This week’s guests on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis are the ever-popular Abrigo Ohana (6 p.m.), and 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominee Kalei Gamiao (7 p.m.).
 The Abrigo Ohana consists of Timi (age 14) on vocals, slack key guitar and ‘ukulele, Emily (age 11) on vocals and ‘ukulele, and Quinn (age 6) on pakini bass. These talented keiki are a hit wherever they perform, and their beyond-their-years-skills invoke a common refrain of: “They’re how old?” Influenced and inspired by guitar masters old and new, including Gabby Pahinui, Ledward Kaapana, George Kahumoku, Jr., Chino Montero and more, Timi continues to build upon his mastery of slack guitar on a daily basis. Emily’s biggest inspiration is the late Aunty Genoa Keawe, who she considers the best vocalist in Hawaiian music. A self-taught leo ki’eki’e (falsetto) singer, Emily’s performances of classics such as “I Kona” and “Alika” are sure to bring chicken skin! Young Quinn plays the bass line for his brother and sister, and more recently has been known to add a few vocals to the mix.
 Kalei Gamiao - who at the age of 20 released his debut album “Contemporary ‘Ukulele,” which garnered both a 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Award nomination and a live performance at the awards ceremony - is another young musician who inspires awe in those hear him play, especially for the first time. I like to tell the story of his performance at a large outdoor concert some months ago, where hundreds of people had gathered and were talking, laughing, eating and having fun – and not necessarily paying close attention to the musicians onstage. However, when Kalei began to play solo, a noticeable quiet descended over the crowd as they stopped to listen to him share his phenomenal musical talents. A composer and arranger who writes much of his own material, Kalei’s talent is quickly being acknowledged not only by fans, but also by some of the greats in Hawaiian music and beyond – a true compliment to any musician.
Please join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! this Thursday, June 25 from 6-8 p.m. HST at the Pakele Lounge in the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). It’s free, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana shopping center. Drinks are available for purchase, but as I’ve mentioned previously, the hotel is no longer serving food.
You may also watch live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/
Those in Japan can watch at: http://www.j-wave.co.jp/
(If you watch online, don’t forget to email the show at pakele @ lava.net to say hi and let us know you’re watching – and from what part of the world!)
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Posted - 06/23/2009 : 10:58:07 PM
