[E kala mai for the late word - been really windy up hea in da country (Hau'ula) for da past week+, and my internet/cable keeps going out!]
This week’s guest on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis is steel guitar master Greg Sardinha. Born and raised on O’ahu, Greg first learned to play electric organ (a la the Doors) in the late 60’s. As a young teen, rather than selling cookies or any of the other traditional methods of raising funds to support their baseball team, he and his team mates sold tickets to dance concerts where the team itself provided the musical entertainment. Among his team mates? Ben Vegas, Mike Kaawa and the late Mackey Feary.
Greg later became interested in the Hawaiian steel guitar, after befriending the son of the late Hawaiian steel guitarist, Barney Isaacs, Jr. He often attempted to play the steel guitars that were in the family’s home, so Barney gave him a few tips which inspired him to study the instrument formally. He enrolled in lessons sponsored by the Hawaiian Music Foundation and received a music scholarship to take private lessons from the late great Master of Steel Guitar, Jerry Byrd.
In addition to steel guitar, Greg also learned to play regular guitar and ‘ukulele, and is accomplished in all. He has contributed to numerous recording projects with a variety of artists and genres, including traditional and contemporary Hawaiian, reggae, country, folk and jazz. He has recorded with local artists such as Ku’uipo Kumukahi, Sean Na’auao, Cyril Pahinui, Kalapana, Na Leo, Darrin Benitez, Karen Keawehawaii , Cecilio and Kapono, and others, as well as mainland/international artists such as Tim Coffman, Jim Messina, Renn Loa (of the Netherlands), and more.
Greg released his first solo album in 2006, entitled HAWAIIAN STEEL VOL 4 – Artistry of Greg Sardinha, on which he plays ‘ukulele, guitar and Hawaiian steel guitar. He now has six HAWAIIAN STEEL CDs to his credit involving recording artists Alan Akaka, Casey Olsen, Bobby Ingano, Paul Kim, Duke Ching and others. He also has a recording studio called “sma`Kine Recordings” and owns Keala Records.
Tony is on vacation for a few weeks, but join our guest host Amber Stone for Pakele Live! on Thursday, March 10, from 6-8 p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). There is no cover or minimum, although your purchase of two drinks, soft drinks, or food will help ensure the continuation of the Pakele Live! concert series. All ages are welcome, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana Shopping Center.
You may also watch the show live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/
(You may email the show at pakele @ lava.net – mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!)
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