Kazuyuki Sekiguchi

Born in Niigata, Japan in 1955. While attending Aoyama Gakuin University, Kazuyuki joined as a bass player in the group "Southern All Stars". In 1978, the band debut its original music "Katte ni Sindbad".
In 1991, Kazuyuki met Ukulele musician Herb Ohta who had been promoting the art of Ukulele throughout Japan by producing books, video and CD’s. Besides performing, Kazuyuki expresses his creativity through novels, essays, and a series of written columns.

Iwao

In 1989, demo tape he send to the record company has opened the door of debut by major record company, Columbia Records. He has released 9 albums as singer song writer. IWAO met guitarist, Yoshiyuki Sahashi in 1991, was introduced to Ukulele. IWAO was greatly inspired by Herb Ohta, he has been drawn to Ukulele since. By the time in 1997, he was mainly known as the Ukulele Player/ Guitarist. In 1999, He has released an album “Ukulele Man”. So far, IWAO has released 8 albums and 2 maxi single. IWAO frequently plays together with recording artists from Hawaii as Herb Ohta, Herb Ohta Jr. and Jake Shimabukuro. In 2006, released an album “ Hawaiian Morning” by Geneon Entertainment has co-featured Kazuyuki Sekiguchi of Southern All Stars, Japan’s highly known Kumuhula and Singer Sandii and fast breaking Hawaiian Duo Laula. IWAO as guitarist, enthusiastically supports the concert and recording for Shinji Hara, Shintaro Moriyama, Ketsumeishi and various arena.

Masaru Shimabukuro

Guitarist of the band BEGIN from Ishigaki Island, Okinawa. Band debut in1990 with original music titled “Koishikute”. Continued to release single albums successfully and established position as one of Japan’s most popular live bands. In June 2001, BEGIN established a project called “Uta No Hi (Day of Songs) Concert” http://www.begin1990.com/utanohi/. In 2003, project “Ichi-Go-Ichi-E” (the simplest strings to accompany one self in the whole world) caught the attention of strings lovers. Their belief in music continue to expand their activities. From blues to folk ballads, their wide range of warm sounds continue to captivate fans throughout the world.

Kimiko Wakiyama

International champion whistler. Born in Fukuoka, Japan. Garaduate of Kunitachi University of Music. Kimiko Wakiyama, the champion whistler, who won the women's crown at the 2007 International Whistlers Convention (IWC 2007) in North Carolina. Wakiyama, can whistle across a range of three octaves, which means almost all vocal music is within her scope. Beautiful feminine sound marks as " Lovely Tune ". Debut album, " The Whistling Paradise " (April 23, Victor Entertainment), was released as the first female solo artist. Without being bound by the general image of whistling, thriving through out TV programs and movies.

Dai Hirai

Born in Tokyo May 3, 1991 Active high school student. By his father's influence, Dai was surrounded by the love of music at young age. Dai in 5th grade, he was handed Ukulele instead of Guitar. He saturated himself by listening and watching the top artist Jake Shimabukuro, Herb Ota Jr. by DVD and in Live. Dai excelled in his learning Ukulele. Hs technique rose above in this field of music. He composes his melody inspired by R&B, Hip Hop. It’s not an exaggeration to say he is like "George Benson" of Ukulele. Dai energetically play live around Yokohama, Shonan Bay area. In July 23, 2008 His first debut album "My Style" was released. He is truly moving forward to become the leading icon player of this age.

Konishiki&Taupou

Ohta-san (Herb Ohta)

Born in Honolulu1934. Start to play Ukulele since 7 years old. His early mentorship by Eddy Kamae Ohta-san played as an amateur in Ed Salivan Show in 1955. The first recording album "SUSHI" made the hit through out the United States in 1964. His lovely "A Song for Anna" written for him by French composer Andr Popp was an international hit in 1974 and has sold over six million copies. He continues his concert tour which ignited the fire of Ukulele boom in the 90's in Japan.

Roy Sakuma

Roy Sakuma is recognized as Hawaii's foremost ukulele teacher and proponent of the instrument. Innovative, inspirational, warm, funny and kind are all words used to describe Roy. In over 30 years of teaching the ukulele, he has been all of these things and more in his role as teacher, producer, promoter and inspiration to thousands of students and the island community that benefits from his talents. For over three decades, with the help of his staff, he has spread the joy of the ukulele, teaching students and promoting the annual Ukulele Festival that now draws performers from around the world.

Robi Kahakalau

Robi started performing Hawaiian music on the island at first with her family and later took a chance on a solo career in music. She learned to play the 'ukulele at a very young age and later learned to play the steel guitar. Having a multi-cultural, multi-lingual background has shaped and colored her music you hear today.

Jeff Rasmussen

Wai‘anae’s Jeff Rasmussen, a Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning singer, songwriter, arranger, composer and record producer known for his guitar and ‘ukulele talents, began his solo career in 1990, and since then has remained one of Hawai ‘i’s preeminent musicians.

Kapena

Kapena, considered to be one of Hawaii's premier island bands has 20 Hawaiian Music CD's to their credit. Although the band has been through some changes, its founding member, Kelly Boy De Lima is still the band leader. Kapena continues to be an institution that embraces what islanders fell in love with when they first heard their unique sound of their "feel good music".

Bruce Spencer

His strong foundation in local music harmonies rounds out the Na Hoku Hanohano Award winning group, Maunalua. Bruce plays his six-string ukulele and sings with strong and heartwarming vocals. Maunalua: Many years of playing together at venues that range from backyard luaus to neighbor island events, to concerts in Japan, Tahiti, Las Vegas and beyond, have honed the musical skills of the three local men, and have earned them a strong and loyal following. Other members of the group consists of Bobby Moderow, Jr., who was schooled by the legendary Raymond Kane, playing rhythm and slack key guitar, as well as providing vocals; Kahi Kaonohi, a journeyman musician with many local groups and Halau before settling in with Maunalua, playing bass guitar and singing.

Manoa DNA

Vaihi

Taimane Gardner

Taimane has often been described as a musical child prodigy. Interestingly, she developed her extraordinary skills by performing on the streets of Waikiki to help raise money for the poor at the young age of 11. Taimane polished her skills while performing with the legendary Don Ho starting at 14 years of age. Many people have described Taimane as the "Female Carlos Santana".

Jody Kamisato

A former student of ukulele masters Jake Shimabukuro, Troy Fernandez, Peter Moon and Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios, Jody Kamisato is quickly becoming one of Hawaii's most prolific ukulele instructors and musician. In 2007, Jody opened his own ukulele school called Ukulele Hale located on 12th Ave. in Kaimuki and taught with ukulele prodigy Jake Shimabukuro at the Ukulele Academy. He recently founded "Ukes on the Loose" an outreach ukulele program bringing quality ukulele instruction to schools throughout Hawaii. With a DVD entitled "Island Style Ukulele" and numerous tours to Japan, Jody is looking forward to spreading his love and passion for the ukulele around the world.

Chris Salvador

Chris Salvador is becoming one of Hawaii's most dynamic and versatile ukulele players to hit the music scene. At just 16 yrs. old, he has accomplished more than most aspiring ukulele players and musicians can only dream of. Chris is the current 2008 Aloha Tower Marketplace's Ukulele Contest winner beating out 21 other contestants and will represent the Aloha Festival in 2009. Chris is also the 2007 Dukes Ukes Contest winner capturing 1st place and taking home the grand prize.