E Kanikapila Kakou 2007 opening night concert last night (Sunday) presented the incomparable Ledward Kaapana, a slack key legend in his own time; Brother Noland, entertainer extraordinaire with a "style" that is both philosophical and full of humor; Mike Kaawa, home-grown Hawaiian boy who plays his 12-string guitar and sings with such gusto, and 18-year-old Brittni Paiva whose ukulele CD just this week won the "Best Ukulele Album of the Year" award at the Hawaii Music Festival. What a team!

Young Brittni started the ball rolling with stories of her musical travels and an amazing array of ukulele numbers from classical to fast-paced folk tunes to modern. She even played a violin number with her ukulele that brought thunderous applause from the audience. She finds great joy in exploring new directions with her ukulele and you can rest assured she will take that ukulele to places no ukulele has gone before.

Of course she had an early start, banging on the keyboard as soon as she could walk, taking piano lessons from age four until she discovered the ukulele at age 11 and then moving on to kiho'alu slack key. This gifted musician is an unstoppable force as she looks now to international travels to share her music. Tonight she will be sharing her music once again at the Monday night EKK.

Brittni then invited Brother Noland on stage. Noland's versatility, style and stories are legendary as he took the audience on a musical tour through his recent musical adventures; especially funny was his sharing of his movie sound track debut song "Backfire" in which he incorporates "subliminal" philosophical messages into pidgin english lyrics.

Always the philosopher, we discovered his early punishment for his kolohe ways was to be locked in the bathroom with a bible and a dictionary. Just think...if he was never punished as much as he was, his career could have been far different. With his music, he influences generations of young folks in programs designed to help build their self esteem and even has a "Brother Noland Day" feather in his cap. EKK Monday night gives folks a chance to get up close and personal with Brother Noland.

Ledward Kaapana is almost indescribable in his musical virtuosity. One can only experience his music as his level of musicianship is in a class of its own. And...he knows the effect his music has on the audience because he's all over his guitar strings, leaving the audience breathless ... and then he lets out his infectious giggle which has the whole audience giggling along with him. Many of his songs are from his "Uncle Fred" of Kalapana on the Big Island where he grew up in a musical family. He said everyone in the entire row of houses where he grew up in Kalapana was related, so he referred to his girlfriend as "Honey Cuz". When told he could not date so-and-so girl because she was his cousin, he said, "No more anybody else."

My early morning phone call today came from George Kahumoku, Jr. on Maui who said that the Ritz Carlton Kapalua is having a celebration for the "legends" on the Grammy winning Hawaiian Music Album "Legends of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar - Maui Live" this week Wednesday at 4:30 pm followed by two performances. I guess the performances are open to the public. Great chance to hear Ledward along with all the other fabulous musicians on the CD -- Cyril Pahinui, Dennis Kamakahi, Keoki Kahumoku, Martin Pahinui, Daniel Ho, Ozzie Kotani, Richard Ho'opii, Bobby Ingano, George Kahumoku, Jr., and Da 'Ukulele Boyz.

Led then called up Mike Kaawa with his famous 12-string guitar. Mike jokes that Ledward goes on and on with each number so he was backstage waiting his his entrance and kept walking on and going back, walking on and going back waiting for the final final final finish. Because Mike will be soon touring with Led, they decided to play their set together. Mike's rich deep vocals, his catchy rhythms and his highly energetic style of playing his guitar had everyone keeping the rhythm in their seats. His stories about his songs helps one to understand why he is called the Hawaiian Boy; he is a true son of the 'aina. The final number played by Led and Mike brought the entire house to their feet with huge applause.

The second half of the show was the Kanikapila jamming with all four musicians on stage as they passed the musical torch to each other, so typical of the backporch jamming that goes on everywhere in Hawai'i. One especially amazing number was when Brittni challenged Led to a "face off" on one of his signature tunes, adding "Of course, I'm going to lose but...." Let me tell you, young Brittni held her own in great style as she and Led went back and forth with the musical challenge.

It was a fascinating and thrilling concert with four amazing musicians. EKK Monday night at 6:00 pm at the Island School will give everyone a chance to learn some new songs from Brother Noland, Mike and Brittni.

Carol Kouchi Yotsuda
Celebrating 30 years of "bringing ARTS to the people and people to the ARTS

E Kanikapila Kakou Hawaiian Music Program is funded in part by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, the County of Kaua'i Office of Economic Development, and Garden Island Arts Council supporters. Space generously provided by Island School.
Garden Island Arts Council programs are supported in part by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts through appropriations from the Legislature of the State of Hawai'i and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts