Category: Music

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NEW SHOWS FOR EX-‘5-0’ STARS

Scott Caan, one of the  former co-stars of “Hawaii Five-0,” has been cast in Netflix’s new film, the sequel to “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” set to begin filming this summer. This film will be one of Caan’s biggest since he mostly does TV shows. However, specifics about his role are unknown.

Meanwhile, Daniel Dae Kim’s Amazon Prime Video spy-thriller, “Butterfy,” will flutter in a streamer set to premiere Aug. 13. The former star of such TV faves like “Lost,” “Five-0,” and “The Good Doctor,” will have the lead role as David Jung, a former U.S. intelligence operative who emerges as a prime target, in the six-episode thriller adapted from a graphic novel from Arash Amel and Marguerite Bennett.

While Caan’s role has not yet be defined, he will be in Dave Fincher’s follow-up to Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 flick, which starred Brad Pitt as the stuntman Cliff Booth, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Pitt will return to the sequel, which also stars Leonardo DiCaprio  as the fading movie star whose film double is Pitt. Margo Robbie will appear as Sharon Tate, whose stardom grows with the Manson Family lurking in the background.

Daniel Dae Kim headlines Prime Video’s “Butterfly” streamer, beginning Aug. 13.

The “Butterfly” project includes co-star Reina Hardesty as Rebecca, with Piper Perabo, Louis Landau, Kim Ji-hoon Park Hae-soo, Kim Tae-hee, Charles Parnell, Sean Dulake and Nayoon Kim also featured…

Father’s Day events

The Makaha Sons will headline a Father’s Day concert and buffet June 15 at Mango Street. Gail Mack and Gordon Kim will be the opening act.

The Makaha Sons perform Father’s Day at Mango Street Grill.

Doors open at 5 p.m. for the buffet dinner, which will be available from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. The performances will follow.

Cost is $82 per person for adults, $41 for youths 3 to 9, and free for children 2 and younger. Pre-sales continue through June 12, at (808) 627-5451, for reserved seating. All sales are final.

Augie T and Andy Bumatai will entertain dads at Blue Note Hawaii.

Comedians Augie T and Andy Bumatai will be featured in a Father’s Day brunch show, at 1 p.m. June 15 at Blue Note Hawaii.

Doors open at 11 a.m. for beverage and food service.

Admission is $56.47 for premium seating, $45.70 for loge and bar area seating; the cost includes fees and tax.

Reservations: www.bluenotehawaii.com or (808) 777-4890…

Broadway grosses, for the week ending June 1

“Good Night, and Good Luck” remains the sole $4 million club production on the Great White Way, for the week ending June 1.

The  Top 10:

1—”Good Night, And Good Luck,”  $4.246 million

 2—”Othello,” $3.550 million

3—” Wicked,” $2.302 million

4—”The Lion King,” $2.008 million

5—”Glengarry Glen Ross,” $2.005 million

6—”Hamilton,” $1.926 million

7—”The Picture of Dorian Gray,” $1.457 million

8—”Aladdin,” $1.366 million

9—” Death Becomes Her,” $1.346 million

10—“Sunset Blvd.,” $1.253 million

The complete list, courtesy the Broadway Guild:

And that’s Show Biz…

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AFTER-PARTY FLAVOR AT LEI DAY

Billed as the Hawaiian Airlines May Day Concert, last night’s Lei Day extravaganza at Bishop Museum was sort of an after-party for core performers at the recent Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo.

Indeed, Robert Cazimero and his hui of kane dancers in his Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua  swept the ‘auana and kahiko categories in the prestigious hula competition last weekend. A few numbers were repackaged for the Lei Day audience to examine and experience HNKOL’s signature choreography.

Robert Cazimero, at his white grand piano, festooned with yellow plumeria.

Clearly, some of the memorable Merrie moments still were swirling in the audience and it was Zachary Lum, Keauhou member, who wisely opined that Lei Day felt more like an “after -party” following Na Kamalei’s victories in Hilo.

Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua, doing hula kahiko at Lei Day “after party.”

For kumu hula Cazimero, this year marks the 50th anniversary of his leadership in training hula gents, and nostalgia was part of an unstated ingredient of Lei Day. Thus, appreciation and gratitude of his own kumu way back in the day — Maiki Aiu Lake—  still resonated, even if he has potential  to become his generation’s Maiki in theory and in practice.

Cazimero, on pahu.

At 76, Cazimero’s leadership and integrity have shaped his mission in life –  he lives and breathes hula to the max, teaching men to tell stories of life through song and dance—for more than half his life. Na Kamalei always has been a rarity, boasting men who not only dance, but sing mele and chants in Hawaiian.

But a new breeze of teamwork has been evolving in recent years.

Keauhou, the trio comprising brothers Zachary Alaka‘i Lum, his brother Nicholas Keali‘i Lum, and their Kamehameha Schools classmate Jonah Kahanuola Solatorio, have   become Cazimero’s “house band,” providing splendid vocals and instrumentals. In select instances, the Lum bros dance, too – they are Na Kamalei regulars and versatility is in their DNA. Keauhou’s excellence in traditional Hawaiian mele is admirable. And Zach’s leadership and performance traits could make him a kumu over the coming years.

Zach Lum and Nick Lum: Keauhou members who also do hula.
Kuana Torres Kahele

The death of Roland Cazimero, Robert’s inventive brother whose guitar skills and harmonics were key to the duo’s sound, left a void for several years. But for several months now, Kuana Torres Kahele  — himself a prolific trouper, who sings, composes songs, and plays ukulele and guitar, and fashions lei in-between — has enriched  the Caz sound. Kahele, a guest artist,  soared in his segment with Keauhou, rendering  beautiful mele like “Ke Anu O Waimea” and “’Ohu ‘ohu O ‘ahu,” two place songs, plus “E Ku‘u Lei,” with Cazimero joining in to fortify and punctuate the duet format.

Kaipo Hale

For special events like Lei Day, Cazimero tapped his  lifetime best-buddy Kaipo Hale,   to continue to join the Caz brand, as he previously has done. He brings the riches of a robust baritone voice and composing vibrancy to the party. Hale shared “Pauoa Hula,”  about his home community; his “Pua Melia ‘Ala Onaona” brought the Royal Dance Company  to the limelight; and his “Huapala Maka Onaona” featured Na  Kamalei. Natch, Keauhou, Cazimero and  Kahele provided support.

Alin “Gunny” Hanzawa

Two halau gents had solo dance moments.  Alvin “Gunny” Hanzawa, no longer a regular but still savvy of the skills he learned, flew in from California to participate,  a rare Japanese hula dancer. And veteran Keola “Bully” Makaiau, clad in the silver-grey  hinahina, had a solo moment with power and grace, unlike his often comedic participation in the monthly Full Moon concert gig with his kumu at Chef Chai’s.

Keola “Bully” MakaiU

Other guest dancers were Kina and Kalani, so there was no shortage of kane hula, and four veteran kumu including Vicky Holt Takamine, showed the audience how the old-timers swished and sashayed with traditional decorum to share their artistry.

On a tune entitled “Ka Lehua I Milia,” Cazimero reached upper-register notes to provide his, and the evening’s, most melodic and trusty tones, belting lyrics while at his grand piano.  It was the peak — the high point — of the evening’s cadence between ‘auana and kahiko gymnastics.

The finale, “Lei Puakenikeni,” tapped everyone in the cast, combining singers and dancers and musicians in uniformed bonding, like threading puakenikeni blossoms to create an immense, fragrant lei.

And that’s Show Biz…

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JAZZ QUARTET TO HONOR GOLSON

The Honolulu Jazz Quartet, led by bassist John Kolivas, will present a free concert at  7 p.m. Sunday (April 27) at the Musicians Assn. of Hawaii at. 949 Kapiolani Blvd.

The event, featuring guest guitarist Robert Shinoda,  will be a tribute to Benny Golson, a jazz tenor saxophonist, composer and arranger, who died at age 95  on Sept. 21 2024 at his home in Manhattan.

Besides Kolivas, current HJQ members are Tim Tsukiyama, saxophones; Dan Del Negro, piano; and Noel Okimoto, drums.

Benny Golson, center, flanked by the Hooolulu Jazz Quartet, back in the day,


Golson is remembered for his contributions to the jazz canon,  including such compositions as “I Remember Clifford,” “Whisper Not,” and “Killer Joe. He also embraced a second career, composing and arranging music for television shows. He also made a cameo appearance in the film, “The Terminal,” that starred Tom Hanks.
Golaon’a ties with the HJQ date back to April, 2009, when he he joined the jazz quarter in a performance at the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Museum of Art.

The weekend concert will be at the Musician Assn.’s Studio 909.

A BYO beverage and food policy will be in effect.

Parking is free at the Music Assn.’s lot at 949 Kapiolani; entrance is through Waimanu St.

Avoid the ramp up leading to condo parking; if you park there, you will be towed.

Mack’s Mango jam coming up

Gail Mack

Singer-composer Gail Mack, who arranges periodic shows at Mango Street Grill in Wahiawa, has one coming up from 5 to 8 p.m. May 4.

Mack has corralled Lance Luke, Keith Hiraoka and Bobby Nishida for the show. Another gig will be held at the same time on June 8.

Reservations are necessary by calling Daryl at (808) 627-5451,

On the move

Two island news personalities are leaving local stations:

Eddie Dowd of Hawaii News Now (KHON, KGMB) is relocating to Massachusetts. The reason: to be close to his aging parents who are 91 and 75. No word yet if he’ll be doing news reporting on a Massachusetts station.

And Lia Kamana is ending her three-year stint with KITV (ABC here) to join a Fox News affiiliate, KPTV, in Portland, OR…

Bollywood and more

An evening of Indian song and dance will be held at 7 p.m. today (April 26) at the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Museum of Art.

The cultural event will feature a range of Indian artistry including classical, folk, and Bollywood dance and vocals. The performers are Sai Bhatawadekar and her team, augmented by guest artists from the University of Hawaii.

Spectators can join the performers by singing along, clapping and dancing.

For tickets,  visit https://honolulumuseum.org/events/360//kahani

And that’s Show Biz…

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HOKU AWARDS: THE NOMINEES, THE BUZZ

When you’ve been away from the Hoku Awards – formally, the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards – as I have, for several decades, the current final ballot is a stunner.

The Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts members now vote online – the final ballot was released yesterday (April 10) – via email.  The old-fashioned paper ballot is so yesterday.

I served on the HARA board of directors for the first 10 years, in the era of KCCN-AM deejays Krash Kealoha, Kimo Kahoano,  and Jacqueline “Skylark” Rosetti and station manager Ronnie Hope. I attended every awards night for 10 years, when arrivals of nominees were just as much fun as the show. Everyone looked forward to what Melveen Leed would be wearing, and what kind of zany commute Frank DeLima had planned.

The event now is in its 48th year, heading for the Big 5-0, and some reflections and observations are logical:

Jake Shimabukuro: He’s now a group.
  • Jake Shimabukuro, the ‘ukulele wizard is likely to pick up two disc-shaped prizes for Instrumental Composition and Group of the Year, with collaborator Mick Fleetwood (of Fleetwood Mac) Yes, he’s a group now.
  • There’s a scarcity of female singers; only three are nominated this year. Death has silenced the like of Auntie Genoa Keawe, Lady of Love luminary Loyal Garner, and Hawaiian/jazz stylist Teresa Bright.
  •  Mahi Beamer, a legendary Hawaiian trouper, died in 2017, and the release of his haku mele put him on the ballot belatedly.  He could win.
  • Marquee acts like Keali‘i Reichel, Robert Cazimero, Jerry Santos’ Olomana, and the Tita Melveen have pulled back their recording efforts, so chartbuster songs and allied concerts are virtually on pause.
  • Recording acts still release  CDs and DVDs, mostly sold by the acts, who are challenged to get noticed without the customary radio airplays in the past; music stores are gone, and even Costco also stopped selling recordings years ago.
  • Yet there are 32 categories in the HARA competition, indicative that the beat goes on. Academy voters have till May 2 to cast ballots. The Hoku event will be from 3 to 10 p.m. June 21, at the Hawaii Ballroom of the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel; for tickets, visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/48th-na-hoku-hanohano-awards

The full list of categories and nominees:

Album of the Year:

  • “The Islands Are Calling” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises) – Eric Lee & Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Producers
  • “Two Of Us” by Kailua Bay Buddies (Tin Idol Productions) – Gerard K. Gonsalves, Producer
  • “Where I’m Going” by Kala`e (Kala’e Parish Music) – Imua Garza & Kala`e Parish, Producer
  • “Kuini” by Kalani Pe`a (Peʻa Records & Entertainment) – Kalani Pe`a, Wailau Ryder, Michael Casil & Allan B. Cool-Peʻa, Producers
  • ʻMusic Manʻ by Kenny Tagavilla (Tin Idol Productions & Kenny T. Music) – Gerard K. Gonsalves & Kapena DeLima, Producers
  • “Many Feathers” by Seven Suns (Ineffable Records) – Seven Suns, Producers
  • “`Ano`ai” by Weldon Kekauoha (Ohelo Records & WAY House Entertainment) – Weldon Kekauoha, Producer

EP of the Year:

  • “A Cozy Christmas” by Brittni Paiva (Brittni Paiva Music)
  • “Blue Hilo Moon” by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings)
  • “Written On My Heart” by Jeff Rasmussen (Mango Tree Music Records LLC)
  • “Play Loud”, Vol. 1 by Kapena School Of Music (KSMCE Music Hub)
  • “Stewards Of The Earth” by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)

Hawaiian EP of the Year:

  • “Ho`i Ke Aloha” by Christy Leinaʻala Lassiter (Christy Leinaʻala Lassiter)
  • “Kauluwehi” by Gregory Juan (Kahikina Productions)
  • “Hawaii Island Mele” by Keoki Kahumoku (featuring Sonny Lim) (Hawaiian Harmonics)
  • “Hanohano Wailea” by Sandy Essman (Tin Idol Productions)
  • “Pahumoa” by Wayne Kamake`e`aina (Wayne K Productions)

Single of the Year:

  • “Don’t Let Me Fade” by Brittni Paiva (Brittni Paiva Music)
  • “Blue Hilo Moon” by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings)
  • “Gravity” by Gerard K. Gonsalves (Tin Idol Productions)
  • “Le Tu`una” Oe by Josh Tatofi (Josh Tatofi)
  • “Kickin’ Back” by Kala`e (Kala’e Parish Music)
  • “Killin’ Island Time” by Kala`e + Kalena (Kala`e Parish Music)
  • “Many Feathers” by Seven Suns (Ineffable Records)

Hawaiian Single of the Year:

  • “He Mele No Ka Pāo`o” by Gregory Juan (Kahikina Productions)
  • “Ka Leo Kupuna” by Hi`ikua (Kanemakua Records)
  • “Ho`omālamalama” by Kahiau Lam Ho (Kahiau Lam Ho)
  • “Keali`i: A Mele For King Kamahele” by Hoku Zuttemeister (Kaleiola Records)
  • “Pua Hone” by Sandy Essman feat. Kenneth Makuakane (Tin Idol Productions)

Christmas Single of the Year:

  • “This Christmas” by Brittni Paiva (Brittni Paiva Music)
  • “Let It Snow!” by Christy Leina`ala Lassiter (Christy Leina`ala Lassiter)
  • “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises)
  • “Noel” by Kenny Tagavilla & Sandy Essman (Kenny T. Music & Tin Idol Productions)
  • “My Christmas Wish” by Rasmussen & Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)

Music Video of the Year::

Hawaiian Music Video of the Year:

Instrumental Composition of the Year:

  • “The Secret Of Moloka`i” by Andrew Molina (Andrew Molina) – Andrew Molina, Composer
  • “Don’t Let Me Fade” by Brittni Paiva (Brittni Paiva Music) – Brittni Paiva, Composer
  • “Puddle Jumping” by Darrell Aquino – (Mana Recordings) – Darrell Aquino, Composer
  • “Kula Blues” by Jake Shimabukuro & Mick Fleetwood (JS Records/FortyBelow Records) – Jake Shimabukuro, Composer
  • “Mālie” by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music) – Kenneth Makuakāne, Composer

Song of the Year:

  • “Blue Hilo Moon” by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings) – Darrell Aquino, Composer
  • “Hanohano Kilauea Ku I Ka La`i” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises) – Eric Lee & Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Composers
  • “Le Tu`una Oe” by Josh Tatofi (Josh Tatofi) – Josh Tatofi, Composer
  • “Kickin’ Back by Kala`e” (Kala’e Parish Music) – Kala`e Parish & Craft Brewz Music, Composers
  • “Kuleana” by Storm (Tin Idol Productions) – Sandy Essman & Gerard K. Gonsalves, Composers

Female Vocalist of the Year:

  • Charly for “Charly” (Tin Idol Productions)
  • Christy Leinaʻala Lassiter for “Ho`i Ke Aloha” (Christy Leinaʻala Lassiter)
  • Sandy Essman for “Hanohano Wailea” (Tin Idol Productions)

Male Vocalist of the Year:

  • Darrell Aquino for “Blue Hilo Moon” (Mana Recordings)
  • Kala`e for “Where I’m Going” (Kala`e Parish Music)
  • Kalani Pe`a for “Kuini” (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
  • Kenny Tagavilla for “Music Man” (Kenny T. Music & Tin Idol Productions)
  • Weldon Kekauoha for “`Ano`ai” Ohelo Records & WAY House Entertainment)

Group of the Year:

  • Jake Shimabukuro & Mick Fleetwood for “Blues Experience” (JS Records/FortyBelow Records)
  • Kala`e + Kalena for “Kala`e + Kalena + Kalikimaka” (Kamakoa Productions)
  • Kapena for “Tribute” (Revive The Live)
  • Nuff Sedd for “Cup Of Aloha” (JPK Productions)
  • Seven Suns for “Many Feathers” (Ineffable Records)

Most Promising Artist of the Year:

  • Charly for “Charly” (Tin Idol Productions)
  • Isaiah Tavares for “Blessed Man” (Waianae Records)
  • Kahiau Lam Ho for “Ho`omālamalama” (Kahiau Lam Ho)
  • Kapena School Of Music for “Play Loud, Vol. 1” (KSMCE Music Hub)
  • Kawika Boro for “Ua Kō `Ia Iho Nō” (Zeo Music LLC)

Alternative Album of the Year:

  • “North Shore” by 808Imposters (Tin Idol Productions)
  • “The Ride” by Bad Papa (Bad Papa)
  • “Malama Aina” by Big Chief Thunder (Bamboo Room Recording)
  • “El Misfits: Elvilive” by El Sancho (El Sancho)
  • “Alter Natives” by Eric & Cathy Lagrimas (On The Up Records)
  • “Disasterville” by Eyes Of Red (Tin Idol Productions)

Anthology Album of the Year:

  • “An Anthology Of Love “30 Year Anniversary”” by Darrell Aquino (Daddy Leopard Records) – Darrell Aquino, M. Kalani Souza, Mark Caldeira & Michelle Aquino, Producers
  • “He `Umi Makahiki” by Institute of Hawaiian Music (Institute of Hawaiian Music) – Keola Donaghy, Producer
  • “”Ku`u Mana`o” by Kawika Kahiapo (Pono Records) – Kawaika Kahiapo, Producer
  • “Christmas Memories” by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music) – Kenneth Makuakāne, Producer
  • Timeless” by Maggie Herron (Herron Music) – Maggie Herron, Producer

Christmas Album of the Year:

  • “Slack Key For The Holidays” by Jeff Peterson (Jeff Peterson Productions)
  • “Kala`e + Kalena + Kalikimaka” by Kala’e + Kalena (Kamakoa Productions)
  • “Twas The Night Before Christmas” by Michael Chock (Seawind Productions)
  • “Sean & Mali’s Na’auao Christmas” by Sean & Mali’s Na’auao (Maliona Records)

Compilation Album of the Year:

  • “Ha`ina Ko Wehi: Celebrating West Maui in Mele” by Institute of Hawaiian Music UH Maui College (Institute of Hawaiian Music) Keola Donaghy, Joel Katz, Stephen Fox & Lance D. Collins, Producers
  • “Journey Through Hawai`i by Mana Music Quartet” (Mana Music LLC) – Kellen Paik, Producer
  • “Notes In A Bottle by Music Tech” (Music Tech) – Bailey Matsuda, Producer
  • “”Aloha Pauahi: Voices Of Legacy” by Various Artists (Kāhuli Leo Le`a) – Zachary Alaka`i Lum, Producer

Contemporary Album of the Year:

  • “Where I’m Going” by Kala`e (Kala’e Parish Music)
  • “Wild as the Wind” by Kenny Tagavilla & Sandy Essman (Tin Idol Productions)
  • “Timeless” by Michael Chock (Seawind Productions)
  • “Ryan Hooley” by Ryan Hooley (Ebb And Flow Records)

Contemporary Acoustic Album of the Year:

  • “Eclectic Much?” by Danny Johnson (Danny Johnson)
  • “Two Of Us” by Kailua Bay Buddies (Tin Idol Productions)
  • “Music Man” by Kenny Tagavilla (Tin Idol Productions & Kenny T. Music)
  • “Island Time” by Rand Anderson and Blue Grass Hawaii (Pumphouse Records)
  • “A Matter Of The Heart” by Rasmussen & Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)
  • “Prison Walls” by Ray Buddy Golden (Mana Music & Media)

Hawaiian Music Album of the Year:

  • “The Islands Are Calling” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises)
  • “Hoʻomālamalama” by Kahiau Lam Ho (Kahiau Lam Ho)
  • “Kuini” by Kalani Pe`a (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
  • “Lei Hiwahiwa“ by Madison Makanaokahaku Scott (Madison Makanaokahaku Scott)

Hawaiian Slack Key Album of the Year:

  • “Goin Home” by Apokolani (Ouli Wai/TryLookInside)
  • “By Special Request” by George Kahumoku (KFRC)
  • “Kiho`alu: Stories In Song, Vol. 1″ by George Kuo (Dancing Cat Records)
  • “Kī Hō`alu He Welo Aloha” by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)

Hip-Hop Album of the Year

  • “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Cedric Clinton & EDP-Beats (Chi Funk & Our Altered State Publishing)
  • “Priced Out Of Paradise” by Punahele & SoundGaruda (SoundGaruda/808)
  • “Love Letters II” by PK DREAMZ (PK DREAMZ)
  • “Nitty Gritty” by Thomson Enos & Ya’laam aka Wiz Hotep (THP)

Instrumental Album of the Year

  • “S-K2″ by Alexander Wong (Alexander Wong)
  • “Piano In Paradise” by Kaori Kawabuchi (THP)
  • “Relections” by Noah Plays Piano (Noah Hull)
  • “Press Start” by Console: The VGM Band (Tyranny Studios)

Island Music Album of the Year

  • “He Hawai`i Au” by Desmond Yap (Desmond Yap)
  • “Ua Ola I Loko I Ke Aloha” by Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus – (KSCC)
  • “Hawaiian Cowboy” by Slack Key `Ohana (Pacific Records)
  • “ʻAno`ai” by Weldon Kekauoha (Ohelo Records & WAY House Entertainment)

Jazz Album of the Year

  • “Mindful, Latin And Funky” by Dan Del Negro (Dan Del Negro Music)
  • “Pecking Order” by Jeff Gaeth (Puna)
  • “Hō`ihi” by Noel Okimoto (Noel Okimoto Music)
  • “Omniportal” by Peter Shaindlin & Jay Jaskot (Forward Records)
  • “Nago Blue” by Red Nova (Red Nova)
  • “Ho`okanikapila, Maui” by Tarvin Makia & Faith Ako (Faith Ako)

Metal Album of the Year

  • “Web of Fear” by Anxiety Suite (Tin Idol Productions)
  • “Shield of Honor” by Sacred Idol (Tin Idol Productions)
  • “Queen of the Vampires” by Storm (Tin Idol Productions)

R&B Album of the Year

  • “Hey Yo” by Johnny Valentine & Kailua Bay Buddies (StudioValentineOneMusic)
  • “Ua Kō `Ia Iho Nō” by Kawika Boro (Zeo Music LLC)
  • “deLUXE” by soLUXE (soLUXE Music)
  • “Hey Child” by Stephen Henderson (Ohana Records)

Reggae Album of the Year

  • “Bridges Not Walls” by Azato (Tree N One Records)
  • “Blessed Man” by Isaiah Tavares (Waianae Records)
  • “Tribute” by Kapena (Revive The Live)
  • ” Of Aloha” by Nuff Sedd (JPK Productions)
  • “Many Feathers” by Seven Suns (Ineffable Records)

Religious Album of the Year

  • “Free Inside” by Ben Borthwick (Koʻolau Productions)
  • “Acoustic Hymns O My Father” by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings)
  • “In The Moment” by Jonah Davis (Aʻo ʻUkulele Productions)
  • “E Ho`omana Kākou” by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)

Rock Album of the Year

  • “Coming Home” by Average Joes (Play That Disco Productions)
  • “Midnight Flames” by Masque (Masqued Melodies)
  • “A Tribute To Pat Benetar” by Sandemonium (Tin Idol Productions)
  • “Even The Good Die Young” by Stuart Hollinger (Independent)
  • “All Things I’ve Considered” by Zach Manzano (Audio Ramen)

‘Ukulele Album of the Year

  • “Generations” by Andrew Molina (Andrew Molina)
  • “Blues Experience” by Jake Shimabukuro & Mick Fleetwood (JS Records/FortyBelow Records)
  • “Resurgence” by Kris Fuchigami (Kris Fuchigami)

All of the categories above are voted on by members of the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts.

Adjudicated Categories

These are the catagories that are voted on by specialized members of HARA in instances of Engineering, Graphics, Haku Mele, Hawaiian Language Performance and Liner Notes.

Engineering– General

  • “Resurgence” by Kris Fuchigami (Kris Fuchigami)
  • Cody Matsuda & Kanoa Kūkaua for “Ka Huliau” by Mailani Maka`ina`i (Ninjas 808 Productions)
  • Imua Garza for “Heartache Anniversary” by Rocco Olmstead (Rocco Ryan Music)
  • Kapena De Lima for “Tribute by Kapena” (Revive The Live)
  • Michael Casil & Calvin Canha for “Cup Of Aloha” by Nuff Sedd (JPK Productions)
  • Seven Suns for “Many Feathers” by Seven Suns (Ineffable Records)

Engineering –Hawaiian

  • Dave Tucciarone for “Ho`omālamalama” by Kahiau Lam Ho (Kahiau Lam Ho )
  • Kenneth Makuakāne for “Kī Hō`alu He Welo Aloha” by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)
  • Keola Donaghy, Joel Katz & Wayne Kamake`e`aina for “Pahumoa” by Wayne Kamake`e`aina (Wayne K Productions)
  • Michael Casil for “Kuini” by Kalani Pe`a (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
  • Michael Grande for “Aloha Pauahi: Voices Of Legacy” by Various Artists (Kāhuli Leo Le`a)

Graphics

  • Dancing Hands Co. for “Aloha Pauahi: Voices Of Legacy” by Various Artists (Kāhuli Leo Le`a)
  • Daryl Fujiwara for “Kuini” by Kalani Pe`a (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
  • Marc C. Antosh for “Ha`ina Ko Wehi: Celebrating West Maui in Mele” by Institute of Hawaiian Music UH Maui College (Institute of Hawaiian Music)
  • Sam Seibert for “Learning to Die” by Sam Seibert (Sam Seibert )
  • Solomon Enos for “Journey Through Hawaiʻi” by Mana Music Quartet (Man Music LLC)

Haku Mele (Composers Award)

  • “Hanohano Kilauea Ku I Ka La`i” – Eric Lee & Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Composers from “The Islands Are Calling” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises)
  • “He Aloha No Ka`ililauokekoa” – Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Composer from “The Islands Are Calling” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises)
  • “Ka Leo Kupuna” – Kalehua Krug & Kamuela Kimokeo, Composers from “Ka Leo Kupuna” by Hiʻikua (Kanemakua Records) 
  • “Ka Nani A`o Nihon” – Chad Takatsugi, Composer from “Ua Ola I Loko I Ke Aloha” by Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus – (KSCC)
  • “Leilehua Ke Kuini O Ke Kai (1955)” – Edwin Mahi`ai Copp Beamer, Composer from “Aloha Pauahi: Voices Of Legacy” by Various Artists (Kāhuli Leo Le`a)

Hawaiian Language Performance

  • “Ho`omālamalama” by Kahiau Lam Ho (Kahiau Lam Ho )
  • “Kuini” by Kalani Pe`a (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
  • “Lei Hiwahiwa” by Madison Makanaokahaku Scott (Madison Makanaokahaku Scott)
  • “The Islands Are Calling” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises)

International Album – Special Recognition Award

  • “Aloha from Iāpana” by Kentaro Tsushima (Kepani Records)
  • “Brand New Rainbow” by Ryo Natoyama (King Records)
  • “Hoa Lanihuli” by Kaulana (Kaulana)
  • “ʻUla” by Poma (Poma)
  • “Pick Them Up With Ukulele And Guitar” by Junichi Moriyama & Shota Hozumi ( Breeze And Tone)

Liner Notes

  • Lynell K. Bright, Chad Takatsugi & Selah Fronda for “Ua Ola I Loko I Ke Aloha” by Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus – (KSCC)
  • Michelle Aquino for “Blue Hilo Moon” by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings)
  • Pono Fernandez for “Many Feathers” by Seven Suns (Ineffable Records)
  • Riann Nālani Fujihara & Kalani Pe`a for “Kuini” by Kalani Pe`a (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
  • Vaea Iona, Kenny Tagavilla & Tia Tagavilla for “Music Man” by Kenny Tagavilla (Tin Idol Productions & Kenny T. Music)
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ALIIS LEADER JOE MUNDO DIES AT 83

Entertainer Joe Mundo, who was the leader of The Aliis – the group supporting Don Ho –died Wednesday  (April 2) while in the hospital, in Auburn, WA.

His son Mark Mundo said his dad had heart issues but ultimately died of kidney failure.

Mundo was 83 and a 1960 graduate of Farrington High School.

Joe Mundo

“He had a long, successful life,” said Mark, who remembers the time he spent with his dad and The Aliis on tour.

“It was pretty cool, hanging out in the summers. My dad was resilient and persistent and fun to watch,” he said.

Mundo played keyboards in Ho’s performances, a talent nurtured while he was a student pianist at Farrington. Mundo often put a comedic spin with The Aliis.

“It was a whole culture, watching and touring with the group,” said Mark. He was inspired to work in several rock groups but never turned professional in music. “I stopped touring with the group when I turned 18 and was hired by Hawaiian Airlines.”

Joe Mundo, in comedic mode with a floral headpiece, played keyboards with The Aliis.

He described his father as “a kind soul, very strong, and a good dad and husband. The time I spent with him as a kid was the best.”

Arleen Laimana, a longtime friend of Joe (they both attended Kalakaua Intermediate School in Kalihi), said she got an unexpected  phone call from Mundo on March 14. “He told me he was calling to say goodbye,” she said. “What do you mean?” she asked. “My body hurts all over,” he said. She concluded, about the phone comments, that “Joe had a weird sense of humor.”

The Aliis last performed in a reunion concert in 2017 In Los Angeles and rehearsed at Laimana’s home in Torrance.

Mundo, at left, with Don Ho, center, and the original Aliis.

Mundo was in Honolulu for the unveiling of Don Ho’s statue at the International Market Place, an iconic location where Don Ho and The Aliis were the main nightlife attraction at Duke Kahanamoku’s. The supper club no longer exists.

“I miss the guys and the touring,” said Benny Chong, the original guitarist of The Aliis who has navigated his career as a jazz ukulele virtuoso since retirement. “But the guys are scattered all over, and I hate to drive at night (to make the gigs). We had so many memorable good times together.”

Mark is the lone survivor of his family; his mom Patricia died in 2014.

Services are pending but will be private. “My dad wanted something simple and private; his ashes will be scattered off Waikiki, just like my mom’s,” he said…

And that’s Show Biz…