Andrew Molina got the crowd pumped up early with his excitement that you can just feel. He was backed by his dad Jay Molina that has been a professional bass player for years and recently has been playing guitar to back up his son. This is the first time Andrew was trying out his Shure wireless instrument system so he was able to walk around the field with no cord to stop him. It sounded great and spiced up the visual aspect of his performance.
Find more about Andrew Molina here- http://andrewmolinaukulele.com/
Next up was an incredibly talented musician that has amazed me quite a few times. In fact every time I see Willie K I am in awe. Elevated and elated. He did this Nina Simone song that just blew me away. After which he backed Oahu’s hip soul singer, Yoza! Yoza is always seen with a guitar but wow, does she sound incredible over an ukulele! Willie too. Those big soulful voices sit over ukulele frequencies in a way that pulls you in even harder than guitar.
Learn More about Yoza here- http://www.yozamusic.com/
Brittni is a really exciting young talent originally from the Big Island and now on Oahu. I think she will really break down some walls in the next few years. Electronica influence+UkE+amazing talent =…well just wait. I love Brittni and hope she lets us promote the next chapter in her development as an artist. I truly believe in it!
Learm more about Brittni here – http://www.brittnipaiva.com/
Taimane was up after and she really gave it her all. It was intense. My daughter said it “made her heart beat fast in a good way”. I think of Taimane as a great role model. She’s so genuine and happy and when she takes the stage she really rocks the house.
Learm more about Taimane here- http://www.taimane.com/main/
Next up was a long time friend and incredible talent. Paula Fuga is invigorating and inspiring to hear. She has such a sweet and powerful voice.
Learn more about Paula here- http://www.paulafuga.com/
Unfortunately I had to leave without seeing Raiatea Helm backed by Bryan Tolentino. That would have made it even sweeter. Next time. Thanks for tuning in. Aloha!
Special thanks to Roy and Kathy Sakuma. They have done so much for the ukulele community, and of course this was a free event just like all of their festivals. They have been doing these non profit events to spread aloha and perpetuate the ukulele for over 45 years now. The educational resources and inspiring events they have given have changed our islands and beyond, in a very positive way. Learn more about Roy’s festival and lesson programs here- http://www.roysakuma.net/
Comments 12
Mahalo nui loa for the blog and photos. I love the Maui festival. My ukulele class, the J-Town Hui, performed there in 2012, but the most fun part of the festival was being able to see all of the talented musicians there.
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Thanks Mark!
Aloha Andrew…thanks for the pictures…..
let me know when Taimane comes to record…love to see it….
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Ya, I wish Len. But she’s so intense my mics might explode!
Mahalo for the review Andrew. We attended the Maui Ukulele Festival 2008 during our honeymoon!
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2015! See you there!
thank you for this review! and wow, what great photo shots!!
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Thanks Yoza! For being an amazing artist and entertainer. It’s a treat.
We were at the Waikaloa ,Hi fest at the Market Place Queens last winter your family name came up multiple times as contributors , THANK You and yours . We went to hear Ohta San play but was down with flu ,had a great time anyway. Players of all experience .Maybe we’ll check out the Maui festival next year
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Really?! I had no idea George, I was there for a while until my son decided to go into the fountain water spouting thing. He was drenched so we went back to the Hilton. We go there every year even though it’s a real small event. The one in Maui is a serious experience. Great sound system and all. But we still go to Waikaloa every year. Let’s meet up next time.
Hey Andrew, it was great to see you and hang for a little while at the Fest. Thanks for the great review and photos. You have to get the 70-200/2.8L zoom. Perfect for events like this.
Andrew and I hope to see you soon and do some more videos.
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I know! Your photos were amazing! I had to crop mine (used a 100mm) which is never ideal. Thanks Jay. I’ll put that on my list of gear essentials.