Mele Musings

May 29

[video]

May 28

Late night Nā Hōkū Hanohano stream snack! #nahokuhanohano

Late night Nā Hōkū Hanohano stream snack! #nahokuhanohano

May 27

Watch the Awards From Your Couch! -

Get dressed to the nines and watch the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards from the comfort of your couch!

The magic elixir “Pei Pa Koa” (pronounced “pay pah go”). A friend turned me on to this incredible syrup a couple years ago when I had completely lost my voice. You can find it in most Asian markets. Not sure of the ingredients, but it miraculously restored my voice in a matter of weeks! Tastes like a mixture of honey, maple syrup and cold medicine with the consistency of molasses…Took a while to swallow the first gulp a couple years back, but now I take it regularly as part of my weekly vocal maintenance regimen.

The magic elixir “Pei Pa Koa” (pronounced “pay pah go”). A friend turned me on to this incredible syrup a couple years ago when I had completely lost my voice. You can find it in most Asian markets. Not sure of the ingredients, but it miraculously restored my voice in a matter of weeks! Tastes like a mixture of honey, maple syrup and cold medicine with the consistency of molasses…Took a while to swallow the first gulp a couple years back, but now I take it regularly as part of my weekly vocal maintenance regimen.

May 24

Took a stroll today through one of the most iconic hotels in San Francisco, if not the world! The majestic Palace Hotel situated at the corner of Market and Montgomery streets.
Hawai’i’s last King David Kalākaua, died in the original Palace Hotel on January 20, 1891. He was visiting California for a change of climate to recuperate his health as advised by his physicians. The classic mele “Ka Ipo Lei Manu” was written during that trip by his wife Queen Kapi’olani. Sadly, the king never got to hear her beautiful tribute.
That original Palace Hotel was destroyed by fires in the 1906 earthquake.
The “New” Palace Hotel (pictured above) opened on December 19, 1909 and was completely rebuilt from the ground up to match the elegance of it’s predecessor.
If you’re ever in the San Francisco area and you need a dose of inspiration, make it a point to stop by, walk through and take in the beauty of this historic landmark. You’ll be glad you did!

Took a stroll today through one of the most iconic hotels in San Francisco, if not the world! The majestic Palace Hotel situated at the corner of Market and Montgomery streets.

Hawai’i’s last King David Kalākaua, died in the original Palace Hotel on January 20, 1891. He was visiting California for a change of climate to recuperate his health as advised by his physicians. The classic mele “Ka Ipo Lei Manu” was written during that trip by his wife Queen Kapi’olani. Sadly, the king never got to hear her beautiful tribute.

That original Palace Hotel was destroyed by fires in the 1906 earthquake.

The “New” Palace Hotel (pictured above) opened on December 19, 1909 and was completely rebuilt from the ground up to match the elegance of it’s predecessor.

If you’re ever in the San Francisco area and you need a dose of inspiration, make it a point to stop by, walk through and take in the beauty of this historic landmark. You’ll be glad you did!

May 23

Check out my newly revamped website!

Check out my newly revamped website!

May 21

[video]

Anatomy of a Mele Question Contest!!!

Ok folks, here’s your chance to win a personalized, autographed copy of Kawika Alfiche’s latest CD “Kale’a”! Kumu Kawika will be the next featured artist for the Anatomy of a Mele series and the featured mele will be his composition “Ho’i Hou Mai”. The interview will follow the standard format with questions from me in addition to one question asked by you, the readers! The winning question will be selected on Friday 5/25 by past “Anatomy” interviewee Mailani Makainai. You will also be mentioned in the blog when published.

Exciting right?!?

Simply join the Facebook group below or click on this email link to submit your questions. Have fun and good luck!

Time Vault Interview -

Check out an old interview I did with Aloha Joe when my first album Ho’omaka came out in 2006. One of the very first interviews that I did to promo the CD. Pretty funny and humbling to listen back to it and makes me even more anxious to get my new one out ;)

May 19

$5 DIY pedalboard! Picked up an inexpensive plastic cutting board (with handle) at IKEA: $2. Industrial strength tape backed velcro from Home Depot: $3. 5 minute setup. Perfect pedalboard and it all conveniently fits in my gig bag compartment!
*UPDATE*
Made a new one with a black board and added rubber feet! Removed the surge protector shown in the pic since I use a 1 Spot 9v power supply that powers all of my pedals.

$5 DIY pedalboard! Picked up an inexpensive plastic cutting board (with handle) at IKEA: $2. Industrial strength tape backed velcro from Home Depot: $3. 5 minute setup. Perfect pedalboard and it all conveniently fits in my gig bag compartment!

*UPDATE*

Made a new one with a black board and added rubber feet! Removed the surge protector shown in the pic since I use a 1 Spot 9v power supply that powers all of my pedals.

May 18

Stage shot - audience shot from the Strum Shop in Roseville, CA

Stage shot - audience shot from the Strum Shop in Roseville, CA

Performing at the “Strum Shop” in Roseville, CA on Mothers Day. 
Photo: Ben Stroper Photography

Performing at the “Strum Shop” in Roseville, CA on Mothers Day.

Photo: Ben Stroper Photography

Took a pic of an oil splotch outside of Whole Foods shaped like Hawai’i…cosmic sign or random occurrence?

Took a pic of an oil splotch outside of Whole Foods shaped like Hawai’i…cosmic sign or random occurrence?

[video]

Join the “Anatomy of a Mele” Facebook group! I plan to use it as a source for ongoing feedback and suggestions on how to improve the monthly music blog. Please feel free to post your feedback & input! Post which Artist/Producer you’d like to see in the future and stay connected with updates for contest announcements!

Join the “Anatomy of a Mele” Facebook group! I plan to use it as a source for ongoing feedback and suggestions on how to improve the monthly music blog. Please feel free to post your feedback & input! Post which Artist/Producer you’d like to see in the future and stay connected with updates for contest announcements!