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Event
Nathan Aweau at the Kuumbwa in Santa Cruz
Contemporary Hawaiian music's most critically acclaimed male vocalist, Nathan Aweau, will make an appearance in Santa Cruz at the infamous Kuumbwa Jazz Center on September 10. Aweau, whose 25-year career spans such Hawaiian music royalty as Hapa, Amy Hanaialii, and Don Ho, will perform an intimate solo show to finish off his 2011 West Coast tour.
In addition to his nine Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaii's annual music awards), three for Male Vocalist of the Year, Aweau is a multi-instrumentalist whose singing, songwriting, and performances have graced at least two Grammy-nominated CDs and helped make Hapa the biggest selling Hawaiian music group in history. Other Hoku awards include "Jazz Album of the Year" for an electric bass project he produced called "Bass Etude."
As a member of Hapa, Aweau helped propel the group's critically acclaimed album "Maui" into the Top 10 on Billboard's World Music chart, lending his signature lush vocals, acoustic guitar and electric bass. Aweau's musical prowess began with early music lessons on piano, ukulele, percussion and saxophone, before he settled on bass as his main instrument. While with Hapa, Aweau continued to work on solo projects, including a 2007 album on which he played every instrument.
Aweau's performances are mesmerizing, featuring soaring Hawaiian falsettos and virtuoso bass playing. Aweau's contemporary interpretations of songs such as the classic Helen Parker melody "Akaka Falls" show off his vocal chops. The New York Times recognizes Aweau's talents, noting that he has "an in-depth understanding of harmony and orchestration, and his singing style is effortless." And Honolulu's main daily reports that Aweau is "that distinguished rarity...a jack of all trades, master of a wide domain."
In concert, Aweau plays a 12-string or 6-string acoustic guitar, as well as a special 7-string electric bass on which he plucks out classic funk just as easily as contemporary jazz. His bass-playing is reminiscent of Chapman Stick musicians, tapping out intricate rhythms and melodies simultaneously with most of his fingers.
The show will take place on Saturday, September 10 at 7:30PM. Aweau will be accompanied on stage by members of the Hula School of Santa Cruz.
Proceeds from each ticket purchased will be presented to the Hula School of Santa Cruz to help continue their contribution to Hawaiian arts in the Santa Cruz community.
Tickets are available at Pono Hawaiian Grill, 120 Union St., Santa Cruz, CA and The Hula School of Santa Cruz, 1001 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA and on line through BrownPaperTickets.com.
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LocationKuumbwa
320-2 Cedar Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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