“The Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards are Hawaii’s version of the Grammy Music Awards. They are held on an annual basis each Spring. The Hōkū awards were created in 1978 by Krash Kealoha and are currently being presented by the Hawaiian Academy of Recording Arts (HARA).

The Favorite Entertainer of the year is voted on by the public. Ballots are distributed through record stores and radio stations in Hawaii a week prior to the awards. Members of the Hawaiian Music industry vote on all other categories except for the technical categories. The technical categories are voted on by local resident recording artists, studio technicians, engineers, producers, writers, graphic artists, liner note annotators and others with local recording credit.

The award ceremonies are broadcast on television throughout Hawaii. Some the groups and artists that have received the most Hoku awards over the years include the Brothers Cazimero, the Makaha Sons, Keali’i Reichel, Melveen Leed, and the Peter Moon Band.“

Source: History of the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

Keola Donaghy who is a member of the HARA Board of Governors, has the 2008 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Final Ballot posted at Nahenahe.Net. If you take a look you’ll notice many familiar names that have been featured on 808Talk (Mighty J, Darin Leong, Keali’i Reichel, I.A., O-Shen, Opihi Pickers, Afatia) as well as many other friends and favorites of 808Talk (King Kekai, John Cruz, Barefoot Natives, Katchafire).

For those of you living in Hawaii, you can stop by any Borders and cast your vote for “Favorite Entertainer of the Year” and let your voice be heard. If you’re an actual Hōkū voting member and need some help making your decision this year, Bran Da Icon has made his personal picks available on his MySpace Blog and says you can just copy his picks…LOL.

Featured video is a clip from the 2007 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards when Henry Kapono took home the “Rock Album of the Year.”

We at 808Talk extend our congratulations (ho’omaika’i ‘ana) to all the 2008 finalists!

Be sure and check back for a future update for the complete list of winners from the 2008 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.

Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards
Tuesday June 17, 2008
Hawaii Convention Center
Cost: Members - $75.00 / Non-Members - $85.00
808-593-9424
http://www.nahokuhanohano.org

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The night kicked off with a wonderful opening act by Paula Fuga, followed by Mraz making his grand entrance on stage singing “Rocket Man” and as usual adding in a bit of his fun personality into the mix.

One of the cool parts of the night was when Mraz asked the crowd to “make him stars” using their “cellular devices” as he called it, and when the audience answered the call, it was like actual stars were all around you. Of course the highlight of the night came when Mraz sang his popular “I’m Yours” and added in a touch of “Hawaii, Hawaii, Hawaii” and “Barrack Obama” which made the entire crowd go MRAZy!

At the end of the performance as tradition in Hawaii, the crowd yelled Hana Hou, Hana Hou and of course Mraz answered the crowd’s request and returned to stage to sing not only one, but two more songs. In the end he left the crowd with a wonderful message saying “find something you love and practice it, practice kindness and most of all practice gratitude.”

Mr. A-Z is truly an awesome singer, songwriter and performer. For those who didn’t get a chance to check out the concert, I hope you enjoy the small clips in the video that highlighted the night. Remember his new album is set to release on May 13th, so GET IT!

Purchase “We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things” by Jason Mraz:
  

Jason Mraz: http://www.jasonmraz.com

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In a style that is unlike any other, Makana takes you away on a journey that crosses all boundaries and soothes you with an uplifting contemporary feel that is quite different from his previous albums, which identified more with the Hawaiian style of music. This is a true diamond in disguise and a precedent setting album that all should take notice of. Escape to another world in “Away”, experience a message that all the world can enjoy in “New Love Song”, and enjoy the simple melody of “Time of Being.”

“Different Game” is love, it’s peace, it’s serenity and everything this world needs to experience from music in this day and age. This truly is an album that every music lover should add to their collection. It’s such a wonderful gift from a Hawaiian musician whose name is actually a Hawaiian term meaning “gift from heaven.”

Currently Makana is touring the West Coast of the United States and set to return back to Hawaii to finish up the tour in late May. Check out the listings below for a location nearest you and experience Makana LIVE. It’s an experience you won’t forget!

Purchase “Different Game” by Makana:
  

Makana Music: http://www.makanamusic.com

West Coast Tour Dates & Locations

May 1st, Thursday – Santa Monica, California
Temple Bar
1026 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Ticket Info: 310.393.6611
www.templebarlive.com
Tickets: $10.00
Show: 10:00pm

May 2nd, Friday – Ventura, California
Zoey’s Café & Loft
451 Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Reservation Line: 805.652.0091
Café: 805.652.1137
www.zoeyscafe.com
Tickets: $15.00
Show:8:00pm-9:30pm
Doors Open: 7:00pm
Dinner ends 9:30pm

May 3rd, Saturday – Los Osos, California
South Bay Community Center *Benefit Surfrider Foundation
2180 Palisades Ave.
Los Osos, CA 93420
Ticket Info: 805.528.4169 (Rosemarie)
Show: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Tickets: $15.00- adv/ $20.00 door
$20.00- reserve rows 1-5

May 4th, Sunday - Santa Barbara, California
SOhO Restaurant & Music Club
1221 State St # 205
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Ticket Info:(805) 962-7776
www.sohosb.com
Show: 8:00pm
Tickets: $12.00 w/dinner/ $15.00 show only

May 6th, Tues - Sacramento, California
Borders Books Store- In store Performance & Signing
2339 Fair Oaks Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95825
Tel.916. 564.0168
Show: 7:00pm-7:30pm

May 8th, Thursday - San Francisco, California
Biscuits & Blues
401 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Ticket Info:415.292-BLUES(25837)
www.biscuitsandblues.com
Show:8:00pm & 10:00pm
Doors Open:6:00pm
Tickets: $15.00 + 2 drink min

May 9th, Friday - Sand City, California
Borders Books Store
Edgewater Center
Sand City, California 93955
Show: 1:00pm

May 9th, Friday - Santa Cruz, California
The Attic
931 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz Ca 95062
Ticket Info: (831) 460 1800
www.theatticsantacruz.com
Show:7:00pm-9:00pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Ticket: $16.00 adv/ $20.00 door

May 10th, Saturday – Nevada City, California
The Odd Fellows Concert Hall
212 Spring Street
Nevada, City, CA 95959
www.nevadacitymusicevents.com
Ticket Info: 530.477.0929
Show: 8:00pm
Doors Open: 7:00pm
Tickets: $20.00- adv/ $25.00 door

May 11th, Sunday – Redwood City, California
Little Fox
2209 Broadway, Downtown
Redwood City, CA 94063
Ticket Info: 650.369.4119
www.foxdream.com
Show: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Tickets: $14.00 adv/$16.00 door

May 13th, Tuesday – Winters, California (Davis)
The Palms Playhouse
13 Main Street
Winters, CA 95694
Ticket Info:530.758.8058
www.palmsplayhouse.com
Show: 8:00pm-9:30pm
Tickets: $15.00

May 15th, Thursday - Eugene, Oregon
WOW Hall
291 W 8th Ave.
Eugene, OR 97401
Ticket Info: 541.687.2746
www.wowhall.org
Ticket also available at: www.ticketweb.com or 866-468-7623
Show: 8:00pm-9:30pm
Tickets: $15.00 adv/ $18.00 door

May 17, Saturday - Portland, Oregon
ACLU Oregon Private concert
Portland Oregon
Tickets: ACLU Oregon

May 18, Sunday - Portland, Oregon
Borders Books
2605 S. Cedar Hills Blvd.
Beaverton, 97005

Hawaii Tour Dates & Locations

May 28, Wednesday - Maui, Hawaii
Slack Key Concert at na Pili Kai Beach Resort, Maui
7:00pm

May 29, Thursday - Honolulu, Hawaii
Rumfire - Sheraton, Waikiki
5:00pm

May 31, Saturday - Honolulu, Hawaii
Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser at Sheraton Waikiki’s Hanohano Room
5:30pm

Jun 5, Thursday - Honolulu, Hawaii
Rumfire - Sheraton, Waikiki
5:00pm

Jun 12, Thursday - Honolulu, Hawaii
Rumfire - Sheraton, Waikiki
5:00pm

Jun 18, Wednesday - Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu Zoo Concert Benefit
6:00pm

Jun 19, Thursday - Honolulu, Hawaii
Rumfire - Sheraton, Waikiki
5:00pm

Jun 26, Thursday - Honolulu, Hawaii
Rumfire - Sheraton, Waikiki
5:00pm

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I first noticed this about two months ago when I would drive back home from Waikiki. Today I decided to stop and take this video to share it with the world.

Not sure of all the details behind this mural, such as who painted it and how long it’s been there, but I applaud the person who put in the time to create such a wonderful tribute to three of Hawaii’s greatest. If you have any additional details related to this mural, please feel free to share them in the comments below.

If you want to view more of this beautiful Hawaiian Mural visit our pics online at:
http://flickr.com/photos/808talk/tags/exit24ahawaiianmural/

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Jason Castro, playing ukulele, sang Brother IZ Kamakawiwoole’s version of “Over the Rainbow” Tuesday on “American Idol” and received rave reviews from all three judges, including the very critical Simon Cowell. Before singing, Castro, 21, said he was singing a nontraditional version of the song “by Brother IZ, a guy from Hawaii.” He added that it’s about “hopes and dreams and inspires us to dream big.”

Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin

This was the same video I made reference to on our last podcast…enjoy!

Here’s a more detailed writeup over at HawaiiMagazine.com

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More Info: http://phpurl.com/9l

Video: Katchafire “Love Letter”

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For those who have not yet heard of Jason Mraz, you’re in for a treat. His single “I’m Yours” is just a sample of the awesome sounds of Mraz. In fact the song is so popular that local band Ten Feet has recorded a version that’s now getting airplay and set to release on their new album.

More About Jason Mraz:
http://www.jasonmraz.com

Tickets Now On Sale:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/849358

UPDATE 4/8/08: SOLD OUT Jason Mraz concert on May 2nd forces venue to move from the Blaisdell Concert Hall to the Waikiki Shell http://phpurl.com/9s

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At just five years of age, Taimane was given an ukulele and fell in love with the instrument. At six years of age, she was called a child prodigy and won her first ukulele competition competing against boys double her age. Taimane has won numerous ukulele competitions competing against experienced adult professionals.

“My music is mixture of rock and roll, pops, Hawaiian and Spanish. Maybe that’s why everyone says my music has the unique style. I started to compose songs when I was seven. I write the song first and add the music later. I wish my music could help heal the world.” Taimane says.

“Taimane” means “Diamond” in the Samoan language.

For more on Taimane visit her online at: http://www.taimane.com and view more videos on YouTube

Purchase her CD: Mele.com, BookLinesHawaii.com

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“Various promoters on Oahu have tried – and failed – to get Sean Kingston in concert since his debut single, “Beautiful Girls,” dropped last year.

But it’s Maui’s All Access Entertainment that appears to have a lock on the teenage toaster, with an announcement earlier today that he would play the Maui Arts and Cultural Center on March 30.

“He’s on his way to Japan, that’s how we’re catching him,” said All Access spokesman AZD. “We just signed everything last week.”

Kingston will be joined by frequent Hawaii visitor Collie Buddz for a single show, with little hope for a second night in Honolulu…“

Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin

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“50 Cent, the controversial rapper whose violent past has often eclipsed his music, will return to Honolulu for a concert at 7:30 p.m. March 28 at Blaisdell Arena.

The gig also features local R&B singer Afatia, who will test his marketability in the blues and hip-hop mainstream.

G Unit, a group in 50 Cent’s recording stable, also is on the bill.

50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, previously performed at Blaisdell in 2003, after the release of his first album, “Get Rich Or Die Tryin’.” At the time, the brevity of his 45-minute-long set caused some complaints.

This time, said show presenter Misty Tufono of Tihati Productions, one of the partners promoting the show, 50 will concertize for an hour, minimum. At least, that’s the plan…“

Source: Honolulu Advertiser

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More:http://www.gardenislandarts.org/news/?p=65

Go to www.gardenislandarts.org/news for UPCOMING 2008 Arts & Culture Calendar or email giac@hawaiilink.net to get listing in advance.

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