The Life in Music

Community Building with ‘Ukulele

…Andy Andrews and Fun with P.U.K.A…. By Shirley Stoffer… Andy Andrews, co-founder of the legendary ‘Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz in California, is now bringing his love of people, music and fun to the Big Island of Hawai’i. Those of us who know him were certain that it would only be a matter of time [...]
Driving Fast with Brittni Paiva

…A Young ‘Ukulele Virtuoso Speeding Toward Stardom …By Shirley Stoffer… The music world keeps opening new doors for Brittni Paiva, the 23-year-old ‘ukulele star from Hilo. She has been making music since the age of four, when she started playing piano. At age 11, her uncle gave her an ‘ukulele and there has been no [...]
Konabob and the Unique Kona Walkingbass

…By Shirley Stoffer… Bob Stoffer, known as “Konabob” to many people in Hawai’i and around the world, had loved Hawai’i and Hawaiian music for a long time before moving to the island. He listened to Hawaiian music at his bakery in the mountains of Colorado, with a picture of Gabby Pahinui and a map of [...]
A Passionate Kanaka Maoli: Keoki Kahumoku

A Passionate Kanaka Maoli*: Keoki Kahumoku (*Native of this land) —Inspiring the Next Generation with ‘Ukulele, Guitar and Life Skills …By Shirley Stoffer… Keoki Kahumoku is a passionate guy. His beautiful musical talent comes naturally, genetically, from a family that’s well-known in Hawaiian music. But it’s almost secondary to his passions — about many things, [...]
Gary Washburn: Jazzing Up a High School Band

Gary Washburn: Jazzing Up a High School Band —Heʻs Taken Honoka‘aʻs Music Program to the Top …By Catherine Tarleton… It’s a bright, windy afternoon in Honoka’a for the Peace Day Festival, and the Honoka‘a High School Jazz Band is rocking the field with some big, belted-out blues by a diminutive female vocalist. The kids play [...]
Aloha Music Camp

Aloha Music Camp: Awakening Hawaiian Spirit Keola Beamer and Mohala Hou ‘Ohana …By Marya Mann… Slack key artist Keola Beamer, world traveler, performer, composer and master musician—a Hawaiian who has earned a place on Billboard’s Top World Music Albums chart – also has a sense of place. Today it’s Keauhou, a historically significant locale that [...]
Time Out with the Amazing Bosco

Time Out with the Amazing Bosco …Troubador, Kona Icon, Recording Artist and New-Age Musical Alchemist …By Marya Mann …The man may be ahead of his time, but time is running short this day for Bosco as he stuffs electrical cords and mechanical contraptions into his bags. Check. Preparing for his performance at the seaside Kona [...]
Bruddah Kuz’ Family Album

Bruddah Kuz’ Family Album … Maunakea Family Productions: Music, Family and Youth Advocacy …By Hadley Catalano… The story of Iopa Maunakea’s community dedication is woven like a melodic theme through his life’s work, beginning with his grandmother, Katherine Maunakea. His story is not complete without hers. As a community organizer in the district of Puna, [...]
Puna Men Sing from the Heart

Puna Men Sing from the Heart By Noel Morata… When friends and newcomers first attend a performance by the Puna Men’s Chorus (PMC), they are mesmerized with the surprises in every show. Part cabaret, part theater, all these beautiful voices meld together in a superbly entertaining and inspirational performance. Each show typically brings the audience [...]
Jazzy Maggie – a Musician for Life

Jazzy Maggie – a Musician for Life …By Colin John, Ke Ola Music Correspondent – Walking into and experiencing a Maggie Herron show is like stumbling serendipitously into a tropical jazz oasis: soothing, calming, exciting and eminently enjoyable. The sounds that emanate from her piano, combined with her jazzy, sensual voice, make for a relaxing [...]
The Life in Art


Up from the Ashes
…Pit-firing Ceramic Vessels with Tim Freeman… By John J. Boyle… A close examination of a pit-fired ceramic vessel created by potter and philosopher Tim Freeman reveals details reminiscent of Hawai‘i’s active volcano. The artist, who makes his home near Kīlauea’s burning, living fire, is exploring creation from clay with...
Carousel of Aloha
…Bringing a Dream to Life… By Alan D. McNarie… Juanette Baysa has a dream. It’s not a dream that will lead to an end to all war or a universal source of clean energy or anything that ambitious. It’s just the sort that helps to make life a little nicer. It involves a little park [...]The Life in Music


Community Building with...
…Andy Andrews and Fun with P.U.K.A…. By Shirley Stoffer… Andy Andrews, co-founder of the legendary ‘Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz in California, is now bringing his love of people, music and fun to the Big Island of Hawai’i. Those of us who know him were certain that it would only be a matter of time [...]
Driving Fast with Brittni...
…A Young ‘Ukulele Virtuoso Speeding Toward Stardom …By Shirley Stoffer… The music world keeps opening new doors for Brittni Paiva, the 23-year-old ‘ukulele star from Hilo. She has been making music since the age of four, when she started playing piano. At age 11, her uncle gave her an ‘ukulele and there has been no [...]
Konabob and the Unique Kona...
…By Shirley Stoffer… Bob Stoffer, known as “Konabob” to many people in Hawai’i and around the world, had loved Hawai’i and Hawaiian music for a long time before moving to the island. He listened to Hawaiian music at his bakery in the mountains of Colorado, with a picture of Gabby Pahinui and a map of [...]The Life in Spirit


Kaulana Hawai‘i
Na Wai Puna o Kona – Na Kupuna Kaulana Hawai’i lā Nā mea Aloha lā Eia ho’i ke ola lā ‘O Hawai’i Famous is Hawai’i Loveable things indeed Present is the life Hawai’i Kamehameha Hawai’i lā Mō’i ka moku lā Eia ho’i ke ola lā ‘O Hawai’i Kamehameha of Hawai’i Chief of this island Present [...]
Aia ke Aloha ke Nana Aku
…Love is There When We Seek …Na Kumu Keala Ching… ‘Ohu’ohu o ka lani i ‘ike aku Kūlia a’ela ka lā i ka lewa Wahi ola nā kūpuna i lōkahi ai Aia ana ke aloha ke nānā aku A mist of heaven is seen As the sun strives upon high A place where ancestors gather [...]




