Celebrity Musicians from Japan and Hawaii To Join at the First "Ukulele Picnic" in Hawaii

~ Free Ukulele Concert at Kakaako Waterfront Park on February 14 ~

Honolulu, Hawaii (January 7, 2009) – One of Japan's most successful Ukulele events will make its debut in Hawaii on February 14, 2009 at the Kakaako Waterfront Park. The event is called the Ukulele Picnic, aimed at gathering people to play and enjoy ukulele music together in a casual picnic setting. The Ukulele Picnic was initiated in 2000 and was expanded to attract more than10,000 participants each year.

"The enchanting sounds of the ukulele have touched the hearts of Japanese people. The expansion of the ukulele population in Japan is truly phenomenal," says Kazuyuki Sekiguchi, co-producer of the event who has been a bassist of one of Japan's most respected pop/rock groups, the Southern All Stars, for over 30 years. “This will be the first time that we will cross the Pacific Ocean to the home of Aloha, the home of Ukulele, to unite fans from Japan and Hawaii. We are thrilled to bring together many accomplished artists who have become the bridges to the nations."

The star-studded lineup of entertainers include: Kazuyuki Sekiguchi (Southern All Stars), Konishiki, Masaru Shimabukuro (Begin), Dai Hirai, Kapena, Robi Kahakalau & Jeff, Taimane, Vaihi, Ohta-san, Roy Sakuma, Manoa DNA, and Maunalua. The concert will begin at 11:30 am and end around 6:30 pm. Admission will be free and open to public. Food and shop booths will be set up in the park as well as playground facilities for children.

A tour group of ukulele fans from Japan will attend this memorable event. The group will enjoy a picnic lunch at the park on February 13, attend the Ukulele Picnic concert in a reserved area, and be welcomed at Konishiki’s house for a reception. They will also attend a workshop with local artists and tour a ukulele factory.

Kazuyuki Sekiguchi adds, "We started the Ukulele Picnic inspired by the Slack Key Guitar & Ukulele Festival on the Big Island 10 years ago. We are very fortunate to have Hawaii’s famous recording artists and Konishiki join this event, and are looking forward to sending out the message of 'Peace' and 'Friendship' to the world as the Ukulele Picnic celebrates its 10th anniversary year."

This is an official kick off event for Sekiguchi's Ukulele Foundation to develop a ukulele museum in Hawaii within a few years. A museum has been Sekiguchi's long time dream one of the best ways that he believes he can show his appreciation and respect of Hawaiian culture, and contribute to Hawaii's community.

For more information about the Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii 2009:
Alan Y. Sunio
eventions inc.
cell (808) 753-1999
aysunio@yahoo.com