Aloha mai kākou,
This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we feature the group Hi’ikua, with Blake Leoiki-Haili and former Pilioha band members Kamuela Kimokeo and Kalehua Krug!
Kalehua, co-coordinator of a program called Ho’okulaiwi for MedT (a masters of education in teaching program) and who will soon receive his PhD, is known musically for his falsetto, which is reminiscent of Dennis Pavao. He is also known as a prolific songwriter in the Hawaiian language, having composed five of the songs being recorded on Hi’ikua’s upcoming album. His lyrics have been used by other well-known Hawaiian artists, including Amy Hanaiali’i, who has recorded four of Kalehua’s songs (including one that was nominated for a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for Song of the Year!).
Kamuela, a new daddy, a graduate assistant at Ho’okulaiwi, and soon to begin the Education PhD program at UH, grew up in a musical family (his father Kimo was part of the group Kahali'a, that performed at the Hawaiian Regent/Waikiki Beach Marriot for 20 years) and has been mentored by many of Hawai’i’s greats, including Ledward Kaapana, Jerry Santos, Genoa Keawe, and Dennis Kamakahi, among others. He was featured on the Grammy nominated and Nā Hōkū award-winning album "Slack Key Kings Vol. II" with an original slack key song entitled Holomoana. He has also written one of the original songs to be featured on Hi'ikua's up-coming album.
As part of the group Pilioha (with former member Glenn Mayeda), Kalehua and Kamuela took first place at Ka Himeni Ana in 2006. The release of their self-titled debut album “Pilioha” in 2007 earned them 2 nominations at the 2008 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, for Most Promising Artist and Group of the Year.
Following Glenn’s departure from Pilioha, Blake joined the group and the new trio changed the group’s name to Hi’ikua. Blake began playing music at a young age, befriending Kamuela while both attended King intermediate and often joining Kamuela's dad on stage at the Hawaiian Regent. That experience helped him develop a great love for the music of the Kahauanu Lake Trio, as well as the music of George Helm. Blake also has a very versatile voice, giving him the ability to sing songs from many different genres.
Join host Tony Solis at Pakele Live! on Thursday, July 29 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 or soft drinks helps 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/
(If you watch online, please 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.!)
|
Hi'ikua (Pilioha), Pakele Live, 7/29, 6-8pm
Posted - 07/29/2010 : 12:33:55 AM
