Kilin Reece

Kilin Reece is a luthier, writer, musician, founder and president of the Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings.

Kilin Reece was raised in a community of musicians and grew up playing string instruments, including Hawaiian-style slide guitar, pedal steel and dobro. To the dismay of his parents, at a young age he began disassembling his family’s prized collection of guitars. At age 12 (at his family’s insistence that he learn to reassemble the many instruments strewn in pieces about the house) he began studying luthiery, eventually going on to work with the renowned builder Richard Hoover of the Santa Cruz Guitar Company. After studying jazz theory and improvisation with Ray Brown at Cabrillo College in California, Reece followed his love of jazz and American roots music to New York City. There he studied jazz history in Brooklyn with Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra director Loren Schoenberg, and jazz guitar with Gene Bertoncini. He also worked toward a degree in history from Friends World College while interning with the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. After moving to O‘ahu in 2001, Reece became steeped in Hawaiian instrument-making traditions while working at the Ko‘olau Guitar and ‘Ukulele Company. In time, Reece founded, KR Strings earning himself a place among Hawai‘i’s top luthiers.

In between building and restoring instruments, traveling to Cremona, Italy to study violin making and playing in the bluegrass band Saloon Pilots, Reece continued learning from the community of musicians and instruments that found their way to his restoration studio. As his knowledge of the history of Hawaiian instruments expanded, Reece learned that the Martin Dreadnought acoustic guitar that he had been playing for decades traced its origins to the Hawaiian kingdom. Further, the first electric guitar ever made was a Hawaiian-style lap steel guitar. Reece, inspired to learn more, began working with the C.F. Martin Guitar Company Archives, the Library of Congress, Bishop Museum and the Hawai‘i State Archives, spending hundreds of hours unraveling the compelling story of our musical partners of wire and wood. In 2019, Reece founded the nonprofit Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings with a mission to research, restore and celebrate the pivotal and enduring role that Hawaiian and Pacific music and musicians have played in the evolution of popular music - a legacy of global influence.

Kailua Moon Music - Danny Carvalho and Nani Carvalho

Kailua Moon began as a romance between traditional Hawaiian Music and modern pop and Americana. Formed in 2016 by Hawaii-born slack key guitarist Danny Carvalho and Nani Carvalho - a young kumu hula and singer-songwriter from Ventura, California.

Since its inception, Kailua Moon has evolved into a full band that fuses Hawaiian music seamlessly with their country rock influences. They toured across the United States sharing Hawaiian music and culture. Danny and Nani are currently preparing to release their debut album, a mix of Hawaiian classics and original compositions.

Bryan Tolentino

‘Ukulele player, Bryan Tolentino has been known, for the past forty plus years, as an accompanist who performed and continues to perform, locally and abroad with some of Hawaiʻi’s most well known and accomplished Hawaiian music artists.

Bryan’s recorded on over sixty CD’s for other artists as well as compilations adding his unique “fairy dusting”, as he calls it. He says, “You must feel Hawaiian Music,” evident in his award winning recordings featured on Nā Hōkū Hanohano and Grammy nominated CD’s which have also garnered many awards. He blends all that he’s learned, as an accompanist, into his own unique sound.

Bryan has performed and recorded with notable Hawaiian entertainers such as: Raiatea Helm, Jake Shimabukuro, Herb Ohta, Jr., Aunty Genoa Keawe, Pomaika‘i Lyman, Karen Keawehawai‘i, Ku‘uipo Kumukahi, Marlene Sai, Jerry Santos and Olomana, O’Brian Eselu, Nathan Aweau, Frank Hewett, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong, Sonny Lim, Jeff Peterson, Wailau Ryder, Kalei Gamiao, ‘Elua Kane, Owana Salazar, Weldon Kekauoha, Natalie Ai, ‘Iolani Kamau‘u, Napua Greig, Kuana Torres Kahele, Aaron Salā, Keao Costa, Blaine Kamalani Kia, NUE - Nā ‘Ukulele ‘Ekolu - Bryan, Kama Hopkins and Halehaku Seabury, The Side Order Band – with Del Beazley, Chris Kamaka and Asa Young, and more!

Bryan also worked with award winning hula hālau, engineers and producers. The noted halau includes: Nā Wai ‘Eha O Puna, Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi, Hālau Maoli Pua, Ka Pā Hula O Kauanoe O Wa‘ahila, Keali‘ika’apunihonua Ke‘ena A‘o Hula, Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniakea and Kuhai Hālau O Kawaikapuokalani Pa Olapa Kahiko. Engineers and producers: Imua Garza, Dave Tucciarone, Milan Bertosa, Steve Kramer, Gaylord Holomalia, Flip McDiarmid, Shawn Pimental, Michael Grande, Kip and Max Ebersbach, all among the best in the music business.

In May 2005, Bryan opened another musical chapter by releasing his solo CD “Ka ‘Ukulele Lele” that became a Nā Hōkū Hanohano finalist for Instrumental Album of the year.

Ten years later in April 2015, he released a duet CD, “Ukulele Friends”, with Herb Ohta Jr. that received a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for 2016 ‘Ukulele Album of the Year. In the Summer of 2016, he expanded his role by joining the Performing Arts Academy at Kamehameha Schools – Kapalama campus, educating young adults interested in learning and performing the ‘ukulele. He released a second duet CD with Herb Ohta Jr. ‘Ukulele Friends: The Sequel In December 2017, also winning a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award! NUE - Nā ‘Ukulele ‘Ekolu with Kama Hopkins and Halehaku Seabury released their CD “In the Heart of Paradise” on Dec. 30, 2021.

Bryan Tolentino continues to teach in person and online, sharing his love for the ‘ukulele through performances and workshops.

Halehaku Seabury

Landon Halehaku Seabury is a Grammy nominated and multi Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning guitarist/multi instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and vocalist from Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu. Halehaku developed an early passion for music from his parents growing up in Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu. His formative musical education began assisting his father in the KCCN 1420 AM Radio station studios as a young child. Being exposed early on to musicians like Aunty Genoa Keawe, Kealiʻi Joy, Kahauanu Lake Trio, Emperor Hanapī, Richard Kauhi, etc. set a precedent for excellence in Hawaiian music.

Hale began formal study of music early on, starting with the Hawaiian steel guitar under the tutelage of his uncle, steel guitar master Alan L. Akaka. He continued to play steel guitar as his primary instrument throughout high school studying the styles of Jules Ah See, Jake Keliʻikoa, Barney Isaacs, and his great grandfather Joseph “Steppy” De Rego.

Building a dual-fold music career as a studio session ace and independent artist, Halehaku’s musical contributions can be found on albums by Kainani Kahaunaele, Josh Tatofi, Keauhou, Keao Costa and Kekuhi Kanaka’ole, and others uncredited. As an artist with his group Nā Hoa, recording and preserving songs like Kolopā, Pili Me ʻOe, and Pua Mae ʻOle.

It has since been a goal of his to combine the elegance of Hawaiian music and the bold, daring improvisation of jazz into a beautiful musical form that can and will be appreciated by both Hawaiians and Non-Hawaiian music fans alike.

Kimo Hussey

A long, soft, slow, rhythmic melody. The familiar yet elusive notes of “Happy Together” from an instrument you didn’t know had the ability to sound so majestic, until it fell into the hands of a master. Kimo Hussey seamlessly blends melody, rhythm, and dynamic nuances with his ukulele solos creating a distinctively beautiful sound. He is regarded as one of Hawai‘i’s finest ambassadors’ of aloha and does so through his love of music and passion for the ‘ukulele. One of the most respected jazz ukulele players in the world, Kimo’s solo style pays close attention to a song’s melody and he plays that melody strictly—eliciting both nostalgic and positive memories from his audience. Music for Kimo is not just about notes, but about emotion.

As a young boy growing up in Hawaii, ukuleles were all around Kimo. Yet, it wasn’t until his Uncle Richard took him under his wing at age 5 that Kimo learned to play and love the ukulele—a love that has only grown over time. As Kimo says “Emotion is the key in nurturing ukulele because people around the world enjoy the instrument because it is fun, first and foremost, and therefore provides a moving emotional reward.” His music is deliberately slow, a style that he is often sought out for as a teacher and instructor. For Kimo, however, he “grew up with this ukulele sound all around me. It was somewhat characteristic to all those
local ukulele players to whom I ascribed a ton of respect.”

A musician with a small instrument but a big heart, Kimo is a former director of the Ukulele Guild of Hawaii, previous Board Chair for Sounding Joy Music Inc., a non-profit organization specializing in clinical music therapy, and the Board Chairman and Founder of the Pacific Music Foundation, a non-profit organization specializing in Hawaiian music that soothes the listener.

Kimo is also a much-sought after performer and teacher, traveling extensively to ukulele festivals and workshops around the world. He specializes in community service events, and has played in hospitals, senior centers, for blind children in Thailand, for children who were cancer patients and at hospice facilities. In all of these, the ukulele showed its magnificence in supporting those very real tenets of music therapy, a concept very important to Kimo. “The ukulele is NOT an end. It is a catalyst through which we facilitate music that soothes.”

Kimo has recorded one solo ukulele CD – the sold out and much sought after “Eminent Ukulele” – and has participated in several other composite ukulele CDs. He is also an author of the multiple award winning Hawaiian songbook, He Mele Aloha which has sold millions of copies around the world and has been translated into other languages.

Kimo continues to conduct ‘ukulele workshops and seminars around the world. His goal is “to share as much of my knowledge of ukulele as possible. Years of musical experiences teaching and playing throughout the world have consistently shown me what I most enjoy about music and ukulele is being a part of music’s creative process. I have learned that I continue to learn about ukulele and so I never run out of things to share. The process massages the soul. It’s a real joy and one big reason why I love doing workshops about anything that has to do with ukulele, sharing with others what has been shared with me.”

Zanuck Lindsey

Zanuck Kapala Lindsey

Born and raised in tranquil Pauoa Valley, O‘ahu, Zanuck Kapala Lindsey has been a professional musician, bandleader, teacher, composer, producer, and contractor for 40+ years.He has traveled extensively, performing internationally. A few highlights have been performances at the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Irvine Meadows Amphitheater, Shoreline Amphitheater, Aloha Stadium, Tokyo Dome and the Oneness Center in Golden City, Chennai, India.

Zanuck has shared the stage with Tony Bennett, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, Chaka Khan, The Doobie Brothers, Isaac Hayes, The Captain & Tennille, Tower of Power, Pauline Wilson, Yvonne Elliman, Michael Paulo, Jim Belushi, Sheila E., Michael McDonald, Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, James Ingram, Gloria Gaynor, Ray Parker Jr., Sheena Easton, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Ben Vereen, Bobby Caldwell, Rick Braun, Peter White, Mindy Abair, Warren Hill, Michael Lington, Matt Catingub & the Honolulu Symphony Pops, Steve Moretti and the Macon

Symphony Pops, The #1 Japanese Pop bands - Exile, J-Soul Brothers and Arashi, Don Ho, Hawaiian pop artists - Kalapana, Kapala, Willie K, Disney Japan, Sumo wrestler Konishiki, and countless others. His original song, “Heat of the Night” won 1st place in the 1987 National Songwriting Contest sponsored by Budweiser and Capitol Records. In 1999, his solo record “For Every Heart” was nominated for Best Contemporary Album in Hawai’i.

Zanuck was awarded the 2000 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Best Jazz Album for “Hula Joe & the Hutjumpers” on his label, Black and Tan Records. As a recording artist/ producer, Zanuck has 8 cds to his credit. His latest titles are “KOKO” with Maui singer/ songwriter Ron Kualā‘au. and “HAWAIIAN CLASSICS” with Kimo Artis. As a music educator, Zanuck travels the world teaching music through the ‘ukulele and guitar. He has worked with acclaimed ‘ukulele masters Kimo Hussey, Daniel Ho, Herb Ohta, Jr., James Hill, Jake Shimabukuro, Benny Chong, Byron Yasui, Bryan Tolentino. Zanuck has given workshops or taught in Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, Mexico, Europe, India, Australia, and the United States. He currently works with the Institute of Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai‘i - Maui College, developing curriculum and leading workshops in ‘ukulele, guitar, and music theory. He also works with the ‘Ukulele Guild of Hawai‘i in creating ‘ukulele programs for disabled veterans at Tripler Army Medical Center; health-challenged children at Shriner’s Hospital in Honolulu, and UPLINK - Uniting Peer Learning, Integrating New Knowledge, an after-school program for middle-school aged children.

David Kaio

David Kahiliaulani Kuhia Ka`io – a Hawaiian, singer, musician, songwriter, producer, husband and father.

David is one of eight children, born and raised in La`ie, Pauoa and Lanakila, on the island of O`ahu. He is surrounded by a close-knit `ohana (family) with an abundant of musical talents and deep Hawaiian roots. As a young child, he can recall his aunts, uncles, and cousins playing music, singing and dancing the hula at all the family gatherings. And, every time he would watch, listen and follow their musical techniques.

David’s musical beginnings was being a part of a quartet called the “Sons of Liliha”, reminiscent of the rich melodious traditions of Eddie Kamae & Sons of Hawai`i. Following high school, David enjoyed traveling to Japan while performing in a Polynesian Show for a duration of five years. Upon his return to Hawai`i in 1986, he joined the “Moe Keale Band”. In 1991, David formed a trio called the “Anuhea Band” together with Kalani Kupau and Alan Distajo. In 1993 they recorded a CD “Kahiau Ke Aloha” and was nominated for Haku Mele and Most Promising Artist in the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

David’s talents has allowed him to extend and share his music throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and across California, Oregon, Illinois, Washington, Hong Kong, Japan, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, and New Caledonia.

Through music, David has had the pleasure of performing with many hula halau (school) at the Queen Lili`uokalani Keiki Hula competitions, King Kamehameha Hula Competitions, and the illustrious Merrie Monarch Hula Festivals. For many years, he has worked with Halau Mohala `Ilima, Kumu Hula Mapuana and Kihei de silva in contributing his voice and music as well as providing support as a van driver and preparing meals on their halau trips in addition to teaching ukulele lessons to the keiki (children).

David was fascinated with the unique style of artist Keawe Lopes. He knew that Keawe’s voice should be shared with the people around the world and decided to help produce Keawe’s debut CD – “He Aloha No”. Together with renowned producer Ken Makuakane, David has been working on his solo CD entitiled “Aloha Na `Ohana”, a compilation of distinctive Hawaiian grass roots music.

The music of Hawai`i is one David’s favorite passions, as well as enjoying ocean sports, NHRA drag racing, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Los Angeles Lakers, a member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha and above all he has much aloha (love) and appreciation for his family, his faith and for his parents for preserving and teaching him the means of sustaining and maintaining a quality Hawaiian way of life.

David Woodward

David Kekoamanawale’a Woodward is the rhythm guitarist as well as a diverse vocalist for the multi-Na Hoku Hanohano Award winning trio, Walea. Also known as “Kawika”, or “Kekoa”, David has always had a deep interest in traditional Hawaiian music and is no stranger to accompanying Hawaiian music artists in varying styles. A native of Ka’alaea, Oahu, David's ohana has always been connected to the Hawaiian music scene and recalls the days of the famed "Hawaii Calls" radio program broadcasted from Waikiki Beach. Due to a longing for continued education, David often connects with his musical mentors and ohana to deepen his understanding of the stories of those who came before him and the mele, or songs, that accompanied them. A Doctor of Physical Therapy with a robust medical practice by day, David enjoys spending his evenings with family, friends, and playing music. He now resides in Kāneʻohe, where he loves living life with his wife and two children.

David, along with members of Walea, have recently been awarded 3 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards: Most Promising Artist, Liner Notes, and Haku Mele. He is also one of three recipients from the group to receive the Territorial Airwaves Legacy Award, a new award recently given in honor of Harry B. Soria Jr. in passing on the legacy of traditional Hawaiian music and keeping its sound alive.