ARTISTS

 

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KONA  

Born and raised in Waimanalo on the windward side of Oahu, Kona was destined to be a musician. Coming from a family of musicians, Kona knew at a very young age that this is what he wants to do. Growing up with cousins like Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and Melvin Amina from 3 scoops of Aloha, Kona had some awesome backyard jams. While attending Waimanalo Intermediate School, Kona learned how to play the drums, the first of many instruments. With his dreams of music, Kona was asked by his older brother to audition for the group, Tropical Knights. Kona, at the age of 13 played the drums for the members of the band and blew them away. This was the beginning of Kona’s music career.
            Now Hawaii’s own Solo Recording Artist “Kona” is out performing his music for people everyday. With his fresh sounding music, creative writing, and unique soulful voice, Kona hopes to take the world one song at a time...


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3 SCOOPS OF ALOHA

3 Scoops of Aloha, consisting of guitarist Mel Amina and bassist Analu Aina, was formed in 1982. Their musical influence is Gabby Pahinui, and their name means “more than enough aloha.”


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CHAD PULE DUO

Chad Pule was born on the west side of Oahu, he still calls Waianae home.  He graduated from Waianae High School and started a career in professional music.  He plays Hawaiian, contemporary, and oldies, but his roots are in Hawaiian music.  He plays bass, guitar, drums, ukulele and keyboards.  Reading the crowd and playing what they want to hear is his ideal method for a great show.  Chad is a pure Hawaiian musician.

 

 


 

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CHERI NAKAMURA

 

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DAVID ASING DUO

David Asing plays guitar, ukulele, bass, and vocals and Kapono Nailiili plays guitar and vocals. The Duo was formed in 2006 with a desire to present all types of Hawaiian music including traditional and contemporary.  David also plays regularly with the talented Kamuela Kahoano (guitar and vocals).  

 

 

 

 


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ELENA MARTINEZ T
RIO

 E Komo Mai....Come and enjoy the song, dance and storytelling of the gifted local performers known as The Elena Martinez Trio. Elena Martinez, an experienced vocalist, musician, hula dancer and producer is "ohana" (family) to  Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame HonoreeAunty Irmgard Farden Aluli. Elena is joined by talented musicians who enjoy sharing their kolohe(rascal) and nahenahe (sweet) Hawaiian Music with Ohana which includes  everyone!!!   The Elena Martinez Trio invites island residents and visitors to come and partake in our special Kanikapila (sing along -backyard) Style of fun!!

 


 

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ELLSWORTH SIMEONA - “ELLS

Ellsworth’s parents, both talented local singers, had him perform at family gatherings as a youngster.  His first solo gig was at the Kamehameha School’s Christmas concert.  Next he was a finalist on the TV show, “Hawaii Stars” and recorded the song, “One in a Million You” for their first compilation CD.
    On New Year’s Eve 2000, he launched his solo career at the Aloha Tower Marketplace event which was broadcast live nationwide.  He has been the opening act for Leeann Rimes and Willie Nelson.
    He has recorded 2 CDs – “Raised on Rice” and “Ells Let’s Do it Again.”  He sings and plays guitar to a wide variety of music from Hawaiian, contemporary to oldies, rock and roll and country.

   Ells is a full-time musician and performs weekly at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the Sheraton Waikiki, Tiki’s, Hula Grill, and Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore

 


 

 

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ERIC LEE

Eric Lee has been entertaining for over 15 years, displaying a wide range of diverse performances.  His repitoire expands from traditional Hawaiian to Hawaiian/Island Contemporary to Oldies, Country, and mellow Blues/Rock, giving the audience an opportunity to enjoy a little bit of almost everything.  Eric has accompanied hula dancers when the need has called for it, and even called up guest singers and musicians to treat the audience with a treat or two.  Eric has been involved with a number of groups over the years, recording albums along the way:  The Kanile'a Collection, The Ka'ala Boys, and currently 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano Award winning group, Na Kama.  As a member of Na Kama, Eric steers the band in the direction of traditional Hawaiian music with a twist of contemporary flair.  As the band's musical director and arranger, he strives to nourish the sound, ever growing, ever evolving here and beyond.  In this year, 2008, Na Kama celebrates their 10th anniversary in the Hawaiian music industry.  As a solo performer, Eric keeps the sound to a simple acoustic delivery...just a man and his guitar.  Yet, it has been well received by audiences all over Waikiki, commenting that Eric and his guitar delivers the performance to complete satisfaction, and the simple set-up of "a man and his guitar" are more than enough for an audience to enjoy!

 


 

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HOOKANI TRIO

Kaleo Titcomb, Micah Sadoyama and Ikaika Gonzales were just three homesick local boys at Pacific University when they teamed up to form Ho`okani.  During their time away from the Island, the three boys wrote all the original songs, and started jams sessions that quickly became popular among the Hawaiian students.  In November of 2002, Ho`okani released their debut CD “Cruising Wit Da Boyz.”  

 


 

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JOHN VALENTINE

Hawaii Music Award Winner John Valentine has spent most of his life entertaining in the heart of Waikiki .  He started his career during his college years while studying on a music scholarship.  From shows to nightclubs, John has become known as Hawaii ’s most versatile singer/musician performing a myriad of musical genres including Hawaiian, Jazz, Rock & Pop. Singing in Italian, Japanese, Hawaiian, Spanish & English, his ever-growing repertoire and diverse musical style makes him one of Hawaii ’s most sought-after entertainers.  

 


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KA’ALA BOYS

The Ka’ala Boys are a dynamic group of seasoned musicians led by George “Keoki” VanBlyenburg, lead vocalist, who composed most of their songs and plays ukulele.  Other band members include Kalei Kahalewai, on bass and vocals; Revelation Kalauli on drums, and Paul Dunlap on guitar and vocals.  The band has created five CDs – “Ka’ala Boys Now”, “Solid”, “No Doubt About It”, “Can’t Get Enough”, and released “The Best of Ka’ala Boys” , which features traditional Hawaiian songs mixed with contemporary musical sounds.

 


 

 

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THE KAHALEPUNA TRIO

 The Kahalepuna Trio is a distinct culmination of Hawaiian melodies and rhythms, uniquely blended into Hawaiian music as it is known today.  From the ancient Hawaiian vocal music known as mele oli to the traditional and sophisticated sounds of aloha this trio is the backdrop to the invoking drums of Polynesia culminating with the exotic and sensual dances of their cultures. Deeply rooted to the musical knowledge and heritage of Polynesia , the Kahalepuna trio and dance troupe continue to captivate their audiences here and abroad.  From the shores of Hawai`i , to Europe , Asia , Polynesia , Brazil , Canada , United States , Iceland , Australia , Middle East , Alaska , and many others they continue to be Hawai`i 's ambassadors of aloha.  E Haere Mai Tatou!  

 


 

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KELLY BOY DeLIMA   and `PENA BOY DeLIMA

Widely known as a founding father of island music, Kelly Boy Delima has undoubtedly earned a reputation as one of the best ukulele players to come out of Hawaii.  In addition to releasing 17 albums with his band “Kapena,” Delima has also performed throughout the United States and the South Pacific.  His solo album, “Jus' Kelly Boy,” which features remakes of golden oldies as well as original compositions, was nominated in 1999 for the distinguished Na Hoku Hanohano award in the "Island Contemporary Album of the Year” category.  His son, Kapena (a.k.a. ‘Pena Boy Delima) plays the keyboard and bass for “Kapena.”

 


 

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KELLY
DeLIMA O
HANA

Kelly Boy De Lima, lead singer and founder of one of Hawaii’s Premiere Island Bands, Kapena, has done it again, by re-inventing himself alongside perhaps two of the youngest singers and musicians in the islands – with son Kapena and daughter Kalena.  He stands as the core and ringleader of the threesome.

Ka Ohana De Lima or “The De Lima Ohana” started out as a duo with Kelly on ukulele and young Kapena De Lima on bass.  In the summer of 2005, Kelly introduced his daughter, Kalena, to the scene and a trio was born.  Recently, she was featured at Waikiki’s Sunset on the Beach with Hawaii’s Mayor Mufi Hanneman in attendance.  Traditional Hawaiian music with Island style flavor is what they enjoy singing as a trio.

 


 

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KIMO ARTIS D
UO

Formed in 2004 by Kimo Artis and Eric Lee, the talented Kimo Artis Duo incorporates guitar, bass and ukulele into its musical mix.  Kimo now plays with his brother Kai Artis and other talented local musicians giving the audience a taste of traditional Hawaiian and contemporary music.  

 


 

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LAWRENCE
K
IDDER

Lawrence Kidder has 16 years of professional experience in the music industry in Hawaii.  He comes from a family of musicians and entertainers.  Both of his parents, Arnold and Maxine Kidder, were well-known musicians and entertainers on Oahu.  He is blessed and fortunate to have had their talents passed on to him.Lawrence’s passion will always be to sing and perform Hawaiian music as it was taught to him by his parents and grandparents.  However, he also enjoys performing contemporary island music, ballads and rock music of the 70s and 80s.  

 


 

 

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MATTHEW SPROAT

 
Athough born and raised in Hau’ula, Oahu, Matt is from the famous Sproat family from North Kohala on the Big Island .  After graduating from Kamehameha Schools in 1990, Matt started performing in Waikiki .  In 1994, he boarded the S.S. Independence in which he was a full time Hawaiian musician with American Hawaii Cruises.  Among some of his accomplishments in Hawaiian music, his proudest moment came when he won the annual Big Island falsetto competition in 2003.  His voice is featured in the Aloha Festivals Falsetto Winners volume #5 CD produced and distributed by Hula Records.  Matt has traveled to London performing with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, and also travels regularly with Kumu Hula Blaine Kia.  He has spent the last fifteen years dedicated to mastering his craft as a Hawaiian musician specializing in the art of falsetto singing.  Matt has been taught by and has performed with some of the best musicians Hawaii has to offer, keeping with in the family tradition of perpetuating the Hawaiian culture through music.

 


 

 

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Nā Mea Hula O Kahikinaokalālani

(Karla Akiona’s Duo and Halau)

 Nā Mea Hula O Kahikinaokalālani (The Dancers of the Heavenly Rising Sun) started in 1983 under the direction of Kumu hula, Karla Akiona. We focus on preserving the Hawaiian dance, language and culture within the hālau by immersing the students in cultural teachings and giving them the knowledge and opportunities to implement and share the things they are taught. We educate the public not only through our performances of ancient/modern dance, but also through our narrations of cultural facts and stories.

This professional award-winning hālau performs for numerous private and public events, in venues both large and small. Whether it’s performing for world class events, conventions, state and local government officials, international/mainland visitors or local families and friends, each performance is customized for the audience and setting, keeping the integrity of the hula at its highest. On occasion, we travel for performances on the continental U.S. and Japan .  

 


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NIHOA

Mike Barques and Andrei Puchert make up the group NIHOA .  We are very proud to have a reputation as being reliable and professional musicians and entertainers and appeal to a wide audience range.  Our references consist of clients who have been repeat customers and who have recommended us to others.  Currently performing every Saturday evenings at the prestigious Royal Hawaiian Hotel MaiTai Bar  

 


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NOHELANI CYPRIANO

Recognized worldwide as one of Hawaii’s most gifted performers, Cypriano mesmerizes audiences at the hotel’s enchanting Banyan Court. Cypriano has traveled the world sharing Hawaiian contemporary music as a vocalist, keyboard player and composer.  She has recorded 12 CDs and has received Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for “Best Female Vocalist and “Contemporary Album of the Year,” as well as Hawaii Music Awards’ “Entertainers of the Year” while with a quartet of female vocalists called the “Local Divas.”    

 


 

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PETER MILO DUO

Peter Milo is 1989's Brown Bags To Stardom State Finalist Winner.  He released his debut recording, "Dedication" in winter of 1990.  Since then, Peter has traveled all over the country (including Guam and Japan), entertaining audiences at a broader level.  His incredible vocal range captivates audiences at every performance along with his incredible ability to connect with them, delivering a complete package of entertainment.  His partner, Eric Lee, shares the stage with his guitar instrumentations and vocal accompaniment, bringing the stage sound to full capacity.  Many watch in awe as they wonder how only two people (one of whom only sings) can deliver such a sound comparable to a full band!  

 


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RYAN TANG OHANA

Bassist Ryan Tang has been involved in the local entertainment scene for many years. Along with Ledward Kaapana and Alika Odom, Tang won a Na Hoku Hanohano Award for “Contemporary Hawaiian Album of the Year” in 1986 for his part in the hit album “Ledward Kaapana and I Kona.”  Ryan Tang performs regularly at the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel with his wife and son.  They share the sounds and beautiful hula of the islands with hotel guests.  

 


 

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SAM KAPU III

Born into a fourth generation of Hawaiian musicians, it is no surprise that Sam Kapu III has successfully continued the musical legacy of his family.  Kapu, who began singing and playing the ukulele at age seven, is known for his upbeat, contemporary Hawaiian tunes.  His first album “Sam Kapu III,” released on Bluewater Records, gained notoriety when it was nominated for two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 1994.  Kapu’s latest CD “Lineage,” which pays homage to his very talented family, was nominated for “Best Hawaiian Album of the Year” at the 2003 Hawaii music awards.  

 


 

 

 

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SEAN NA’AUAO

 

Sean Na'auao is a talented singer, musician, composer, producer that continues to work "outside the envelope" in the multi-faceted musical world. As a singer and musician, he has firmly established a successful island music solo career with such CD releases as "Giving Something Back," "Hawaiian Living," "Fish & Poi" (which earned him a prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano award for Island Contemporary Album of the Year), "Homegrown Hawaiian," and "Neutralize It" (which garnered another Na Hoku Hanohano award for Song of the Year "Ka Pilina"). Sean's island songs continue to set benchmarks for today's contemporary musicians and include "Drop Baby Drop", "Li Hing Hula", "Punani Patrol" and "Fish & Poi." "Neutralize It," released in 2000, included several songs that paved the way for a new musical journey for Sean, drawing upon his deep-rooted feelings of Hawai'i. His unique arrangements of traditional and original Hawaiian songs now set Sean's name among Hawaiian music greats. 

 


 

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   SHAUN

 

 I grew up in Pauoa valley, Oahu- a small valley next to punchbowl. I later moved out to Hawaii Kai at age 9, where I still live today.  I attended Kaiser High School , class of ‘98’.  Later I moved on to Honolulu Community College and graduated with an associate degree in Fire and Environmental Response.  In 2001 I started working in the Fire Department I am currently attending the University of Hawaii to finish a bachelors degree in the art of music. As far back as I can remember I’ve always had an ear for music. I’ve studied music with numerous musicians such as, my good friends Jake Shimabukuro ,Herb Ohta Jr., Vernon Sakata and Gary Shimabukuro  I have also had the pleasure of sharing music with countless friends and mentors in the music industry such as Jon Yamasato (Pure Heart), Dave Tucciarone, Bb Shawn, Natural Vibrations and so much more.  I’ve been in the music industry for 8 years, and I have shared music in Hawaii and the mainland states.  I love playing music; it is my passion, my heart and my balance in life.

 


 

 

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SHAWN ISHIMOTO

Shawn Ishimoto, a self-taught musician, has been involved in music professionally for the last 14 years.   Recording 3 albums on his own, one of wich garnering a Na Hoku Hanohano award for best contemporary album.  He has also done drum, bass and guitar session work for other local recording artists such as Robie Kahakalau, Bobby Inganno, Na Leo, Pipeline Band, Greg and Junko McDonald, Typical Hawaiians, Opihi Pickers and much much more… Shawn has done many things in the local music industry, but Waikiki is where he has found the most enjoyment.  For the past 3 years, he has soully worked in Waikiki for many noteable establishments to great reviews. He brings a wealth of knowledge from many genres of music, a unique guitar-playing style, and a strong work ethic.

SHAWN ISHIMOTO AND DENNIS MCCLEES

Shawn Ishimoto and Dennis McClees have been working together for the past 12 years.  Their sound has grown through the years to the pleasant, experienced, adult sound which they continue to cultivate.  Both of them have years of individual experience and learning under their belts.  But the magic happens when they put it together and make music. Dennis McClees has been in touring bands for almost 30 years, traveling throughout the country.  He is a seasoned band leader, excellent bass player, and soulful singer.  Shawn Ishimoto has had many accomplishments in his time in the local music industry having won a Na Hoku Hanohano award, played with countless local bands, and establishing himself as a unique musical force around town.  Both Dennis and Shawn enjoy what they do, and that will translate wherever they are playing.

 


 

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TAVA’ESINA

 Tava’esina is a Polynesian group made up of family and close friends, all with showroom experience.  Formed in the summer of 1995, when asked to perform at a family wedding, Tava’esina has since entertained thousands of guests and performed in numerous functions and events. Many friends, as well as some family, have gone on (with our blessing) to pursue other endeavors, yet the core and base of the group remains constant and true – FAMILY, or as we say in Samoa, “aiga”. The family unit and our culture with its values are precious to us, so by creating Tava’esina, we hope to keep alive our tradition in songs and dances and also to instill in our children the importance of our heritage and the value of family. The “Tava’e” is a bird precious to the Samoan people for its beautiful feathers.  It’s rarity is evident as it soars high above the mountains.  “Sina” describes it’s radiant color of white similar to that of a moonlit wave crashing on the ocean shore… hence… TAVA’ESINA.  

 


 

KOA ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
P.O. BOX 23047
Honolulu, HI 96823-3047
TEL: 808.689.1800
FAX: 808.689.8929
CELL: 808.779.5546