 Our guest this week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis is Brad Kawakami, who will be joined by Kalei Gamiao.
Brad began his music career in the late 1990's, after discovering the same musicality that was present in other members of his family. He founded Kalakoa, a local contemporary Hawaiian band, and Sam's Garage, a local alternative rock band. He then joined Backyard Paina, a local band that performed at venues all over the island of Oʻahu. Deciding to focus on his career in graphics, Brad left the music industry in 2006, but was drawn back in early 2007 and joined the award-winning band, PALI. In 2009, the band released “PALI ...With Aloha,” which won 3 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
In late 2010, Brad left the PALI band to pursue a solo career and is currently working on his solo debut album, due for release in early 2012. In the meantime, he has released a limited-edition single, "I Found My Love in Waikiki," an original song written by Brad. The CD also contains 2 bonus tracks.
In addition to playing solo, Brad also plays with other local bands and musicians, including: Ho'okani, Herb Ohta, Jr., Jon Yamasato, Scott Agena, Kalei Gamiao, Christian Yrizarry, David Kamakahi, Jeremy Hirokawa, Timmy Pajimola, Jennifer Perri and more.
 Kalei Gamiao is a fast-rising star in the ‘ukulele world. His musical journey began at age 13, following a sports injury that left him unable to play for a year. Searching for something to keep himself busy during his recovery period, he decided to give the ‘ukulele a try after his parents saw an ad for lessons.
Studying with the likes of Gordon Mark, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong, and Kimo Hussey (among others), Kalei began playing ‘ukulele in earnest and has since won a number of ‘ukulele contests. He released his debut album in 2008 (“Kalei Gamiao Contemporary ‘Ukulele Instrumentals”), a blend of original songs and well-known standards. The album was so well received it resulted in nominations for several Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 2009.
Since his debut album, Kalei has toured the United States, Japan, and Thailand and has also opened for world famous entertainer Bill Cosby. When not playing solo gigs, he is frequently asked to perform with other well-known musicians from Hawai’i.
Please join host Tony Solis as he welcomes Brad and Kalei to the Pakele Live! stage on Thursday, November 10 from 6:30-8:30p.m. HST at the Willows Restaurant (901 Hausten St., Honolulu). Those who are unable to attend can watch the live stream at www.pakelelive.com. (The show will also be edited for television and shown at a later date on OC16 TV and www.oc16.tv)
Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Doors open at 5:30.) Guests may choose from the full nightly buffet ($34.95) or an a la carte menu created especially for Pakele Live! (and available only during the show), with prices ranging from $5 to $16. Drink specials are also available. Validated valet parking is only $3.
Note: If you watch online, don’t forget to email the show at pakele @ lava.net and let us know you’re watching! Mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!
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Brad Kawakami w/sp. guest Kalei Gamiao - Pakele
Posted - 11/10/2011 : 12:08:07 AM
