ENJOY WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT 1 PERFORMING ARTS CENTER SOKA S O K A U N I V E R S I T Y O F A M E R I C A Presents The use of cameras and recording devices of any type is prohibited. Please silence all cell phones and paging devices. We ask that patrons please refrain from text messaging during the performance. Herb Ohta Jr. & Friends Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. Herb Ohta Jr., ukulele Jon Yamasato, vocals and guitar David Kamakahi, ukulele Chris Kamaka, bass Baba Alimoot, vocals and guitar Ihilani Kamaka, hula
Transcript
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P E R F O R M I N G A R T S C E N T E RS O K A
S O K A U N I V E R S I T Y O F A M E R I C A
Presents
The use of cameras and recording devices of any type is prohibited.Please silence all cell phones and paging devices.
We ask that patrons please refrain from text messaging during the performance.
Herb Ohta Jr. & Friends
Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.
Herb Ohta Jr., ukuleleJon Yamasato, vocals and guitar
David Kamakahi, ukuleleChris Kamaka, bass
Baba Alimoot, vocals and guitarIhilani Kamaka, hula
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BiographiesHerb Ohta Jr. Ukulele
The ukulele is the best known Hawaiian instrument. In the 1950s and ’60s all the bands had ukulele players. Some of the great musicians that made the instrument very popular were Eddie Kamae, Ohta-san, Lyle Ritz, Don Baduria Sr., John Lukela, Jesse Kalima, Kahauanu Lake, and Peter Moon.
Today there is a renaissance of sorts, thanks to the popularity of the new generation of ukulele players influencing the young people of Hawaii to pick up and learn to play, including Troy Fernandez, Kelly-boy Delima, and Jake Shimabukuro. Herb Ohta Jr. is just one breed of ukulele players.
Ohta’s interest in music was evident at an early age. Ohta’s grandmother taught him his first song on the ukulele at the age of three. The song was “Happy Birthday.” His father, Ohta-San started his early instruction on the ukulele, and Ohta continued studying music and played the viola in high school. Ohta was also a member of the Honolulu Boys Choir, the Honolulu Children’s Opera Chorus, and the University High School Select Choir.
Ohta had formal lessons from his father until he was twelve years old, then he started to have other interests. After being inspired by listening to the Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau and other local musicians at the age of seventeen, he became a devotee of Hawaiian music and the ukulele. Ohta enjoys listening to all types of music, but his favorite songs to perform are Hawaiian and ballads. He feels that Hawaiian songs and ballads bring out the natural, purist sound of the instrument. Ohta’s style is reminiscent of his father’s, but distinct and recognizable as his own. There is a graceful nahenahe (gentle/tender) quality that is very Hawaiian, reflecting the inspirations of ukulele virtuoso’s Eddie Kamae and, of course, Ohta-San.
At eleven years old, Ohta began to occasionally teach for his father’s ukulele school while his father traveled for business. In 1992, Ohta started his own ukulele classes and gave lessons at Sonny D’s Ukulele Shop in Waipahu, O‘ahu and Harry’s Music Store in Kaimuki, O‘ahu.
Teaching six days a week, Ohta also finds time to compose new material, entertain at private and public functions, produce, and record. His recording debut was in 1990 on his father’s recording. Since then, Ohta has recorded on more than fifty recordings. With fourteen Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominations to his credit, he won a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Ukulele
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Nahenahe in 2011 and for Pure Ukulele in 2013. Ohta is also a four-time Hawaii Music Award Winner. He has released three albums in Japan and co-authored two ukulele instructional books with Grammy Award winner Daniel Ho that were released in Japan and the United States. In 2015, Ohta published a songbook of his arrangements in Korea. Ohta has shared the stage with many of Hawaii’s legendary artists: Ledward Kaapana, the Makaha Sons, Dennis Kamakahi, the Lim Family, Kapena, Cyril Pahinui, George Kahumoku, Ohta-San, Ka‘au Crater Boys, the Brothers Cazimero, and Daniel Ho, among others.
As a teacher, composer, recording artist, entertainer, and producer, Ohta solidly establishes himself in the company of musicians who promote the Hawaiian instrument in the music landscape today. It is Ohta’s goal to share the beauty of Hawaii’s music, its culture, and the ukulele to people all over the world. Ohta has performed throughout the state of Hawaii and has traveled overseas to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the mainland United States. Ohta is a vanguard of his generation of ukulele players.
JON YAMASATOVocals and Guitar
Jon Yamasato is a twenty year Hawaiian Music veteran. He started his career in the 1990’s when he and two music prodigies (Jake Shimabukuro and Lopaka Colon) formed what became Pure Heart, the multiple award-winning band. Since the band’s split in 2000, Yamasato has been touring the world with the likes of Dennis and David Kamakahi, Mike Kaawa, and Herb Ohta Jr. Yamasato’s newest project is Hisessions, an online music show that averages more than 1 million views a month and has helped promote Hawaiian music to a worldwide audience.
DAVID KAMAKAHIUkulele
David Kamakahi is the son of famous slack-key guitar master and songwriter, the late Rev. Dennis Kamakahi. Kamakahi secretly took up ukulele at the age of fifteen, studying the stylings of the great ukulele master and mentor, Eddie Kamae, as well as Peter Moon, Troy Fernandez, and Ledward Kaapana. Within a year of picking up the ukulele, Kamakahi recorded two albums on George Winston’s Dancing Cat Records. He recorded Ohana (Family) with his father Dennis, followed by Hui Aloha with Dennis, Martin Pahinui, and George Kuo. Kamakahi then joined and toured with the group Na Oiwi in 2000, playing
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contemporary Hawaiian music with Dennis, Mike Kaawa, and Jon Yamasato. The group recorded two albums, Crossroads and The Sequel.
In 2005, Kamakahi’s debut solo album, Pa‘ani, won Best Contemporary Album of the Year at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards under his father’s label Dennis Kamakahi Productions. Along with his father, Kamakahi recorded the theme song “Always” written by Jeanne Tesori and Alexa Junge on the Disney animated film soundtrack for Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch has a Glitch. More recently Kamakahi and Dennis’ recording of “Ulili E” was included on the soundtrack of the feature film The Descendants. Kamakahi released his second solo album, Shine in 2008 and the album was nominated for a Hawaii Music Award.
In 2011, Kamakahi became a member of the Hawaiian music group Waipuna alongside Kale Hannahs and Matt Sproat. Kamakahi recorded with Waipuna on three albums, E Ho‘i Mai, Napili, and E Mau Ke Aloha. Waipuna has won multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards over the past several years.
Kamakahi founded his label Naukilo Productions in 2014. With the recent passing of his father, it is Kamakahi’s vision to debut the volumes of Dennis’ unreleased songs to the world.
CHRIS KAMAKABassChris Kamaka is known for his velvety voice and the diversity of his bass playing. He easily moves between the music of old Hawaii, contemporary Hawaiian, and jazz. He has played with a number of island artists and is highly sought after because of the range of music he is able to play.
Kamaka has performed in Carnegie Hall, and in Japan and other venues on the US Mainland. He was formerly with the groups Kealohi and Kulia Ika Nu‘u. He currently performs at the Kani Ka Pila Grill with Ho‘okena, and at the Disney Aulani.
Kamaka was raised in Kāne‘ohe and graduated from Saint Louis High School on the slopes of Kalaepohaku. He and his wife Ranette have been married for twenty-six years and have four children and three grandchildren. Kamaka is the third-generation ukulele luthier and the Production Manager of Kamaka Hawaii, Inc. The company is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.
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BABA ALIMOOTVocals and GuitarThe only word that can describe Baba Alimoot’s style of music is diverse. Melding his golden voice with his instrument playing results in a range of styles from the music of Hawaii Calls to falsetto to Waimānalo backyard jam. Alimoot has performed onstage in Hawaii, the U.S. Mainland, and Japan. He has performed with some of Hawaii’s most prominent artists including Danny Kaleikini, Sam Kapu, Ku‘uipo Kumukahi, and Dennis Pavao.
In January 2000, Alimoot released his first solo album entitled Happy Hawaiian. Tracks included on the album are “Waika,” “Na Ka Pueo,” “My Sweet Gardenia Lei,” and an original composition titled “Makapu‘u.” In May 2001, Alimoot was awarded a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for his work on the Aloha Festivals Hawaiian Falsetto Contest Winners album.
Currently, Alimoot performs at the Disney Aulani and is the show director for Germaine’s Luau. He and his wife Zelda reside in Pauoa, O‘ahu.
IHILANI KAMAKAHula
Christyn Ihilani Kamaka has been dancing hula since the age of six with Halau Ka Pa Hula O Kauanoe O Wa‘ahila, under the tutelage of Kumu Maelia Loebenstein Carter. She has worked as a model, appearing in ads for Target and Toyota, and as a cultural presenter, portraying Princess Ka‘iulani at the Princess Ka‘iulani Hotel in Waikiki. As a dancer, she has toured both the United States and Japan, and appeared with Ho‘okena at Carnegie Hall in 2013 and 2014. Kamaka holds a B.A. in Education from Linfield College and an M.A. in Education from Concordia University. She currently teaches fourth grade in Oregon.
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Eric Tingstad & Nancy RumbelWed . Jan . 18 . 2016 . 8 PM
For more than thirty years, Grammy Award-winning artists Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel have performed and recorded music together. Their perfect blending of Americana fingerstyle guitar, double reeds, and the ocarina lends magic to any evening, and fills the world with hope and beauty through the redeeming power of music.
Na Leo Holiday ConcertSat . Dec . 17 . 2016 . 8 PM
Na Leo Pilimehana, which in Hawaiian means “the voices blending together in warmth,” is the most popular, most award-winning, and highest selling female Hawaiian group in the world. Na Leo consists of three childhood friends: Nalani Choy, Lehua Kalima Heine, and Angela Morales. This concert will feature contemporary hits and holiday classics.
Solo piano artists Liz Story, Lisa Downing, and Kori Linae Carothers will each perform individually for an evening of inspiring acoustic piano. Grammy nominated Story’s improvisational style embraces jazz, folk, pop, and classical genres. Downing was an avowed “metal-head” until hearing the solo piano recordings of Keith Jarrett and George Winston, which inspired her to compose. Carothers, discovered to be deaf in one ear at the age of five, is an acclaimed pianist with four albums to her credit.
Muriel AndersonSat . Jan . 28 . 2017 . 8 PM
Muriel Anderson’s new audio-visual show, Wonderlust, is a must-see as well as a must-hear! Her world-renowned guitar and harp guitar playing is highlighted by a backdrop of stunning visuals by celebrated photo-artist Bryan Allen. The first woman to win the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship, Anderson has performed with country legend Chet Atkins, jazz great Les Paul, and continues to thrill audiences with her unique and joyous style.
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Soka University of America Board of Trustees:Steve Dunham, JD, ChairTariq Hasan, PhD, Vice ChairYoshihisa Baba, PhDMatilda BuckLawrence E. Carter Sr., PhD, DD, DH, DRSMaria Guajardo, PhDClothilde V. Hewlett, JDLawrence A. Hickman, PhD
Soka University of America Administration:Daniel Y. Habuki, PhD, PresidentEdward M. Feasel, PhD, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of FacultyArchibald E. Asawa, Vice President for Finance and Administration & CFOTomoko Takahashi, PhD, Vice President of Institutional Research and Assessment & Dean of Graduate SchoolWendy Harder, MBA, APR, Director of Community RelationsKatherine King, PHR, Director of Human ResourcesHyon J. Moon, EdD, Dean of StudentsAndrew Woolsey, EdD, Director of Enrollment Services
We would like to thank our Board of Trustees and our Administration for their extraordinary support of Soka Performing Arts Center
With deepest gratitude to the donors who made Soka Performing Arts Center possible.
Kris Knudsen, JDKaren Lewis, PhDDaniel Nagashima, MBAGene Marie O’Connell, RN, MSDavid P. Roselle, PhDYoshiki TanigawaShunichi Yamada, MBA
Soka Performing Arts Center Staff:David C. Palmer, General ManagerRebecca Pierce Goodman, Marketing and Administrative ManagerShannon Lee Blas, Patron Services ManagerSam Morales, Technical Services ManagerSteve Baker, House Manager; Lindsey Cook, Stage Manager; Marcia Garcia, Production Coordinator; Kay Matsuyama, Sound & Video Technician; Ray Mau, Lighting Technician; May Nakatsuka, Stage TechnicianJim Merod, Director, Jazz Monsters Series and Soka University Jazz FestivalStudents of Soka University of America who serve as patron and technical services crew, as well as marketing assistants. Citizens of Aliso Viejo and surrounding communities who volunteer their service as ushers and hospitality aides.
Our Sponsors and Partners:The Orange County Register, KJazz 88.1, KUSC 91.5, California Presenters, and California Arts Council.
