Jazzy Maggie—a Musician for Life
By Colin John 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…
Rob Yamanoha: One Akamai Hilo Music Man
By Colin John Driving over Saddle Road and into Kaumana, on the mauka side of Hilo, I am looking forward to speaking with the multi-talented Rob Yamanoha. Still a young man, Rob wears many musical hats: guitarist, songwriter, producer, performer,…
John Keawe: Hawai‘i Island-Born Slack Key Master
By Ke Ola Music Correspondent Colin John It’s a slightly overcast, late summer day in the little town of Hawi in North Kohala—one of those typical Kohala mornings where blazing sunshine mingles with the threat of rain. Clouds march majestically…
M. Kalani Souza: An Ecological Music Man Making a Splash
By Ke Ola Music Correspondent Colin John Many on The Big Island may know Kalani Souza as a great musician whose personality lights up the room when he enters and takes the stage—either solo or with Sugah Daddy or Hamakua…
Feeling Good, Bringing Joy, and Cleared for Take-Off: Mili Nanea
By Colin John Ke Ola Magazine Music Correspondent Take three pedigreed and talented musicians with mutual respect for one another. Add patience, perseverance, family, community, faith and friends. Combine together in a laid-back home environment utilizing a strong work ethic.…
Creating Ha with Bolo: He’s “Been There, Done That,” and Made the T-Shirt
With Music Correspondent Colin John Bolo Mikiela Rodrigues, or “Bolo” as he is best known, greets me at the gate of his family home—which also serves as his design workshop and inspirational hale—with a friendly smile and an affable, ”Howzit?”…
A Dream To Reality: The First Kona Jazz Festival—Brittni Paiva and Cyril Pahinui Talk Story
By Colin John Wouldn’t it be wonderful if…” is an oft-heard phrase when people are dreaming or thinking about possibilities. One such dream that has become a reality is the First Annual Kona Jazz Festival, set to take place at…
