This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we’re hosting a special ʻUkulele Christmas show featuring Kalei Gamiao, Kimo Hussey, Chris Salvador, Aldrine Guerrero and other special guests.
A fast-rising star in the ‘ukulele world, Kalei Gamiao’s 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.
One of the four authors of the now-ubiquitous “He Mele Aloha – A Hawaiian Songbook” (a.k.a. “the blue book”), Kimo Hussey began playing ʻukulele at age 5. The ʻukulele was so common in Hawaiʻi he initially took it to be a toy, and from his initial exposure to the present, ʻukulele has always been fun for Kimo. Music became a serious interest in junior high school, where he got involved in band, glee clubs and organizing musical combos. This continued through high school and college, resulting in a Bachelor of Arts degree in music (choral conducting). His degree, plus his relevant experience in music, taught him that there is no substitute for organized, effective practice. Combining that with his love of ʻukulele (and guitar) brought fun to his many practice sessions, and as he continued to nurture his interest and knowledge, he also embraced teaching as a means of sharing and helping others enhance their own interest in music and ʻukulele.
After retirement from the Air National Guard, Kimo recorded an ʻukulele CD (Eminent Ukulele), co-authored the He Mele Aloha songbook, and participated in the inception of the non-profit Pacific Music Foundation, whose mission is to facilitate music that soothes. Pacific Music Foundation produced a CD entitled Ho’omalie - Only You for the purpose of portraying Hawaiian music in a soothing style.
Years of musical experiences teaching and playing throughout the world have consistently shown Kimo that what he most enjoys about music and ʻukulele is being a part of music’s creative process, and he continues to participate in a number of projects to further that process.
Chris Salvador is a former member of the award-winning group Heart & Soul, a singer-songwriter, and a student in the MELE (Music & Entertainment Learning Experience) Program.
Aldrine Guerrero is an accomplished ʻukulele player and instructor at ʻUkulele Underground (with 17,000 members world-wide), as well as co-owner of Town Hero Records.
Join host Tony Solis for this special Pakele Live! on Thursday, December 15 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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