How this page works: I list the latest Hawaiian music CD releases, and the Hawaiian music concerts for the ensuing two week period around the world. I also list new concerts that I hear of, no matter when they are, to give those of you out there a "head's up" to get those front row seats. If you're looking for other concerts, or for gigs, you can use the Dakine Online link at the bottom of my page.

What's new? Well, in 1997 it looks like there will be a lot of Keali'i Reichel mainland appearances! A new CD is expected in the spring. I will bring you the details as I get them. The O'ahu Ho'omau concert is also scheduled below, and it will give you a rare opportunity to hear Kekuhi Kanahele, whose stunning debut album was recently released. Last year I picked Keola Beamer's Moe'uhane Kika as my CD pick of the year for its clarity, its quality, and its class. This year I choose Kekuhi's Hahani Mai. If you have any interest whatsoever in Hawaiian music I would urge you to treat yourself to this CD. Make sure to read the liner notes while she's singing -- she has a rare talent for personalizing each original song. I can't imagine anyone else covering her music, it's that personal and that extraordinary. She's a sure bet for multiple Na Hoku Hanohano nominations, but why wait that long to discover her music?


Recordings

[ In Dis Life CD cover ] Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, In Dis Life (Big Boy Record Company BBCD 5903) One of the most highly awaited releases of the year! Israel delivers traditional Hawaiian and contemporary Hawaiian music with the best of them. He soars through an effortless Hi'ilawe, gets the blood pumping with Living in a Sovereign Land, and glides through 'Opae E. Fans will want to rush out and get a copy. Musicians are top quality, including Mel Amina, Del Beazley, DJ Pratt, Kimo Cornwell, and Dave Inamine, but sadly, the liner notes, while they detail the musicians, don't include lyrics. Other songs include In This Life, Johnny Mahoe, and The Fly. Click here for a sample!

O'Brian Eselu, Ke Kumu (Hiki No Records HNR 0001) Yes, this is _the_ kumu hula O'Brian Eselu, showing off chanting and a variety of singing styles. Purists will appreciate the two chants, O Ua Ao and Keahi Alapa Kukuhi Ulu i Kalani, as well as a beautiful rendition of Pua Ahihi and contemporary songs like I Want to Get Next to You with the Ka'au Crater Boys and John Cruz. A nice sampler CD.

Hulu Lindsey, Ku'u Makana Aloha (Kahulu Productions KPCD 1001) Beautiful old- style songs reminiscent of Auntie Genoa. Songs include Po La'ila'i, Ka'iulani, and Kahulumealani.

Ho'opi'i Brothers, Na Mele Henoheno (Poki Records SPCD 9057). This appears to be a re-release of some classic Ho'opi'i Brothers music. You'll enjoy 'Ekolu Mea Nui, Pu'uanahulu, Hawaiian Cowboy, Hasegawa General Store, and others.

Waltah Boy!, All in One Package (WRCD 001). This is a CD with an endearing twist; rather than having to guess which type of music style each song falls into, the type is listed right after the song title (Hoy, O'Brian, you listening?). You can listen to Midnight Passion Party (Hawaiian Reggae), Wailana (Hawaiian Ki ho'alu), and, of special interest to you Punana Leo parents, there is a beautiful rendition of the Punana Leo song (Hawaiian).

Hawaiians Unlimited, On the Rock (Pacific Paradise Production PPP1000). A few Hawaiian songs on this mostly contemporary CD. Songs include Na Pua O Kohala, Beautiful Kaua'i, Gilligan's Island, and a very unusual version of Johnny B. Goode.


Concerts

December 17 (Kona) John Keawe at the Kona Library from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30. Free.

December 19 (Waikoloa) John Keawe at the King Shop from 6 - 8 p.m.

December 20 Kekuhi Kanahele at Borders Waikele at 9 p.m. Free. Go, go!

December 20 (Hilo) Israel Kamakawiwo'ole at the Naniloa Hotel at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. A benefit for Hawai'i Community College. Tickets available at Hawai'i Naniloa Hotel, MJS Music, Ken's House of Pancakes, Blane's Drive-In, Firehouse Restaurant, and the HCC Student Government Office. $12.50 advance, $15 at the door.

December 20 Kekuhi Kanahele in concert at Borders Waikele at 8 p.m. Free!

December 20 and 21 (Lahaina) Willie K and Harold Kama Jr at the World Cafe from 9:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.

December 21 Harold Kama Jr at Center Stage at Ala Moana Shopping Center from 2 - 2:30. Free.

December 21 Kawika Kahiapo in concert at Borders Waikele at 4 p.m. Free!

December 22 A Makaha Sons Kalikimaka at the Pagoda Hotel with the Makaha Sons, Robi Kahakalau, and Cyril Pahinui. $35 with dinner buffet (from 5 - 8) and $18 for show only (9 - 10:30). Info: 948-8370.

December 22 Nona Beamer performing from her new CD at Borders Waikele at 2 p.m. Free!

December 22 (Kona) In Concert! John Cruz, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Ka'au Crater Boys, and Pa'ani Pila at the Kona Surf Hotel at 2 p.m.

December 22 Randy Lorenzo, Martin Pahinui, and Wade Cambern 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Pier Bar, Aloha Tower Marketplace.

December 24 (Kohala) John Keawe at the Bamboo Restaurant from 7 - 10 p.m.

December 27 (Kohala) John Keawe at the Bamboo Restaurant from 7 - 10 p.m.

December 28 (California) Willie K and Harold Kama Jr. at the Normandie Hotel and Casino in Gardena. Time TBA. Info: Malosi Taeleifi at 909-606-9494.

December 29 (California) Willie K and Harold Kama Jr at the Cannibal Bar at the Catamaran Hotel, San Diego. 7 and 9 p.m. Info: Malosi Taeleifi at 909-606-9494.

December 31 New Year's Eve with Na Leo Pilimehana and Brother Noland, at the Hawaiian Waikiki Beach Hotel, Captain's Table. $65 includes meal. Info: 922-2511.

December 31 Don Ho at the Hana Hou Showroom, Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. Dinner seating 8 - 9, show at 10. Dinner $75, $37.50 (keiki); cocktails $50, $25 (keiki) Info: 931-3009.

December 31 (California) Willie K and Haorld Kama Jr. at the Raddison Hotel, Sacramento. Info: Aunty Vi 510-487-4194.

December 31 Butch Helemano from 8:30 at Gordon Biersch, Aloha Tower Marketplace. No cover. Info: 599-4877.

January and beyond:

February 16 The O'ahu Ho'omau concert in its tenth year! Last year's concert sold out the Waikiki Shell. This year's concert will feature (so far) Na Leo Pilimehana, Kekuhi Kanahele, Ka'au Crater Boys, and the Lim Family. Other confirmations are pending. I will let you know when the program is finalized and when tickets will be available.

February 28 and March 1 The Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts in association with the Whittier College Hawaiian Islanders Club brings Hapa to the stage. Both shows are at 8:00PM and tickets will be $20.00 until 12/31/96 and will be $29.50 after that. Info: 310-907-4203.


Gigs

See the Dakine Online concert schedule at:

http://www.interpac.net/~nahenahe/concert.html


See you in early January (maybe a little delayed due to the holidays)! A hui hou--

--Susan
susanj@lava.net

*** change your bookmark! ***

Like Hawaiian music? Find out the latest concerts
and releases on Susan's Hawaiian Music Page, now at:

http://www.nahenahe.net/susanmusic/current.html or

http://www.interpac.net/~nahenahe/susanmusic/current.html



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