Leokane Pryor's Maunahele CD Re-released

The Honolulu Advertiser's Wayne Harada writes, "He's blessed with a gorgeous falsetto that soars where rainbows arch the skies..." A limited release in 2001 created quite a stir in the Hawaiian music world. The Mountain Apple Company is proud to re-release Maunahele and share the talents of this exciting newcomer with fans new and old. If you didn't get your copy of the CD at the 2009 Aloha Falsetto Festival in Redondo Beach, be sure to order one HERE

It was such a pleasure having Leokane at the last Aloha Falsetto Festival - what a warm and pleasant person to have around, not to mention, a GREAT entertainer! Definitely one of the highlights of the show, it makes me proud to have him as a friend. Do yourself a favor and check out his music today!

Pomaika'i Keawe Lyman Podcast Interview

Had a great time last night visiting the studio of the Hawaiian Concert Guide, a podcast dedicated to the music and culture of the islands of Hawaii (Hawai'i). This includes Hawaii musical instruments such as 'Ukulele, Ki Ho'alu (Slack Key), Kika Kila (Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar), the Upright Bass and Pahu (Drum) as well as the singing styles of Leo Ki'eki'e (falsetto) and the Ha'i (glotto stop) style of singing. They also help publicize special concert performances as they occur on the mainland U.S.A. and around the world. To listen to the interview, click here.

Granddaughter of the late, great Aunty Genoa Keawe, Pomaika'i Keawe Lyman shares some of her favorite songs with us, live, over the internet airwaves and explains what it was like growing up with and learning from her world famous and beloved tutu. The interview was scheduled to help promote the upcoming Aloha Falsetto Festival happening July 18th at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach, CA. This will be the 2nd Annual celebration and the only gathering of Hawaiian falsetto (leo ki'eki'e) artists outside of Hawai'i. Pomaika'i is one of the special featured artists in this year's lineup which includes Hawaiian music Grammy winners and nominees all on one stage, plus hula, Hawaiian food, arts and crafts vendors, and more. Honoring one of the world's great ethnomusical traditions, the first-ever "Aloha Falsetto Festival" on the US mainland July 2008 was truly an historic occasion and this year's program will not disappoint. The other artists who will be appearing:
· Richard Ho'opi'i - Two-time Grammy Winner
· Weldon Kekauoha - Most Promising Artist, Favorite Entertainer, Song of the Year
· Leokane Pryor - up and coming singer from Maui
· Kekaimoku Yoshikawa - kumu hula and falsetto singer in Southern California

Don't forget to check out the interview where we also get to know kumu hula Mohala Reese of Halau Hula Na Meakanu O Laka O Hawai'i, a wonderful supporter of the Hawaiian arts community here in SoCal.

ARTIST STEVE MEI AT PUKA GALLERY

Steve Mei has been a wonderful supporter of the Aloha Falsetto and the Southern California Slack Key Festivals in Redondo Beach.

He has been invited to showcase his highly stylized and distinctive works exclusively at Puka Gallery in Hanapepe, Hawai’i. The gallery is located on Kaua’i’s west side and is considered the island’s center for the visual arts.

Mei is an internationally collected artist best known for his evocative signature series titled: "Tropical Deco”. This series of works incorporates Mei’s stunning use of nostalgic island subject matter with bold, bright colors to create works both contemporary and traditional. Mei’s abilities as a graphic artist are also evident in his exquisite pen and ink renderings of island life.

Working primarily in gouache, acrylic and watercolor on acid free museum quality papers and boards Mei creates uniquely bold and distinctively beautiful works depicting his beloved Kaua’i and islands of Hawai’i.

Mei divides his time between Los Angeles, California and Kaua’i, Hawai’i where he had lived for many years and is returning permanently to Kaua’i. Mei is deeply respectful of the people and culture of Kaua’i and the islands of Hawai’i which is evident in every work he creates. Mei invites you to experience his Hawai’i through his captivating works of art.

For more info:
Ana Schutz/Chad Ulmer ~ Tel: 808/335-5306 ~ Cell: 808/652-9323 ~ Email: ana@episodeevents.com
Website: www.pukaboutiquegallery.com

Jeff Peterson Reflects on 2008 Aloha Falsetto Festival

With the 2nd Annual Aloha Falsetto Festival coming up in Redondo Beach this July, I wanted to share some of my experiences from the first concert.

I had a wonderful time performing in the "house band" with featured artists including Steven Espaniola, Gary Haleamau and Raiatea Helm. Each artist had their own unique style and dynamic on stage and the music felt very fresh and exciting because each group was essentially playing together for the first time. We were already familiar with the songs and had rehearsed on our own, but putting it all together backstage then sharing the music with such a receptive audience was amazing. I had already toured with Steven and Raiatea but it was my first show with Gary. What an incredible musician - a fantastic singer and a great guitarist whose talent really inspired the band to open up at let loose - what a rush!

I also enjoyed many of the spontaneous moments like the groove we broke into with Steven Espaniola on his original song "Hokulani" that got everyone dancing in their seats and Raiatea's idea to do "At Last" extra slow and bluesy. The energy of the crowd can really influence a performance and the reception we got pushed us to play our best.

I have to say that after being a part of both the Southern California Slack Key and Aloha Falsetto Festivals, the audiences have always been outstanding, the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is the perfect venue for these festivals with its phenomenal sound in the theater. The performers get the chance to meet the audience at each show in the huge lobby during intermissions and it seems the Hawaiian community in the area really supports each other and the artists who come up from Hawaii to perform. We also have had wonderful receptions before each festival at Duke's in Malibu or at the theater where the musicians can kani ka pila and talk story with the guests. That has been one of the highlights for me: just being together with so many of my friends and peers up there has been great.

I look forward to many more festivals at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center - it's like a home away from home for musicians here in Hawaii.

Mahalo nui loa to all those who have supported the concerts and have given their kokua.

A hui ho,

Jeff Peterson

To view a photo slideshow of the 2008 Aloha Falsetto Festival, please click here.

Hawaiian Music Survey

Earlier today I sent out a survey to those who have been coming to my shows - did you get the invitation email?

One of the big questions on the survey is "Thinking back to the Kala Koa concerts you've attended thus far, who has been your favorite artist?"

The responses so far have been in favor of:

Cyril Pahinui, Makana (2008 and 2009 Southern California Slack Key Festival participants)
Ledward Kaapana (Did a solo show for him in April of last year)
Raiatea Helm (2008 Aloha Falsetto Festival)

Another question - "Name one artist you would love to see in a future Kala Koa concert on the mainland" - got these names (top responses so far):
Koala Beemer (I think they meant Keola Beamer, not some cute little bear)
Cazimeros
Keali'i Reichel
Amy Hanaiali'i

Makana also scored high on this list too. It would be totally surreal to have Keola someday as he was one of the ones I really listened to a lot but have never had the chance to meet. Amy would be awesome to have as part of the Falsetto Festival but the Cazimero Brothers actually already come to California every year, as part of the Aloha Series at Whittier College and have been coming for oh, 15 years now? So I find it hard to believe that there are still a lot of people out there who don't know this.

If you've been coming to the shows but aren't on the email list yet please follow this link to participate in this survey and you might even win tickets for the July Festival!