This week Pakele Live! with Tony Solis presents a dual CD release party with Brad Kawakami and Kawena Mechler. Special guests include Jeremy Hirokawa, Rio Saito, Kalei Gamiao, and Majestic 3 (Dennis Keohokālole, Warren Makekau and Moke Alimoot). Among those backing up Brad and Kawena are Herb Ohta, Jr., Chino Montero, Shawn Livingston Moseley, Eric Folk, Rodney Bejer, Roy Hamada and Tiffany Bollinger.
 In the late 1990's, after discovering the same musicality as his family, Brad began his music career. He founded Kalakoa, a local contemporary Hawaiian band, and Sam's Garage, a local alternative rock band. Brad then joined Backyard Paina, a local band who performed at venues all over the island of Oahu. Deciding to focus on his career in graphics, Brad left the music industry in 2006 to concentrate on No'eau Productions, a business he formed that specialized in music entertainment, graphics design and photography.
In early 2007, Brad was drawn back into music when he joined the award winning band, PALI. In 2009, the band released “PALI ...With Aloha,” a double CD set featuring a new selection of songs as well as a remastered "Best Of" CD with new performances, for which both the album and the members of PALI won several Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. In late 2010, Brad left the PALI band to pursue a solo career. “Kaohu” is Bradʻs debut solo album.
 Born and raised in Hawai'i, Kawena's journey began years ago when she started dancing hula. She is a professional dancer and performs with some of Hawai'i's top artists in Hawai'i and around the world. She currently teaches hula, and her company, Kahiapo Talent, is responsible for booking many talented artists and dancers from Hawai'i. She is also owner of Hula Baby Hawaiʻi, a company that produces beautiful faux floral hairpieces.
Kawena has always had a passion for music and Hawaiian culture. She originally started writing songs to express her creativity and to produce music that she wanted to listen to. That expression led her to record "Salty Kisses," a CD that highlights her diverse songwriting skills and melodic voice. "Salty Kisses" is Kawena's debut solo recording.
Join host Tony Solis for this special Pakele Live! Thursday, March 29 from 6:30-8:30pm 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 available only during the show, with prices ranging from $6 to $16. Happy hour drink specials are also available. Validated valet parking is $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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CD Release Party Brad Kawakami & Kawena Mechler
Posted - 03/29/2012 : 12:51:43 AM
