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tafkam1
Lokahi
USA
320 Posts |
 Posted - 07/24/2009 : 06:04:29 AM
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From my blog (http://mitchchang.blogspot.com/):
Probably the thing I like to do most in my shows is getting people to work together that don't normally get the opportunity to do so even when in Hawaii. This is not done in a random let's-throw-something-together-and-see-if-it-sticks kind of method. No, it is definitely thought out. Like when I gathered together Barry Flanagan, Jeff Peterson and Jim "Kimo" West to play as a trio for the 2009 SoCal Slack Key Festival, it was definitely a first for them and while they were unsure of how it would work out, I was confident that as top notch musicians, they'd pull it off and they did and it was a big hit! When I spoke to John Cruz last night he echoed those sentiments as we talked about how he gets to play with Hapa and Ledward on the current tour and how that would probably never happen in Hawaii due to schedule conflicts.
It was no problem putting together the "house band" for the 2009 Aloha Falsetto Festival (Jeff Peterson, Bryan Tolentino, Alika-Boy Kalauli IV) to back up Pomaika'i and Uncle Richard. Jeff hadn't played with Bryan or Alika prior to this but all three had a familiarity with Pomai's and Uncle's music already or had already played for them on separate occasions. But for backing Leokane Pryor, I had an idea that he and CJ would sound really good when matched with Aunty Geri and Carole's harmonies and that suspicion proved correct when we gathered for the 1st rehearsal with the four of them at Delzano's last Thursday. I appreciated Leokane's trust in me that I knew what I was doing and I'm glad he was happy with the result as was the audience! Here's an amusing interview with him prior to coming to California and meeting his backing musicians. http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_12841742
Speaking of unique musician ensembles, you will definitely see this at the upcoming 3rd Annual Southern California Slack Key Festival! Tickets on sale now at www.socalslackkeyfest.com
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Mitch Chang
http://www.kalakoa.com/
http://www.ukulelewebsite.com/ |
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Steven Espaniola
Lokahi
225 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2009 : 09:40:19 AM
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| Mitch, you've always had a keen eye for unique musical pairings! Not only that, your falsetto and slack key festivals have proven to be so innovative that they continue to be the benchmark events for other promoters. It was a privilege for me to be a part of the inaugural slack key and falsetto festivals. Keep up the great work! For those of you who haven't experienced a Kala Koa event, your doing yourself a disservice. Make the trek to Southern California and experience history in the making! |
Steven |
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tafkam1
Lokahi
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2009 : 05:43:34 AM
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| Mahalo for the kind words Steven! It was such a pleasure having you around, you're a fun dude and your support definitely helped make those events a success. Hope to catch up with you soon in the Bay Area! Hope to see more of you NorCal folks down here for the 2010 SoCal Slack Key Festival - got an awesome lineup in store for you! |
Mitch Chang
http://www.kalakoa.com/
http://www.ukulelewebsite.com/ |
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Unique musician groupings
