Ledward Kaapana
August 15 , 6:15 - 7:00
A master of the slack key guitar, Led Kaapana has been one of Hawaii's most influential musicians for five decades. His mastery of stringed instruments, his exceptional picking style on slack key guitar and 'ukulele, and his extraordinary vocal range -- baritone to leo ki`eki`e (falsetto), have made him a musical legend. With easy-going style and kolohe (rascal) charm, he has built a loyal corps of "Led Heads" from Brussels to his birthplace on the Big Island of Hawai'i. His newest CD features Led's favorites on 'ukulele.
In 2011, he was honored with an NEA National Heritage Fellowship for his artistic excellence and his contributions to our nation's traditional arts heritage, and was invited to perform at the Library of Congress in celebration of 35 years of these Fellowships. Recognition by his peers earned Led four Grammy nominations in his own right and three wins on slack key compilations. He has won over a dozen Nā Hōkū Hanohano (Hawai'i's "Grammy") awards, including Favorite Entertainer of the Year, Best Slack Key, Best 'Ukulele, and in 2018, and Best Anthology Album for Led's CD Jus' Bes'.
Mongoose
August 15 , 7:00 - 7:45
Mongoose brings together the talent and aloha of Bernard Fowler (Rolling Stones), Nicholas Tremulis (Music Director of Maui Music & Food Experience), and Maui superstar Naiwi Teruya to show that we are better together. Blending soul, funk, rock and Hawaiian vibes, Mongoose is as magical as you.
Paula Fuga
August 15 , 8:00 - 8:45
Exquisite vocals, powerful lyrics and gorgeous melodies have earned Paula widespread critical praise and made her one of the most sought-after live performers in Hawaii. She is a songwriter of depth and passion, praised for her intense emotion with a personal style that is widely appealing, endearing audiences to her around the world. It is almost impossible to peg her into a single music genre. With a beautiful disposition, sweet island vibes, R&B, and Jawaiian roots reggae in the mix, her music has been called modern Hawaiian soul.
Paula plays music for a culture, spreading the thoughtful and evocative voice of the Hawaiian people across the world. A respected artist, Paula is also a cultural ambassador---using her talent as an instrument to help bring about positive social change within her islands and beyond.
Kanekoa
August 15 , 9:00 - 10:00
2025 will officially mark 28 years of ukulele innovators, Kanekoa, the band of limitless possibilities. Kanekoa is one of Hawaii's premier live music experiences, consistently selling out shows wherever they perform. Playing what is described as "ukulele-powered Hawaiian jam-rock," their sound is based on the untapped potential of the electrified Hawaiian ukulele. Guided by the culture and land of Hawai'i, Kanekoa is right at home playing any type of genre from traditional Hawaiian to 80's Pop to Jamband Blues, uniquely offering their signature electric ukulele sound to everything they play. Wherever this band plays people are mesmerized, they have caught the ear of some of the biggest names in music including Mick Fleetwood, Los Lobos, and Bill Kreutzman from the Grateful Dead who even called Kanekoa, "The Hawaiian Grateful Dead". With every show they play, Kanekoa continues to gain new loyal fans. --- To hear this band, and the music that comes from their four strings...is to love this band.
Marty Dread
August 16 , 4:15 - 5:00
Marty Dread, known as Hawaii's Reggae Ambassador, has performed at venues throughout the Hawaiian Islands and around the world. With 21 albums to his name, Marty has shared the stage with Willie Nelson and performed at major festivals. He continues to be a pioneering figure in Hawaii's reggae scene.
Frank Orrall
August 16 , 5:15 - 6:00
Frank Orrall is the founder, front man, writer-producer, and principle visionary for the 'Acous-tronic' Rock & Soul group; Poi Dog Pondering. He is also: percussionist and singer for the D.C. based group; Thievery Corporation. (Frank's other music production alias' include: Palm Fabric Orchestra, Soft Explosion, Mourning Doves and 8fatfat8). He often travels with a handful of co-conspirators & musical collaborators. On this show Frank is Joined by: Sophia De Leon Sanchez (vocalist, dancer & multi-instrumentalist),
Raised in the Pacific Ocean, and in the rain forests of Hawai'i, and matured on the streets of Chicago, Frank's song writing is rooted in nature, stream of consciousness prose writing, and the sensual world.
Poi Dog Pondering keep thriving because the ethic has always been about following the musical heart. Poi's steadfast independence has allowed the music to perennially bloom. From post-punk bohemian street buskers to impossible to market major label sacrificial lambs, and on to hard won autonomy with PDP's own record label; Platetectonic Music, Poi dog pondering has ripened into staunchly independent musical voyagers. Letting every sound that inspires flow through the music and flood it with ever changing colors: Acoustic, Orchestral and Electronic textures. Rock Band Soul & Disco, & their unique acous- tronic "Soul Sonic Orchestra" Sound.
(Threaded all along the way with 'heart on the sleeve' lyrics that embrace the beauty and pain of everyday life).
Poi Dog Pondering has;
- Performed on the David Letterman Show, and the Jay Leno show.
- Recorded for Columbia Records, Tommy Boy Records, Barnone Records, and
Texas Hotel Records (and now records for Platetectonic Records.
- Orchestrated & performed the PDP album Pomegranate with the Garant
Park Orchestra.
- Orchestrated and performed 2 classical crossover works with the The
Chicago Sinfonietta,
- Wrote and performed the soundtrack for the Brazilian surrealist film
"LIMITE", at Sonotheque.
- Sang the National anthem for the Chicago Bulls,
- Rallied the "7th inning stretch" for the Chicago Cubs.
- Poi Dog Pondering holds the lifetime record attendance for Ravinia
Festival,
- Toured with, or opened for, a wide array of acts such as; David Byrne,
Lou Reed, Thievery Corporation, King Sunny Ade, Robyn Hitchcock,
Willie Nelson, The Flaming Lips, Los Lobos, Camper Van Beethoven,
40+ years down the line there is a bolstered sense of history within PDP now. A swagger that comes from having steadfastly carved its own path. It is quite apparent that PDP has always been, and ever will be, in-it-for-the-love-of-it; creating and performing. Line up changes are par for the course.
PDP is an organic entity, it changes like life does. But there is a core with strong roots & deep personal history, open to new ears and ready to experiment and collaborate. That's what keeps it vibrant.
Tavana
August 16 , 6:15 - 7:15
Tavana is a one-man musical wrecking crew from Honolulu, who uses his feet to lay down a variety of grooves while simultaneously playing guitar, banjo, lap steel, or ukulele and singing deep-soulful, island-inspired rock and blues, bridging the gap between Hawaiian Music and Delta Blues. He consistently sells shows out in Hawaii leaving audiences in awe of his musical energy.
Tavana is known for his Waikiki jam sessions and regularly jams with a who's who of players in Hawaii, including Eddie Vedder who invited Tavana to sing 'Hawaii 78' - a Hawaii anthem of sorts - with him at the Hawaii Theatre. From a recording of their performance together, Vedder produced a limited vinyl record that was sent out to 10,000 Pearl Jam fans. Vedder also took Tavana out on tour for several dates as his opening act for his solo album. Tavana has jammed with many musical greats, including Jack Johnson, Pat Simmons, Michael McDonald, Henry Kapono, G Love, Willie K, John Cruz, Ron and Thunderstorm Artis, and Leon Mobley (Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals). He also has been the supporting act for Alabama Shakes, Shakey Graves, Xavier Rudd, Jenny Lewis, Julian Marley, and Kaleo to name just a few.
Tavana is a multi-Nā Hōkū Hanohano (Hawaiian Grammy®) nominee and is currently featured on an in-flight video on all Hawaiian Airlines. He was a featured artist on Henry Kapono's "The Songs of C&K", and is also a featured "Playing for Change" artist.
Brown Chicken Brown Cow
August 16 , 7:30 - 8:15
BrownChicken BrownCow String Band is a Maui based national touring band, whose roots originated in the Appalachian Mountains of Southern West Virginia. Band members are Orion Hitzig, Xander Hitzig, Justin Morris, and Matt Del Olmo, all of whom are multi-instrumental musicians who have spent over a decade together on and off stage. During that time they have created a rare and deep bond that can be heard and observed in their music, making their sound unique and recognizable from performance to performance.
BrownChicken BrownCow String Band performs original music and the occasional classic of one of their influences. Their songs and melodies are influenced through the band members' varied musical backgrounds including Bluegrass, Jamgrass, Gypsy, Folk, Old-Time, Celtic, and even Classical. One of the strengths of the band is the devotion and level of support from their cult fanbase, regardless if the band is on the Mainland, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or Alaska. BrownChicken BrownCow String Band have performed at numerous festivals including annually at Grassfire in Ohio with some of the best Bluegrass bands in the World.
Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk
August 16 , 8:30 - 10:00
Dumpstaphunk has cemented its reputation as one of the most respected New Orleans musical institutions. Ivan Neville (keyboards/vocals) and Ian Neville (guitar), the sons of Aaron Neville and Art "Poppa Funk" Neville respectively, alongside original member Tony Hall (bass, guitar, vocals) have built upon their iconic NOLA legacy as they've transformed Dumpstaphunk into the city's pre-eminent 21st-century funk-fusion export. Both in the studio and on the stage, their performances have attracted sit-ins from the likes of Carlos Santana, Flea, Bob Weir, George Clinton, Chaka Khan, Dave Matthews, Trombone Shorty, and members of Phish amongst many others.
With the 2024 passing of elder statesmen, local legend bassist/vocalistand co-founder of the bandNick Daniels III, the group continues its latest genesiswith next generation additions including Deven Trusclair (drums), Alex Wasily (trombone), Ashlin Parker(trumpet), John Michael Bradford (trumpet), Ari Teitel (guitar)and Viveca Hawkins (vocals).
Critical acclaim and undeniable musicality permeate their 4 studio albums and opening slots for the Rolling Stones on their home turf at the New Orleans Mercedes Benz Superdome (2019) and New Orleans Jazz& Heritag Fest (2024). Modernizing and reinvigorating the influential Neville/Meters family groove has been one of the driving forces of Dumpstaphunk since the band spontaneously formed during JazzFest in 2003. Their original music and prolific live performances combine ingenious musicianship excercised within complex funk, rock, and R&B arrangements accompanied by soulful quadruple harmonies and Big Easy traditions.