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lynn
Lokahi
289 Posts |
 Posted - 07/13/2011 : 11:58:40 PM
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 This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis our guest is Kuana Torres Kahele of Nā Palapalai, who is celebrating the release of his wonderful new debut album, “Kaunaloa.”
(We will also host, for a short set before the regular program, an award-winning band from Korea called the Ukulele Picnic!)
Kuana was born on the slopes of Mauna Kea in Hilo, Hawai'i. He began composing, arranging and playing traditional Hawaiian music at an early age. Coming from an impressive lineage of musicians including Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln, Victor Kala, the Lim Family and George Holokai; Kuana seemed destined for a life of traditional Hawaiian music. He was inducted at 15 by renowned Kumu Johnny Lum Ho as one of his permanent musicians for Halau Ka Ua Kani Lehua. Eighteen years later, Kuana still returns when needed to play for the Hilo halau.
In 1995 Kuana, with Kapulanakehau Tamure, formed the multi-award winning Nā Palapalai. The duo gained critical acclaim for reviving Hawaiian classics, as well as for their original, new compositions. From the meteoric rise of their debut CD, Makani 'Olu'olu, the group has maintained a prominent presence in both the local and international hula and Hawaiian music scene. Although still young, their contribution to hula is significant. To this day, Kuana's original, "Ke Anu O Waimea" is the most popular hula song in Japan, home to over 10,000 hula halau groups.
Still in his early thirties, Kuana has over 15 years of professional experience in the industry. Fans know him for his incredible vocal range, while fellow musicians seek him out for his arranging skills and songwriting abilities. In 2009, he co-founded Hulu Kupuna Productions, an independent record label devoted to producing original, high quality Hawaiian music.
“Kaunaloa,” Kuana’s debut solo album, contains a collection of original songs he wrote that represent his life's journey for the past 15 years. In his words, “It speaks to the individuals that I have been fortunate to learn from and to love. It honors my lineage and the places from where my 'ohana has come: the great valleys of Waipi'o and Waimanu, the last Hawaiian fishing village of Miloli'i.” The album has been receiving critical acclaim since its release, topped Billboard’s World Music chart, and was quickly moving up its “Heatseekers” chart of all albums combined (from every genre!), weighing in at #24 in its debut week!
Opening the show will be a highly popular, award-winning band from Korea called Ukulele Picnic. Formed by Byung-Hoon Lee, who is famous for his work as a music director in many films, and singer TJ who is known for many ukulele hit songs, the band is the first ukulele band in Korea. Their debut album was released in June 2010 and became a huge hit. Vocalist Jinah Kim has since joined the band, and the three will perform a short set beginning at 6 pm.
Join host Tony Solis for Pakele Live! on Thursday, July 14 from 6:00-8:30pm 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, no reservations are required 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 created especially for Pakele Live! (and available only during the show), with prices ranging from $5 to $16. Drink specials are also available. Validated valet parking is only $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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hwnmusiclives
`Olu`olu
USA
580 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 03:32:19 AM
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Ana's album has dropped to #2 on the World Music chart this week but has gained from #24 to #9 on the Heatseekers chart. For his talent, devotion, artistry, and humanity, the gentleman deserves every success he receives.
If you did not tune into Pakele Live last evening - regardless of your time zone - you missed out on one of the greatest performances of Hawaiian music ever. If you prefer sleep to Hawaiian music, we need to talk.
Remember that the editors of Pakele Live cut down these 2-hour performances to a mere 30 minutes for TV. So even if your friend burns you a DVD of the broadcast from their DVR, you have likely missed the best material. These performances are truly live. So the next time an artist deserving of our support makes an appearance, please consider making an appearance for them.
~ Bill
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Edited by - hwnmusiclives on 07/15/2011 03:32:34 AM |
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markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 07:25:56 AM
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I had a good excuse for not watching Kuana's performance. I was at Don Quixote's in Felton, California (you remember Don Q's don't you, Bill) watching a truly delightful concert by Kupaoa along with two extraordinary Kumu Hula, Frank Akima and Eleena Helenihi.
I can only imagine how great Kuana's performance was. His CD is just magnificent. One of the best ever as far as I'm concerned. A total tour de force, not only displaying his enormous talent as a singer but his beautiful poetry as well. I know Kumu Hula everywhere are hard at work doing choreography to the music on this tremendous CD. |
"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
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Kuana Torres Kahele (Nā Palapalai) - Pakele Live!
