What's Going On With HIMELE

September 1, 2025 • Alan Akaka • News

FINAL ALOHA MUSIC CAMP – March 2-8

After 24 years, Keola Beamer is retiring from running the camp. Both the campers and Kumu would like it to continue, so the decision is up to the Mohala Hou board of directors. Sharing photos of the steel guitar classes

WAIMĀNALO KANIKAPILA – April 19

HULA GRILL – April 21

LEO HONE O KĀHALA at the KAHALA HOTEL & RESORT – April 24

Members of our HIMELE music ‘ohana performed at the Kahala Hotel & Resort's Plumeria Beach House presented by the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society. Featured were Devin Nakahara, Hi‘ipoi Lindsey, Isaac Woodward, myself, and from Japan, Shinichi Kakiuchi. The backup band was Kaipo Asing, Kaipo Lindsey, and Dylan Nakahara .

KAUA‘I STEEL GUITAR FESTIVAL at the KUKUI GROVE CENTER – May 4

The 9^th annual festival featured Kaua‘i's own Kilipaki Vaughan, Jess Montgomery, and newcomer Kaimana Ka‘auwai, with O‘ahu artists Bobby Ingano, Mālie Lyman, me, along with NextGEN members Hi‘ipoi Lindsey, Makamae Lyu-Napoleon, Enosa Lyman, and Isaac Woodward. Daniel Tremblay offered free instruction at the "Hands On" table

JOSEPH KEKUKU and the Voice of the Steel Guitar

This production by the Honolulu Theatre for Youth, written by Moses Goods in collaboration with Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings, tells the story of a boy who created an instrument and style of playing that would impact the musical world. Moses did an excellent job of telling Joseph Kekuku's story, which was both entertaining and educational. It began with a brief overview of Joseph's life and accomplishments, performed in a rock style tailored to capture the attention of school-aged children. Baba (last name not known) kept the audience engaged with his wit and humor. Mālie Lyman's steel guitar was featured prominently throughout the program. It's incredible how the two on stage could do as much as they did.

INTERESTING - Jake approached me and shared that he wanted to learn to play the steel guitar for the longest time. Imagine the impact he would make in the steel guitar world if he included a steel guitar solo in his set.

HAWAIIAN STEEL GUITAR FESTIVAL at WINDWARD MALL – June 7

The Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Windward Mall was a success.

Featured at the live-streamed event emceed by Jake Fernandez were Bobby Ingano, Mālie Lyman, Devin Nakahara, Greg Sardinha, and me, along with NextGEN members Isabella Bertelmann, Hi‘ipoi Lindsey, Makamae Lyu-Napoleon, Enosa Lyman, and Tai Misailidis.

COMING SOON:

DATES FOR STEEL GUITAR FESTIVALS FOR 2025

August 16 – Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival "Keiki Kine" at Kahala Mall
October 18 - Maui Steel Guitar Festival at the Shops at Wailea

STEEL GUITAR SUNDAYS at HULA GRILL WAIKIKI

STEEL GUITAR FRIDAYS at the ROYAL HAWAIIAN CENTER

The Royal Hawaiian Center presents Steel Guitar Fridays, featuring Hawai‘i's top steel guitar and upcoming artists and hula every Friday from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

ALOHA INTERNATIONAL STEEL GUITAR CLUB CONVENTION – July 24-26

The 51^st annual AISGC steel guitar festival is coming soon to Winchester, IN. The featured guest artist is Paul Kim. I will do a seminar at the public library and a workshop at the festival site.

HAWAIIAN STEEL GUITAR FESTIVAL "KEIKI KINE" at KAHALA MALL – Aug 16

The lineup is set with Isabella Bertelmann, Hi‘ipoi Lindsey, Tai Misailidis, Ever Ta‘ala, and Isaac Woodward.

CREEDE MUSICAL ARTS COLLECTIVE – August 29-31

Our mission is to enhance and broaden the region's musical offerings by welcoming distinguished artists of all genres to participate in residencies featuring live performances and educational programs.

We emphasize accessibility and affordability, offering discounted or free options for children and individuals requiring financial assistance.

Dedicated to making the Arts open to all, we work to maintain low ticket prices, despite increasing costs and economic challenges.

NORCAL SYMPOSIUM 2025 – September 28

Coming to Cupertino on Sunday, September 28, at the Odd Fellows Lodge, with day-long workshops, a mini concert, and an evening potluck and kani ka pila.

HARA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Sunday, November 23, at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel's Monarch Room from 10 am.