Kazuyuki Sekiguchi

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.

Iwao

In 1989, demo tape he send to the record company has opened the door of debut by major record company, Columbia Records. He has released 9 albums as singer song writer. IWAO met guitarist, Yoshiyuki Sahashi in 1991, was introduced to 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 the 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 as Herb Ohta, Herb Ohta Jr. and Jake Shimabukuro. In 2006, released an album “ Hawaiian Morning” by Geneon Entertainment has co-featured Kazuyuki Sekiguchi of Southern All Stars, Japan’s highly known Kumuhula and Singer Sandii and fast breaking Hawaiian Duo Laula. IWAO as guitarist, enthusiastically supports the concert and recording for Shinji Hara, Shintaro Moriyama, Ketsumeishi and various arena.

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.

Kiyoshi Kobayashi

Born in Mitaka-City,Tokyo, 1955. Went to classical guitar class in 1968.

Kiyoshi started his professional music career in 1975 backing up musicians such as Mr.Wataru Takada and Mr.Kenichi Nagira, and recorded on Wataru Takada & Hilltop Strings Band's debut record "Bourbon Street Bruce". This same year he also became a Jazz guitar teacher at Musashino Music School and taught there for 8 years.

Kiyoshi joined the "Tokyo Hot Club Band" in 1985, released a CD and mainly toured abroad in England, France, Austria, etc. He established the Ukulele band "Savavian Cafe" in 1994. Kiyoshi taught ukulele to 120 students at "Taito Nature Sound Forum 98" produced by Taito-ku Cultural Sports Association and lead their concert with Gonchichi in success. He also learned Hawaiian music from Mr.Yuki 'Alani' Yamauchi, one of the leading Hawaiian musicians in Japan. In 2002 Kiyoshi released the ukulele album "It's Only A Paper Moon" which incorporated a selection of Django Reinhardt songs. He also released a gypsy swing guitar album called "Ces Magnific" that same year.

Kiyoshi is the head of the ukulele teachers at Kiwaya Ukulele School now, publishes how to play ukulele books, and also supervises "Ukulele Orchestra of Japan". The orchestra is composed of only ukuleles, and they had their own concert in 2009.

Bill Tapia

Born in Honolulu, 1908. Bill is the oldest professional musician, became 102 years old on January 1st this year.

Bill started playing ukulele since he was 7 years old and started his professional music career in the Vaudville Show when he was 10 years old. He joined the Johnny Noble Band as a banjo player when he was 16 years old, and also played at the opening ceremony of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

After the WWII, he moved to the west coast, he played with historical stars such as Louie Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley. For many years Bill played only guitar, and it wasn't until the age of 94 that he started playing ukulele again. He released 4 solo ukulele CDs and continues to tour and play energetically. Bill made a successful Japanese tour in the summer of 2009, and he enchanted many a Japanese ukulele fan.

Lyle Ritz

Lyle Ritz firmly owns the right to be called an ukulele legend. He was one of the first to record and treat the ukulele as a bona fide jazz instrument. The ukulele is often considered a novelty instrument when in its usual Hawaiian surroundings, but Lyle Ritz never felt that way. Born in Cleveland, OH, Ritz studied violin and tuba as a child. While attending college in California, he found a job at the Southern California Music Company in Los Angeles. Working in the "Small Goods Department" meant he took care of harmonicas, accessories, and the instrument that was to become his love, the ukulele. It was the '50s and he started by playing the hits of the day and some novelty numbers. Guitarist Barney Kessel was also working as an A&R man at the Verve record label at the time, and when he heard Ritz playing live he quickly signed him. Verve released Ritz's albums How About Uke? in 1957 and 50th State Jazz in 1959. The albums did well in Hawaii but failed to get much attention on the mainland past hardcore jazz collectors. Ritz gave up playing the ukulele professionally and switched to bass.

Ritz experienced a steady stream of work during the '60s and '70s as a session musician in Hollywood. Herb Alpert's "Taste of Honey," the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," and the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" are just three of the 5,000 recordings that feature his bass playing. Ritz later found work in the world of television and film, and his bass was part of the soundtrack to The Rockford Files, Name That Tune, and Kojak, to name just a few. The only work he found with his ukulele was when he was hired to play the parts Steve Martin would pretend to play in The Jerk, but his fandom in Hawaii was slowly growing. Ukulele player and record producer Roy Sakuma hunted Ritz down in 1985 and brought him to the islands for a festival. Ritz had no idea his Verve records were the stuff of legend in Hawaii, but it did influence him to return to the festival during the next three years. In 1988 Ritz decided it was time to "retire" to the islands with his wife, but he still kept up his playing; Roy Sakuma Records released Ritz's third album, Time, that year. In 2004, Verve reissued How About Uke? Currently living in Oregon, he continues to play his favorite tenor ukulele with his unique style of chord soloing.

Ohta-san (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.

Roy Sakuma

Roy Sakuma is recognized as Hawaii's foremost ukulele teacher and proponent of the instrument. Innovative, inspirational, warm, funny and kind are all words used to describe Roy. In over 30 years of teaching the ukulele, he has been all of these things and more in his role as teacher, producer, promoter and inspiration to thousands of students and the island community that benefits from his talents. For over three decades, with the help of his staff, he has spread the joy of the ukulele, teaching students and promoting the annual Ukulele Festival that now draws performers from around the world.

Chris Kamaka

Natalie Ai Kamau`u

One of Hawaii's best kept secrets, Natalie Ai Kamauu, proves she is no stranger to Hawaiian music. Natalie started turning heads when she was just a teenager, singing alongside her father, Howard Ai, for Halau Hula Olana. It wasn't long before Natalie began stealing the show. Although she garnered the coveted title Miss Aloha Hula, it was her angelic voice that really caught people's attention.

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 will be celebrating his 20th Anniversary in the music industry.

Anthony Leonard

AJ Leonard has been playing the ukulele since his days with Yasmin & the Tealeaves, a popular cult band from Melbourne in the 1980's. With invaluable tuition from veteran uke player Bernie Mulcahy, he incorporated the ukulele into the repertoire alongside his other instruments the guitar and mandolin. During this period A J was one of only a few ukulele players in Australia.

AJ Leonard is a writer/performer whose music shows his passion for the human condition reflected in songs about nature, travel and love. His instrumentals capture life's bittersweet journey.

AJ Leonard's debut album is entitled Tales From the Tropics. There is romance in Meet Me In Hawaii, upbeat harmony in Away From It All, nostalgia in Makawao, and poignancy in the journey along The Road To Hana. This recording while mixing the old with the new is a melting pot of traditional Hawaiian melodies, laidback west coast America, Tin Pan Alley and contemporary groove; only in Australia could these elements be re-worked to produce a truly original and fresh approach. AJ's latest recording is entitled 12 Seasons: 12 Two-Part Preludes for the Ukulele.

The first installment of American Songbook is a 4 track CD featuring Over the Rainbow and The Impossible Dream. The EP was co-produced by AJ's performing partner David Billings.

Holunape

"Holunape” began with an audition for a steady performance at the Willows Restaurant. The group claimed victory of the competition and played at the Willows for the next two years. At the time Kama, Kekoa, and Kanai‘a were members of the group formerly known as Kilinahe. Kilinahe was a reflection of their music. A soft and gentle rain that is light and refreshing. Much like the nahenahe music they are used to playing. Eventually, Kilinahe decided to go it’s separate ways. The remaining trio realized they needed to change their name. With the help of Mr. Kihei DeSilva, a new group was born, Holunape. In 2004, Holunape entered and took home top honors at Ka HImeni `Ana, an acoustic singing competition held at the Hawai`i Theatre. They completed their debut album, entitled He `Olu in December of 2005. He `Olu received recognition for Best Traditional Hawaiian Album of the Year at the 2006 Hawai`i Music Awards. In June, Holunape took home two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. They received the highly regarded award, Best Use of the Hawaiian Language, and also named the 2006 Group of the Year.

Manoa DNA

Consisting of father and two sons, Manoa DNA (Dad, Nick & Alex) is one of Hawai'i's hottest bands. Starting in 2005, Manoa DNA has two original albums to their credit ("Follow Me," 2006 and "No Place Like Home," 2008), along with several singles and theme songs. They are also entering their third year in association with Hawaii Tourism Japan, touring Japan and bringing Aloha with them. They are honored to be apart of this wonderful event for a second consecutive year, and look forward to performing with all these great musicians!

Pali

PALI is the multiple award winning Contemporary Hawaiian group known for their harmonies, onstage antics, arrangements and musical prowess. PALI was the pace setting act at the 2009 32nd Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Award show, winning Album of the Year, Island Music Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Band leader and composer, Pali T.W. Ka`aihue studied a wide range of guitar styles and techniques which he's transfered over to `ukulele as well. His guitar lessons included sessions with guitar virtuosos Steve Vai at his studio in L.A. and Joe Satriani. In 2008, one of his instrumental compositions was featured on the Grammy Nominated "Slack Key Kings Vol. II" CD. Aside from his musical contributions, Pali Ka`aihue and wife Sachiko Uchida have a weekly television program featuring all aspects of life in Japan, DOKO GA TV: JapanMania. Doko Ga TV airs daily on Cable network OC16 as well as online via www.oc16.tv, dokoga.tv and youtube.

Joy

Super Keiki

Jody Kamisato & Chris Salvador

A former student of ukulele masters Jake Shimabukuro, Troy Fernandez, Peter Moon and Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios, Jody Kamisato is quickly becoming one of Hawaii's most prolific ukulele instructors and musician. In 2007, Jody opened his own ukulele school called Ukulele Hale located on 12th Ave. in Kaimuki and taught with ukulele prodigy Jake Shimabukuro at the Ukulele Academy. He recently founded "Ukes on the Loose" an outreach ukulele program bringing quality ukulele instruction to schools throughout Hawaii. With a DVD entitled "Island Style Ukulele" and numerous tours to Japan, Jody is looking forward to spreading his love and passion for the ukulele around the world.

Chris Salvador is becoming one of Hawaii's most dynamic and versatile ukulele players to hit the music scene. At just 16 yrs. old, he has accomplished more than most aspiring ukulele players and musicians can only dream of. Chris is the current 2008 Aloha Tower Marketplace's Ukulele Contest winner beating out 21 other contestants and will represent the Aloha Festival in 2009. Chris is also the 2007 Dukes Ukes Contest winner capturing 1st place and taking home the grand prize.

Kalei Gamiao

Dreams can come true. For 22-year-old Kalei Gamiao, his newly released album, Kalei, has its roots in classes taught by some of the most extraordinary Hawaii musicians including Dreana Kane, Alfred Canopin, Gordon Mark, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong, and Kimo Hussey. At the age of 13, Kalei suffered an sport injury to his left arm and was unable to play any sports for an entire year. After a few months had past, Kalei’s parents saw an ad in the local newspaper for ukulele lessons. It was then that Kalei found his passion for music and the ukulele. Since then Kalei has won numerous ukulele contests and is called to perform at different venues. To enhance his musical passion as performer, composer and arranger, Kalei is currently enrolled in the Mele Program at Honolulu Community College to get his degree in Music Business and Audio Engineering.
Kalei’s dream of releasing a CD has become a reality in this album with a contemporary-classical flair. In Kalei, you will experience what radiates from within this young man as he showcases his passion for this simple four-stringed instrument in original compositions and well-known standards. Kalei has had the honor of being nominated for “Instrumental Album of The Year” in the 2009, Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and has recently had the honor to opened for world famous actor/comedian Bill Cosby at the Bill Cosby Show in Janurary, 2010.
“I am honored to have my album produced by Aaron Kimura and to have such great guest musicians; Gabe Baltazar, Robert Shinoda, Dean Taba, Michael Grande, Garin Poliahu, Aron Nelson, Leslie Kline, and Jon Porlas. I hope to one day show the world what this little four-stringed instrument is capable of and also to share the gift of music with others because it is the one thing that brings us all together.” And when you speak to this soft-spoken young man with eyes that reflect the joy of music, you know it comes from his heart.

Wave Trio - Kunia Galdeira, Sonny Rim, Kevin Kealoha

Kunia Galdeira　(Ukulele,Vocal)

Kunia Galdeira　was born in Honolulu on Novenber13,1963.He was raised most of his life on the west side of Oahu. A little place called Ma`ili. As a young child he have always enjoyed art and music, more so art. At the age of 13, he started to play ukulele. At the age of 17,he had his first band. Since then he have played at many different functions and private parties.Kunia feels very fortunate to have come from a very musical family. His grandfather is the late Gabby Pahinui from his mother's side. Her name is Elizabeth A Phinui. Growing up, they always go to parties at Gabby's house and at that time he wasn't really interested in Hawaiian music. That all changed when he moved from Ma`ili to Waimanalo in 1979 with Gabby.He realized what he missing and and how beautiful Hawaiian music was. Unfortunately.he passed away a year later. Kunia always remember him saying to him "play the way you feel" from the heart. He graduated at Kailua High Schoolin 1981.Currently he is with Tihati Productions also playing music 4nights aweek at the Four Seasons Resort on the Big Island since hotel's opening. Also he played all the major hotels on the Kohala Coast. The Hilton Waikoloa.The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, Maunakea Beach Hotel, Hapuna Prince Hotel, Kona Resort Hotel and many other restaurant etc...He recorded and produced his first album in 1996 titled Kunia "The Bay" it has Hawaiian, Country, Ballads, Reggae and some original songs. Currently, he is working on his second album.Some of his accomplishments includes winning the 1996 Hawaii Music Awards for Hawaiian and Contemporalry Album of the year and producing and recording his first album. Kunia was invited to play at this Award Banquet with his uncle Martin and Cyril Pahinui.

Sonny Lim ( Guitar,Vocal)

Elmer Lim Jr., better known as "Sonny" was born and raised in Kohala. Music was a part of his life from a young age. It came to him naturally as a gift the playingOf the Ukulele, Guitar, Upright bass and later the Vibraphone and Steel Guitar.Highly influenced by Fred Punahoa and Gabby Pahinui he really enjoys playing Slack Key Guiter. He was given a Steel Guitar as a youngster by Uncle Sonny alapai of Pu'uanahulu and startsd to play it all the time. It led him to play the Steel Guitar with Makaha Sons Of Ni'ihau from 1975 to 1978. In 1977 The Lim Family began their recording career and that led to three Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for "Most Traditional Hawaiian Album of the Year" for 1981 and 1982 and 20years later the 2002 "Group of the Year". In 2003 he was part of a compilation CD called "Slack Key Yolume2" which took the top honors for the first ever Grammy Award for "Best Hawaiian Music Album" on February 13, 2005. He released a new solo CD entitled "Slack Key Guitar The Artistry of Sonny Lim" which was nominated for the 2006 Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on Febuary8, 2006. He currently performs 3 nights Solo at the Maunalani Bay Hotels Canoe House Restaurant and 3nights a week the Traditions Hawaii at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel's Reef Lounge.

Kevin Kealoha (Bass,Vocal)

Growing up in Waimanalo on Oahu, Kevin Kealoha started his music career in the fourth grade.He joined the Waimanalo Keiki Chorus, which was led by Noelani Mahoe and Keiki Chorus in the making of two albums Kevin was fortunate tohave recorded those albums with musical greats such as, Arthur Issacs and Harold Kumuole.As Kevin grew up, he continued to play music and played with Genoa Keawe, Moe Keale, Makaha sons and Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Kevin traveled the world with the Hawaii Visitors Bureau, spreading the aloha spirit to countries like, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Korea and Hong Kong, Kevin went on to produced his own CD in 1995With his band Free & easy called simply Hawaiian, which consists of all Hawaiian music. Kevin continues to play Hawaiian music at the Four Seasons Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii and is in the process of releasing another CD.