Live Music at The Cove

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Special Guest Performance "Makana"

8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

About Makana

Makana is the hottest new musical artist emerging from Hawaii.

A protege of the Slack Key Masters, he is considered the youngest living master of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar

and a pioneer in his own style of contemporary world rock. Makana has opened for greats like Sting and Santana,

released four highly acclaimed and diverse albums, and is well recieved by audiences worldwide,

often with standing ovations.

2006 Grammy Nomination for "Hawaiian Slack Key Kings"

"Best World Music Album" at the Hawaii Music Awards, for self-titled album "Makana"

"Makana" (self-titled album) voted "Best CD" by the readers of the Honolulu Weekly

"Artist for Peace Award", 2005

Makana's Website

HAPA

Hawaii Band "HAPA" featuring Barry Flanagan, Nathan Aweau, and Charles Ka'upu

With the recent release of their 6th album, "Maui", Hapa's Barry Flange and Nathan Aweau embrace the wider cultures of the pan-Polynesian South Pacific in this wide-ranging performance. Flanagan describes the most recent work as "A soundtrack for 21st century Polynesia where native art, history and music are pulled together by the powerful force of Maui."

Kupa'aina

Kupa’aina means people who love this place (Hawai’i), local people, simple island people. We are a hybrid of what is old and new to this land, we are a mixture of cultures and spiritual influences. Through our music we try to invoke memories, history, education, culture, identity, inspire change and reflection and encourage spiritual and communal progress. It is our hope that in sharing our music we might share a peace of what we love with you and that you too might share and inspire us in return. Mahalo nui for your support.

Ernie Cruz Jr.

Each May, the Hawaiian Academy of Recording Arts votes for the Na Hoku Hanohano awards (Hawaii's equivalent to the Grammies.) Even bearing in mind the strong field of contenders this year, it came hardly a surprise that he picked up awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and for the best recording in the Island Contemporary category.

Ernie is best known for his work with the Ka'au Crater Boys, but proves here that he is able to stand alone with his singing, compositions and playing. Joined by a handful of musicians -- including Bobby Ingano (lap steel), Greg Sardinho (steel guitar), Barry Flanagan and Shawn Ishimoto (guitars) and singer Fiji -- he's created one of the most outstanding albums of the year in any genre.

Guy Cruz

Guy Cruz has been surrounded by music his entire life, having come from an extremely talented, well-known musical family. His father Ernie Cruz, Sr. is a composer/singer having several recordings to his credit. He passed on to his children the love, understanding and passion of music. All of Guy's siblings are involved with music in some form or fashion. Some chose to express their abilities in dancing while others delved into composing, singing and recording CD's on their own. His older brother John released his CD in 1996 and had numerous Hoku nominations winning two of them. His oldest brother, Ernie, Jr. was half of the well known duo Ka`au Crater Boys and has been recording for years and is a recipient of several awards. There's also the very talented sisters who dance as well as sing. Mom, who has a beautiful voice, has also recorded on her sons' albums.

Makana Live

Makana shows some of the best in slack key and world-class guitar playing. His singing, in multiple languages, is as unique and versatile as his guitar and a perfect compliment to the many styles. Makana brings all this with heart and soul to each performance, which many consider to be his greatest gift. He delivers to each project and stage of any size more than one would imagine could be contained.