Backyard Concert Series
Season 2
Craig & Sarah’s Backard Concert Series to now become the Four Strings Concert Series
UP NEXT:
Nā Waiho‘olu‘u o ke Āneunue
with the Langley ‘Ukulele Ensemble.
Concert will be live-streamed at Windward Mall
July 20, starting at 10:15AM HAWAII TIME (1:15PM PACIFIC)
This Concert follows the 'Ukulele Club of Hawai'i’s meeting, which is live-streamed by Four Strings at a Time.
Nā Waiho‘olu‘u o ke Anuenue ("the colors of the rainbow") was formed in 1988 by band members; Bella Finau (Faumuina), Luisa Finau, Lina Naipo (Langi) and Delia Parker (Ulima), four classmates who met at the Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, Hawaii and shared a love for music. After entering a statewide high school music competition and placing third, they were discovered by local music producer, John Kahale Chang. Their first album came out it 1989, when three of the girls were still in high school. The group went on to record three more albums and experienced several changes between 1989-1999. Now, 20+ years since the group's creation, the four original band members have reunited as 'Na Wai'. They're a little older and wiser, with families, careers and life experience, and are excited to share their friendship, music and fun with one another and others as they continue making music together.
Opening for Nā Wai, we are delighted to have The Langley 'Ukulele Ensemble! This world renowned performing ensemble, founded by Peter Luongo, comes to us from Langley, British Columbia (CANADA). This group is composed of 25 musicians, all ages 12-18, lead by Paul Luongo. Over the years, this group has performed all over the world, including the Continental US, Japan, and Hawai'i. We are thrilled to have them be a part of our very first Four Strings Concert series.
The Future of our Backyard Concert Series
Our Backyard Concert Series has been truly special. We are so grateful to everyone’s support over the past three years (2 seasons). Our dream for this series has always been to feature some of the amazing 'ukulele talent, here in the islands. This series grew very quickly and we are excited for it’s next chapter! The Craig & Sarah Backyard Concert series will be moving to the nonprofit, Four Strings at a Time. This will have many incredible benefits for everyone!
Four Strings at a Time is an official IRS designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Sarah Maisel and Craig Chee. Their mission of engaging, educating, and enriching all ages around the world through music and the 'ukulele has been something the founders have strived for even before Four Strings at a Time’s creation. This concert series is a reflection of that mission, and now your support for the series will be tax deductible.
The concerts will now be live-streamed and will be hosted at Windward Mall, so people can be in our live audience! In the past, we have allowed some patrons to join us for filming in our backyard, however, as you can see by the photo, there was not much space for those to join us. There has been enough interest for viewing a live taping, that we decided to grow and allow a much larger audience to be a part of our process. As mentioned earlier, the concerts will be live-streamed, but that livestream will also be recorded, so you people can view these concerts at any time. The series will officially move to the Four Strings at a Time Youtube Channel. Make sure to subscribe to the Four Strings at a Time Youtube Channel to ensure you don’t miss out on their programming.
Though we are still working out the official formatting of the concerts, concerts will be quarterly. We plan on feature multiple artists for each concert, and hope to even showcase some up and coming artists and keiki groups. Many of you have told us how much you have enjoyed the interview portions as well as the concert themselves. We will do our best to preserve as much of that experience as possible.
Again, thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. It is thanks to you and your generosity that this series has and will continue to be free. We look forward see it grow through Four Strings at a Time and know it will be a special way for people, around the world, to connect with Hawai’i and the ‘ukulele.
A Special Mahalo to our Season 2 Supporters
Associate Producers
Catherine Stewart - Chris Miller - David Yee - Dennis Dickens - Douglas Bovee - Geoffrey Matsumoto - Ginger Holser - Laurie Adomite - Laurie GeeMoses Kamai -
Peter & Sandi Luongo
Patrons
Alan J. - Alan J. - Alan N. - Belen Y. - Carol O. - Carrie P. - Cathy C. - Debra W. - Diane V. - Donatello B. - Eldon P. - Emma K. - Gary M. - Gary P. - Jay L. - Jeffrey B. - Kimberly B. - Lily W. - Marcy Leggett - Margaret E. - Margaret L. - Meg Reynolds - Melany Berry - Michael C. - Michael O. - R. Karatsu - R. McClish - R. Ramirez - Ronald K. - Sharon B. - Sheila M. - Stephanie S. - Susan N - Susan W. - Teresa S. - Thomas S. - Valeria S. - Wayne G. - Yvette R. - Yvonne Y.
Supporters
Annalisa G. - Anne L. - April M. - Barry S. - Barry T. - Carl B. - Christine W. - David D. - Edna E. - Janis S. - Jennie O. - Kevin O. - Kim S. - Lance L. - Laura W. - Martha G. -
Mary W. - Michael K. - Peg C. - Prodigy T. - Rena B. - Rick G. - RoseMary H. - Stephanie H. - Susan B. - Tammy C. - Tim L. - Valerie H.
Backyard Concerts - Season 2
Aloha and welcome to Season 2 of our Backyard Concert series! For this season we have made not only the Concerts free to the public, but also the Digital Program. The Digital Program contains a lesson, utilizing one of the songs from the program, as well as box charts for some of the other songs. You also get to learn more about the artists and the songs that are performed. Please take a moment to fill out the form below to be taken to the Free Digital Programs for all Concerts.
Concert #7 - Kris Fuchigami
Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kris Fuchigami is a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winning artist. He has performed all over the world, sharing his immense skills and inspiring other players. He also runs a ukulele contest on Hawaii Island that is a popular showcase for kids and adults. His concert premiere aired May 28, 2023.
Concert #4 - Brittni Paiva
Brittni Paiva is Hawaii's preeminent, award-winning female ukulele artist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Her modern approach to the traditional Hawaiian instrument has gained her a legion of fans. Her ability to bring the ukulele to the forefront of many genres breaks down barriers and changes perceptions of what is possible from this humble instrument. Brittni is also credited with being one of the pioneers of combining ukulele music and the loop pedal, creating beautiful, layered arrangements resulting in her being amongst the most watched ukulele artists on YouTube.
Concert #2 - Jon Yamasato & Herb Ohta Jr.
Concert #2 aired in December 2022 and featured Jon Yamasato and Herb Ohta Jr. Both of them are amazing musicians that have done a lot for the ‘ukulele community. Many of you may know Jon Yamasato for his work with Hi-Sessions, being the singer for Pure Heart, and having his own solo career.
Herb Ohta Jr. is a staple in the ‘ukulele community. He is a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner and is known for, not only his original music, but also his teaching style.
Concert #9 - Jake Shimabukuro
Our season finale is going to featured one of the most popular masters of the ukulele, Jake Shimabukuro. He is a multiple Nā Hoku Hanohano Award winner and has toured with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Jimmy Buffet, and more. He has captivated audiences around the world with his unique and dynamic style. With his mother as his first teacher of the instrument, Jake embraced a deep love and respect for the ukulele and has explored new and unexpected ways to push the boundaries of what was possible on the humble four-strings. Each album has showcased his mastery of the instrument and his ability to weave together diverse genres to create a cohesive and captivating musical experience. He is undoubtedly one of the most innovative and exciting musicians of his generation, changing the perception of the instrument itself and breaking barriers of what kind of music it is capable of.
Concert #8 - Chardonnay
Vocalist and songwriter Chardonnay issued her debut single “Hey” ft. Peni Dean in 2019, showcasing a pop-reggae vibe that went number 1 on Hawaii’s hit radio stations and earned her an Island Music Award nomination. Native Hawaiian born and raised, Chardonnay started writing music in her teens while working on her family hog farm. It wasn’t until after completing her Master of Business Administration that she decided to take her music more seriously and turn her love for singing into a career. Chardonnay developed a following by sharing her musical journey on weekly social media performances known to her fanbase as #ChardonnaySunday. Her latest hit single “Stay Home” ft. Ku’ulei became a 2020 TikTok Sensation with thousands of people dancing along. Chardonnay is currently working on her debut ep and we look forward to hearing new music from her very soon.
Concert #6 - U3
We are thrilled to have this power house trio joining us in our Backyard! Cynthia Lin is known for her work on Youtube and Patreon teaching and sharing the versatility of the ukulele. Lendl San Jose, known as UkuLenny, creates joy wherever he goes, bringing everyone together to jam and have fun. And Abe Lagrimas Jr. has traveled the world performing and teaching not only ukulele, but Vibraphone, percussion, and his 1st instrument, the drums. All of this talent culminates into group that we know you will love. This concert’s premiere aired April 23, 2023.
Concert #5 - Aldrine Guerrero & Aaron Nakamura
Aldrine Guerrero and Aaron Nakamura are two of the founding members of Ukulele Underground. Both of them have a passion for teaching and music, and we are fortunate to have them for this intimate concert. They have toured extensively around the world, sharing the joy of the ukulele. This concert premiered March 26, 2023.
Concert #3 - Corey Fujimoto & Kalei Gamiao
This concert aired in January 2023 and featured Corey Fujimoto & Kalei Gamiao. Both of them are immensely talented and have toured all over the world. Many may recognize them from the Ukulele Site’s Podcasts, as they do many of the sound samples for the instruments. They are the founders of aNueNue USA (2020) and enjoy the opportunity to share their passion for instruments.
Concert #1 - NUE
NUE - Nā ‘Ukulele ‘Ekolu is Bryan Tolentino on tenor ‘ukulele, Halehaku Seabury on baritone ‘ukulele and Kama Hopkins on bass 'ukulele.
These three Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winners, rooted in Hawai’i’s rich ‘Ukulele and Hawaiian music culture, come together to showcase their ‘ukulele artistry and vocal stylings creating a unique sound!
Don’t forget, you can order their DEBUT album! Visit their website, www.NueHawaii.com.
