HANAMA‘ULU — Friends for many years, three consummate musicians who love getting together to share their music and passion for the ‘ukulele have been performing as NUE for about four years, whenever opportunities occur.
That is short for Na ‘Ukulele ‘Ekolu, or The Three ‘Ukulele, and the trio teaches songs and performs them with the audience today from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
Bryan Tolentino plays tenor ‘ukulele, Halehaku Seabury plays baritone ‘ukulele, and Kama Hopkins plays upright bass. Friends and award-winning musicians for many years, these three men love getting together as this group to share their music and passion for the ‘ukulele.
In addition to being performers in other groups, they have been performing as NUE for about four years as opportunities allow, and said they look forward to sharing their unique sounds with the EKK audience.
E Kanikapila Kakou, now in week six of its 37th season that features the theme of “Hula, Mele & Mo‘olelo,” continues its 10 consecutive Monday nights of heritage Hawaiian music.
An evening at E Kanikapila Kakou — it translates to “let’s play a stringed instrument together” — begins at 6 p.m. with a breakout group in which the guest artists teach a song that participating audience members will perform sometime during the evening. EKK welcomes attendees to bring their own instruments or just sit in to learn how to play and/or sing a song.
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the featured artists take to the stage, and it’s showtime with lots of talk story.
All EKK gigs are open to the public. A suggested donation of $10 to $15 allows attendees to participate in an unforgettable evening of aloha. A no-host bar and food concession in the ballroom operates throughout the event.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance may email Carol Yotsuda at giac05@icloud.com.
E Kanikapila Kakou 2020 is funded in part by Hawai‘i Tourism through the Community Enrichment program, and is supported by the County of Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development, Kaua‘i Beach Resort, Garden Island Arts Council and EKK supporters.
On Monday, March 2, Napua Greig takes to the EKK stage.
