The Aloha Everywhere Concert Series, presented by Hawaiian Island Creations (HIC) Lifestyle, returns to the Downey Theatre on Saturday, May 18, at 7 p.m., bringing the best in Hawaiian music to Los Angeles with multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano (Stars of Distinction) award winners Kūpaoa, Mark Yamanaka, and Hōkū Zuttermeister along with hula by Hālau Nā Mamo O Pana?ewa, under the direction of Kumu Hula Chase Keoki Wang (Glendale); Kumu Hula Rona Koe from Hālau Hula O Pualanina?auali?ioha (Ventura); and Kumu Hula Tiffanie Zuttermeister from Hālau Kaleihōkū Kūikanani (Las Vegas).
Spend an evening enjoying the musical spirit of the Hawaiian Islands and its welcoming aloha culture.
With over 30 Nā Hōkū Hano-hano awards (Hawaii’s premier music awards, considered to be the equivalent to the Grammys) between these three powerhouse music groups, these great friends came together last year to contribute to a compilation album, “Kalama O Kaua?i: The Songs of Nathan Kalama, Volume 1.”
Hawaiian music is a unique combination of storytelling and instrumental music, used to preserve history, while honoring the land and those who came before us. Though the three artists have all performed in Southern California on their own, this will be the first time that they are coming together to share the stage.
Husband-and-wife duo Kellen and Līhau Paik have been performing as the duet Kūpaoa since 2005. Over the years, they have been honored to receive multiple Nā Hōkū Hano-hano awards, including: Most Promising Artist (2009), Best Liner Notes (2010 and 2020), Island Music Album of the Year (2014), Best Hawaiian Language Performance (2014), and Christmas Album of the Year (2015).
In 2019, Kūpaoa released their eighth al-bum, “Ka Lei Moana,” an eclectic mix of songs that celebrates the connectedness of all things. The album joins the couple’s other albums, all performed in their soothing signature style. As lifelong students of the Hawaiian language, both Kellen and Līhau enjoy composing and performing their own original songs, in addition to the time-honored favorites that are loved by all.
The word Kūpaoa describes a lasting, permeating fragrance and it is the couple’s hope that their music will linger with you, infusing your heart and mind long after their performance is through.
Hōkū Zuttermeister is a native of Kāneohe. The Zuttermeister ohana is renowned in both hula and music communities for their many contributions; his great-grandmother and great aunt both celebrated kumu hula. Since hula was woven into his life from an early age, it was only natural that he would be drawn to Hawaiian music and in intermediate school Hōkū began teaching himself to play ukulele, guitar, and bass.
Bolstered by the support of family and friends, Hōkū recorded and released his debut solo album, “‘āina Kūpuna,” in 2007.
The highly anticipated album was warmly received by both fans and peers in the music industry and showcased a style that he describes as “Hawaiian with a contemporary flair.”
Hōkū’s initial effort was recognized with six of the most prestigious awards at the 2008 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards: Male Vocalist of the Year, Hawaiian Album of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Most Promising Artist, Best Hawaiian Language Performance, and Best Liner Notes.
14-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Mark Yamanaka is proud to call Hilo, his home. A father of two, Mark released his debut album, “Lei Pua Kenikeni,” in 2010. It went on to win four of the most coveted awards at the 2011 Hōkūs and in 2013, he followed that success with the release of “Lei Maile.” Just as successful as its predecessor, “Lei Maile” also received four awards at the 2014 Hōkūs.
In 2019 Mark was honored to win five Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards for this project including: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Island Album of the Year, and Single of the Year for “Morning Drive”. Like his previous albums, “Lei Lehua” is an unforgettable gar-land of songs.
Downey Theatre is located at 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey. Free on-site parking.
Tickets: $55-$65. For more information, call (562) 861-8211, email [email protected] or go to https://www.downeytheatre.org.