Hiroshima headlines Pacific Rim Jazz Festival
Hiroshima headline the inaugural Pacific Rim Jazz Festival
Hiroshima headline the inaugural Pacific Rim Jazz Festival
Heard on PRI’s The World – Each year, Hawaii’s Ukulele Festival attracts thousands of people from around the world. Lately, the instrument is seeing a resurgence, thanks in part to musicians like Jake Shimabukuro, who headlined the 40th Annual Ukulele festival.
Heard on PRI’s The World – When Hawaii’s highest musical honors, the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, were announced in 2008, Kealii Reichel won another Hoku, this time for Best Music Video DVD of the Year.
Heard on NPR – Ever since Lyle Ritz recorded the world’s first jazz ukulele album more than 50 years ago, he’s been called the “Father of Jazz Ukulele.” He recorded his latest CD, “No Frills,” all by himself on his laptop computer, playing both ukulele and bass.
After years of fighting to establish a Best Hawaiian Music Album category at the Grammy Awards, the winner of the first Hawaii Grammy sparks controversy.
Heard on NPR – Nona Beamer dedicated her life to preserving Hawaiian culture. She was a gifted storyteller, hula dancer, songwriter and teacher. Her legacy continues to touch many people today.
Heard on NPR – Hawaii is home to a legendary musical family –the Pahinui’s. Gabby Pahinui is called the “Father of Modern Slack Key Guitar.” Since his death in 1980, three of his sons have been carrying on his musical legacy. One of them is Bla Pahinui.
Heard on NPR – Billy Higgins was one of the most recorded jazz drummers in history. He also nurtured a new generation of musicians and co-founded “The World Stage,” a cultural center in Los Angeles.
Heard on NPR – Hapa is the Hawaiian word for half, and it’s often used to refer to someone of mixed race. Hapa is also the name of one of Hawaii’s most popular bands. The musicians chose the name because one is a native Hawaiian and the other a native New Yorker. (Profile of the founding members of Hapa.)
Heard on NPR – Hawaiian slack key guitar master Keola Beamers takes you on a magical journey with his music and CD “Moe`uhane Kika – Tales from the Dream Guitar.”
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