Brother Noland returns to the E Kanikapila Kakou stage in the program’s second Monday night within its 36th season.
The heritage Hawaiian music program embraces this author, singer, artist, poet, philanthropist, mentor, musician and family man who continually inspires and infuses creativity and innovation to pave new paths of music and humanity around the world.
This year’s theme for EKK is “Music is Our Mo‘olelo (Story).” Guest entertainers from around the islands share their stories of important events, places and people in song.
Brother Noland will do it in his own way. Fluid in both slack-key and standard guitar tunings, he has deeply influenced contemporary Hawaiian music and is widely considered as the “Father of Jawaiian music”— the fusion of Hawaiian and Reggae music.
He’s popular for his unique interpretations, or “Nolandization” of songs, yet remains respectful of traditional Hawaiian music and culture. And there’s that “Satchmo growl” he employs that audiences love.
Born and raised in Kalihi-Palama on Oahu, Brother Noland Conjugacion is most famous for his original song, “Coconut Girl,” that birthed the “Jawaiian” contemporary style. He has won numerous Na Hoku Hanohano awards, including best reggae album, and his music is featured in several movies.
He is regularly featured in slack-key guitar festivals around the islands, and has achieved top honors for his music, his humanitarian accomplishments, and more.
All EKK gigs are held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Jasmine Ballroom of the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort near Hanamaulu. A donation of $5 to $10 suggested is entry to an unforgettable evening of aloha from the heart.
A no-host bar and food concession operates all evening in the ballroom. All EKK events are open to the public.
EKK is a program of the nonprofit Garden Island Arts Council.
Next Monday, Feb. 4, at EKK: Amy Hanaiali‘i and Jeff Peterson
Info: 245-2733; or www.gardenislandarts.org
