James Hill
James Hill was introduced to the `ukulele at the age of nine, not in Hawai`i, but three thousand miles to the east, in Langley, British Columbia, where `ukulele instruction has been mandatory in many schools since the late 1970’s. He was hooked from the beginning. While a still a teenager, James honed his skills as a key member of the world-renowned Langley ‘Ukulele Ensemble under the direction of Peter Luongo. After touring with them for twelve years, he embarked on a solo career in 2002 and has been “pushing the instrument into uncharted territory” ever since with genre-bending adaptations of everything from “One Note Samba” to the theme from “Super Mario Brothers.” On stage he is energetic and captivating, mixing colorful anecdotes with a versatile repertoire that stretches from Schubert to the Beatles and beyond. His heart-wrenching solo performance of “Oh, Susannah” and engaging “Yodelele” duet with Ralph Shaw (in which he played the ‘ukulele with a pair of chopsticks) brought the audience to their feet at last year’s Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival. As an instructor of `ukulele, James is approachable, knowledgeable, patient, and generous. He lives in Nova Scotia, but travels the world exposing people everywhere to the joys of the ‘ukulele.
Victoria Vox
“Saucey” is the word that first comes to mind when watching singer-songwriter Victoria Vox perform. Hers is an enchanting blend of fun-loving talent, from the catchy tunes she writes to her charming presence on the stage. Victoria graduated from The Berklee College of Music with honors and a degree in songwriting. But it wasn’t until a friend handed her an ‘ukulele that she found the perfect new partner for her rich voice and fun-loving spirit. Suddenly her songs had a jazzier feeling and she had room to accompany herself—something you need to see to believe—with her trumpetless trumpet. With two ‘ukulele-based CDs to her credit, an original songbook, (and her own line of ‘ukulele underwear), Victoria Vox delights in giving people what they aren’t expecting and has lead the charge in moving the ‘ukulele from the novelty bin to the pop genre.
Ralph Shaw
Ralph Shaw never disappoints his audiences. Born in Canada and raised in Yorkshire, England, he returned to Canada in 1988 with a degree in Applied Physics.….and a banjo. Shortly afterwards he began a career in show business as “Ralph the Clown–music included, no batteries required.” A few years later Ralph discovered the ‘ukulele and the great songs of the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s and launched a new career. He now divides his time between recording, making instructional DVDs, performing, and teaching workshops all over the world. While he’s equally at ease recreating Fred Astaire, the Ink Spots, or Tiny Tim, Ralph is best known for introducing the late, great George Formby to American audiences, performing in a 1930’s music-hall style. But what he’s absolutely the best at is correctly gauging his audience and delighting them with a surprising and wonderful performance. (At last year’s festival he taught us all how to construct our very own ‘ukulele cases…with an engaging song!) Ralph lives in Vancouver where he runs the Vancouver Ukulele Circle, teaches a kids `ukulele class, and occasionally busks at the Granville Island Market.
Brittni Paiva
Brittni Paiva picked up the ‘ukulele when she was eleven-years-old and has been winning hearts and music awards ever since. At the tender age of 16, her first CD won the 2005 Nā Hākū Hanohano award for “Most Promising Artist.” And in 2006 and 2007 her second and third CD’s won the Hawai‘i Music Award for “‘Ukulele Album of the Year.” Now, at the tender age of 20 (she’ll be 21 by the time the festival rolls around) this young Hilo-girl continues to delight audiences around the world displaying the versatility of the ‘ukulele by playing everything from classical music to fiery latin rhythms and traditional Hawaiian music with a unique Brittni spin. She is also a warm, knowledgeable, fun-loving and generous instructor, with a particular appeal to young people and eager to share what she knows. A huge mahalo goes to Gaia Hotel and Spa for hosting Brittni for our festival this year.
Michelle Kiba
“Irrepressible” would probably be the best word to describe the joyful Michelle Kiba, entertainer, recording artist, music educator, and music therapist. Though Michelle is new to our festival, her “Party Hula” workshop (presumably an outgrowth of the “wheel chair hula” she teaches at senior centers) is already in huge demand at all of our venues. As a music therapist, Michelle (aka the Ukulele Lady), might make as many as 50 visits every month to healthcare centers, convalescent hospitals, retirement homes, mental health facilities, and Alzheimer’s units in Central California. She also directs the Pa Mele ‘O Hokulea Ukulele Academy (Song of the Morning Star), which meets weekly in San Jose and Santa Cruz and is the band leader of the Tiki Tones, an all-girl string band specializing in a smooth blend of acoustic Hawaiian Swing. Though her specialty is Hawaiian music, Michelle’s musical preferences include an eclectic collection of light jazz, blues, swing, Tin Pan Alley, and folk music…all played on her ‘ukulele with an engaging hula twist. She is in high demand at camps and workshops all over the country and has also produced a number of ‘ukulele instructional songbooks and CDs, including one specifically for rank beginners, one for children, and a couple for those who just wanna have fun.
Kimo Hussey
One of the four authors of “the big blue book,” He Mele Aloha, Kimo Hussey is a living legend. He was born and raised in Honolulu and first learned to play the ‘ukulele at the tender age of five and has been making music—and sharing it—ever since. Kimo firmly believes in organized, effective practice and disciplined training, and teaches this in his workshops. He also believes strongly in “making” music, not just listening to it. He is currently the Executive Director of the Pacific Music Foundation and is committed to the ‘ukulele and teaching others. He also runs a fabulous, week-long ‘ukulele retreat on Moloka’i each year. According to Kimo, what he enjoys most about music and ‘ukulele is being a part of music’s creative process—a process that massages the soul. He joins us this year in a very special capacity as the host of “Kimo’s Korner” where you can ask him any ukulele-related questions, or bring your ‘ukulele for a quick, professional assessment, or simply join him in kani ka pila. We are very fortunate and honored to have Kimo Hussey join us again at this year’s festival.
Steven Espaniola
Steven Espaniola, raised in Aliamanu, Hawai‘i, and now residing in the Bay Area, has performed alongside some of Hawaii’s top entertainers, including Ho’okena, The Brothers Cazimero and Ledward Kaapana. His stirring performance at last year’s festival was certainly one of the highlights. Steven plays a multitude of instruments, including ki ho’alu (Hawaiian slack key guitar), ‘ukulele, and upright bass. He also sings both Hawaiian and contemporary songs in a traditional Hawaiian falsetto style, leo ki’e ki’e, that is truly mesmerizing. His debut recording, Ho’omaka, with it’s soaring falsetto vocals, nahenahe slack key guitar, and rhythmic ‘ukulele, has the capacity to transport the listener to the Hawai‘i of yesterday and earned Steven the 2007 Hawai‘i Music Award for “New Artist of the Year.” We are very pleased and honored to feature this exciting new talent again.
Faith Ako
We are very fortunate to have Faith Ako living right here with us in the wine country. As the youngest of 15 children growing up on the shores of O‘ahu, Faith was surrounded by music, but she’s the first to admit she didn’t really learn to appreciate Hawaiian music until moving to California in the 1980s. She has since made it her goal help preserve and promote the traditional music of the Hawaiian people, and does so admirably with her ‘ukulele and a clear voice that reigns over any performance stage. In 2007, her first CD, “Kū Kahi,” won in both the “New Artist of the Year” and “Traditional Hawaiian Music” categories at the Hawaii Music Awards. It was also nominated for a Nā Hākū Hanohano award. Her second CD, “Papakū, Bring it Home” is every bit as promising. To hear Faith sing and play her ‘ukulele, is to be transported to another place and another time.
Dominator
Dominator is one of the most well-respected people in the online ‘ukulele world, known for his meticulous work in transcribing tablature for ‘ukulele and making it available for others to learn from as well. He began playing the ‘ukulele after visiting the island of Kaua’i in 1999, where he became enamoured with “such an unassuming instrument.” Returning home to Northern California, he put his musical background to work, puzzling out how to capture the joy and nuances of the songs he’d heard in Hawai’i. The results of those and subsequent efforts are posted on his website. Do you want to learn how to play “One Note Samba” as performed by James Hill on the ‘ukulele? How about Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry?” or Jack Johnson’s “BreakDown?” Dominator’s repertoire runs the gamut from the Ka’au Crater Boys’ “Guava Jam,” to Jimmy Page’s “Going to California.” His detailed tabs, transcriptions, and YouTube video lessons, have helped us all to become better players, one song at a time. Dominator is also a well-respected luthier and the ‘ukulele he performs with is one he built himself. His enthusiasm for the ‘ukulele—as well as his generosity in sharing his wealth of knowledge—has touched the hearts of hundreds of ‘ukulele players around the world. We are extremely honored that Dominator has chosen to spend his birthday with us at the Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival.
Liko Puha
Liko Puha comes to us by way of Hilo, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Studies. He has been learning, teaching, and performing oli (Hawaiian chant) for more than 15 years and has performed at many major events on the Big Island, including the Merrie Monarch Competition. In 2007, he was the Royal Court Chanter for the Aloha Week ceremonies on Hawai’i Island. He has taught at Keoki Kahumoku’s Hawaiian Lifestyle Workshops and Keola Beamer’s Aloha Music Camps. With a true Hawaiian heart, Liko is an engaging storyteller and instructor of hula and is extremely knowledgeable about the mele (songs), culture, and language of Hawai‘i. His opening chant at last year’s festival, written just for the Napa Valley, was a memorable start to a day filled with miracles. We are so very fortunate to have this wonderful resource living just over the hill in Santa Rosa and joining us again at this year’s festival as a mentor and instructor.
Derick Sebastian
Derick Sebastian, one of the rising stars of the ‘ukulele in Hawai’i, has a security guard from his middle-school on Maui to thank for it. Derick was in sixth grade when he saw Mr. Sam Ellis sitting on a bench during recess playing a little ‘ukulele. He was hooked from that moment on. Eager to learn more, Every morning and lunch recess Derick made it a ritual to find Mr. Ellis every who would patiently teach him everything he knew about the ‘ukulele. Shortly afterward Derick’s brother came home with an ‘ukulele he was assigned to for a high school music class, and he was set. He practiced religiously, sometimes for four hours a day, and during his sophomore year, Derick and Mr. Ellis entered a statewide ‘ukulele competition with a song they wrote together, and, to their surprise, they won. A recording contract soon followed and the rest, as they say, is history. He now has two solo CD’s under his belt, a devoted wife, two adorable sons, and a bright future. It is an honor to introduce Derick Sebastian and his incredible talent to the Wine Country.
Moe Dixon
The celebrated Moe Dixon will be coming down from Oregon to join us, and though he’s relatively new to the ‘ukulele, he’s no stranger to the blues and ragtime crowd and is the “Moe” in Mya-Moe Ukuleles. He actually started out playing the cello, many years ago, and transitioned through the guitar (performing all over the country) to arrive finally at the ‘ukulele. And he’s passionate about it. In addition to appearing on one of our performance stages (more about that, later), Moe will be teaching “Tricks and Licks–Fingerstyle Approach to Blues and Ragtime.” Moe’s philosophy on life (and performing) is, “Play the show like it might be your last.!!” We certainly hope it is not.
Ukulele Bartt
‘Ukulele Bartt has just joined the ranks of WCUF instructors but is certainly no stranger to the ‘ukulele scene. He began his musical career in the 1980s as a hard-rocking singer and guitarist but, since 2005, he has devoted himself primarily to teaching ‘ukulele and performing with his band, the Ukulele Bartt Sextet. His extensive website, Bartt.net, is fully loaded with lessons, chord charts, message boards, and videos for players of all skill levels. He also keeps himself busy as a recording engineer in his Los Angeles studio. In addition to ‘ukulele, Bartt plays piano, bass, drums, cavaquinho, sitar, and a dozen other instruments. His background includes a degree in Fine Art from the Art Center College of Design and a diploma from UCLA in Journalism. Out of 40,000 teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District, he was recently honored as “Teacher of the Year.” Bartt will keep you busy in class, both laughing and learning. He has graciously put together a very special workshop for us using a few favorite Beatles’ tunes as a launch pad for teaching beginning and intermediate players a few simple tricks that will add invaluable pizzazz to their repertoire.
Debbie Haumea Aynaga
Every once in a while someone steps in to your life like an angel from heaven. In this case, that angel would be Debbie Haumea Aynaga, the kumu of Hula Halau Hiva Nui and The Men and Women of Na Pua o Ka Honua. The halau (hula school) teaches and entertains both Hula and Tahitian Dance. It has been in existence since 1995 and is under the tutelage of na kumu hula Blaine Kamalani Kia and Juni Kalahikiola Romuar of Ka Waikahe Lani Malie. Originally from Kaua’i, it is Debbie’s goal is to instill a love of hula in her students—and all who witness them perform—as well as an understanding of its spirituality, kaona, and protocol–as it is practiced in her native Hawai’i. We are honored to have her join us in the Wine Country this year to teach a very special hula’ auana.
David Bustamante
We have yet another wonderful addition to our festival line-up with David Bustamante, founder of Da Island Way. David’s interest in guitar and percussion started back in the 1970’s, in the Mission District of San Francisco. Over the years, his fascination with music evolved and was influenced by Latin, rock, jazz, funk and Pacific Island music. In 1994 he formed his current group, incorporating Hawaiian and Tahitian dancers into his performances. He is now known for a unique style that combines original Tahitian music with his distinct aproach to playing the ‘ukulele. David will be performing for us on the Promenade Stage at Beringer Vineyards on Saturday, October 10, and Da Island Way will be performing for us that evening at the Flora Springs Lu’au.
