuoso he sums it up by saying….. “My ukulele expresses every word and emotion. I love to create and share my musical journeys for everyone to enjoy”.
Official website: http://kaleigamiao.com/ |
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Taimane Gardner
At the age of five, Taimane (“DIAMOND”) held her first ukulele and began her future in music performance.
At the age of 12 she began raising money for the homeless by playing on the streets of Waikiki with local beach boys backing her up. She was discovered by the great legendary singer Don Ho, and became a featured performer in his show for 5 years!
From there, her popularity grew and Taimane has since performed in NY, Chicago, Paris, Vegas, California, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Africa, New Zealand and Samoa.
She has played at private shows for Mr. John Travolta, George Clooney & Steven Seagal. And she has opened for CHICAGO, Chris Isaak, C&K, Earth, Wind, & Fire, and His Holiness Dalai Lama.
Taimane’s music and playing style is very original with her unique ability to morph genres from Classical music to Rock to Flamenco. “Led Zeppelin Meets Beethoven” is a crowd favorite. Her stage presence is extraordinary and has captivated audiences around the world.
Official Website: http://www.taimane.com
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Dr. Trey
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.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctortreymusic
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Apirak Sirinanthakul (Thailand)
Apirak is among the pioneer ‘ukulele players in Thailand when it first officially came to the country in 2009. Beside having an important role organizing many ukulele events in Thailand with Ribbee (Kamaka dealer in Thailand), Apirak is considered to be the best finger style ukulele player in Thailand. His style got inspiration from Ohta-san who is the reason that he started playing ukuleles.
Currently, Apirak release 2 albums, “Blueberry Sky” featuring his original instrumental tune and “Live at Ribbee”, a live version of his first album. Throughout his ukulele musician career, Apirak has performed in festivals and concerts in Hawaii, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Philippines and Thailand.
When he’s not on tour, he performs several gigs in Bangkok as well as working with mainstream musician on ukulele projects. Beside ukulele, Apirak owns two massage shops. On his free days, people usually find him playing relaxing ukulele tunes for his customers.
http://www.teamkamaka.com/index/endorsements/apirak.html |
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