Event
Kahulanui (Hawaii's Kings of Swing) at Tropicalia January 13, 2015
Come thaw out at Tropicalia in DC on January 13 with an actual band from Hawaii-Kahulanui.
There is a new wave coming from Hawaii, a blend of traditional music and the Big Band Swing brought to the Aloha State by U.S. servicemen during World War II. Its leading exponent is Kahulanui, a nine piece bandfour horns plus guitar, bass, ukulele, drums and steelwhose energy and dynamic arrangements have caused a sensation throughout the Islands. Their debut CD, Hula Ku'I, was nominated for a 2014 Grammy Award in the Regional Roots category, and soon Hawaii's Kings of Swing will be bringing their unique style to audiences across America.
Kahulanui band leader, Lolena Naipo, Jr. found inspiration from his Grandfather, Robert Kahulanui, who was a member of the Royal Hawaiian Band during an era when horns and drums were a part of Hawaiian music. In the CD liner notes for this debut release Hawaii radio icon Sylark Rossetti elaborates:
"Throughout Hawaii in the 20s and 30s, one could find orchestras playing Hawaiian Swing and the house would be jumping. Lolena and Kahulanui borrow from these influences and perform classic Hawaiian songs in a syncopated style making Hawaiian Swing vibrant and alive in Hawaii today. Lolena 'Lena' Naipo, Jr. goes back to his roots in Kahulanui's first release, Hula Ku'i. It's Hawaiian Swing at its finest.... one of the most innovative releases to come out of the islands."
Lolena accompanied his Dad who played music with Aunty Genoa Keawe, Andy Cummings among others. As Lolena grew in his abilities he would accompany musicians like Darrell Lupenui, Kekua Fernandez and even the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders and others With musical influences from Uncle Alvin Kaleolani Isaac's, Ray Kinney, Sam Koki, Lani McIntire and even Spike Jones, I am excited for you to hear Kahulanui with the Kahulanui horn section."
Kahulanui Band Members on Hula Ku'i: Lolena Naipo, Jr on rhythm guitar, lead vocals, arrangements, harmonies; Patrick Eskildsen on lead guitar, bass, background vocals; Robert Duke Tatom on ukulele, background vocals and Tim Taylor on drums and ipu. Kahulanui Horns and Steel: Jesse Snyder on tenor sax; Duncan Bamsey on alto & baritone sax; Garry Russell on trombone; Andrea Lindborg on trumpet; and Greg Sardinha, Paul Kim, Dwight Tokumoto on steel guitar. Produced at Lava Tracks Recording Studio on Hawaii island by Hawaii's first Grammy Award-winner, Charles Michael Brotman, for Palm Records.
Hula Ku'i was also a finalist in 2013 for the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaii's version of the Grammy Awards) in three categories: Album of the Year, Group of Year and Most Promising New Artist of the Year.
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LocationTROPICALIA (View)
2001 14th St NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 21 |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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