 This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we’re hosting a CD release party for Kamakakehau Fernandez.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Ryan Kamakakehau Fernandez was a six-week old African American infant when he was adopted Robyn Nae'ole of Maui, Hawaii. It is there that his new family and home shaped “Kamaka” into one of Hawaiʻi’s newest and most refreshing talents.
Kamaka’s education played a huge part in his love and appreciation of Hawaiian culture and music. He is a graduate of the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program (Kula Kaiapuni, King Kekaulike High School) and is proud to be a fluent speaker of the Hawaiian language. As he studied – and lived – Hawaiian culture and language, a new-found love emerged from within as he became enamored of the ʻukulele and the art of leo kiʻekiʻe (falsetto) singing. He was the 2003 winner of falsetto legend Richard Hoʻopiʻiʻs Falsetto contest, (part of the annual Aloha Festivals celebrations) and from that point on, Kamaka continued to astonish audiences with the range of his voice, the strum of his ʻukulele, and his heart…which is truly Hawaiian. As Kamaka states, “I love my mom, my ‘ohana, my friends and this wonderful culture that I was lucky enough to be immersed in. Hawaiʻi is my heart and soul.”
Kamaka was one of the featured performers on 2004ʻs “Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest Winners – Vol. 5” CD. His long-awaited debut album, "Wahi Mahalo," produced by multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano (Hawaiian Grammy) Award-winner Dave Tucciarone, is the culmination of his love for music and melody, and a way of expressing his appreciation and thanks for his ohana.
Join host Tony Solis (and some special guests!) for Kamakaʻs CD release party at Pakele Live! Thursday, April 19 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 a family-style 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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Kamaka Fernandez CD release - woot! (Pakele)
Posted - 04/18/2012 : 7:57:06 PM
