'Ukulele Picnic in Hawai'i

English Press Releases from 'Ukulele Picnic in Hawai'i

This Weekend: ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Weekend

Press Release/February 7, 2012

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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Weekend
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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Weekend will officially start on Saturday, February 11 with the 2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest followed by Hula Aloha from Japan.  Both events will be held in the Royal Grove at the Royal Hawaiian Center.

The 2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest sponsored by KoAloha Ukulele will start at 11:00am.  There will be 3 categories with 5 contestants from Hawai’i and Japan competing in each category.  Each contestant will play a piece and be judged on their skill, performance and stage manner.  Natalie Ai Kamauu, David Kamakahi and Kamakakehau Fernandez will also be on hand as entertainment.

In the evening of Saturday, February 11, ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i will host a special live charity event to benefit the Tohoku area of Japan.  Mark Yamanaka, Napua Makau, Kainani Kahaunaele and other musicians from Hawai’i and Japan will come together to perform and wish the earthquake and tsunami victims of the area a quick recovery and to thank local residents for their support.

On Sunday, February 12, ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i will be held at Kaka’ako Waterfront Park from 9:00am to sunset.  The event promises non-stop entertainment by multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning musicians, ‘ukulele exhibits and vendors as well as food booths with ono food and drink.  ‘Ukulele giveaways, family fun and more!

“We hope that both locals and visitors alike can enjoy and deepen their friendship through music during the ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i weekend.” said Producer of the ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i, Kazuyuki Sekiguchi.

‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i will host several events during the “’Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Weekend” from February 11-12, 2012.  A list of the events is below, or you can go to http://www.ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org/en/index.html for more information and a lineup of the featured musicians.

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‘Ukulele Picnic Weekend (February 11 ~12, 2012)

Saturday, February 11     11:00am~2:00pm   2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest (The Royal Grove, Royal Hawaiian Center)

Saturday, February 11 2:30pm~5:00pm   Hula Aloha from Japan (The Royal Grove, Royal Hawaiian Center)

Saturday, February 11     6:00pm~    ’Ukulele Picnic Charity Live for Tohoku, Japan (The Standard)

Sunday, February 12     9:00am~Sunset  ’Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i 2012 (Kaka’ako Waterfront Park)

Participating Musicians

Sunday, February 12     7:30pm~  ’Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i After Party (Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu)

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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i | http://www.ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org/en/index.html | facebook | Twitter
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Contact:Yumi Ozaki | Email
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Written by ukulelepicnicinhawaii

February 8, 2012 at 1:42 am

Posted in Uncategorized

Entry Deadline: February 5 for the 2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest

Press Release/January 26, 2012

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Entry Deadline: Sunday, February 5, 2012

2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest, sponsored by KoAloha Ukulele
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The entry deadline for the 2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest sponsored by KoAloha Ukulele is set for Sunday, February 5, 2012 (Pacific Time.)  The contest will be hosted by the 4th ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i 2012 at The Royal Grove in the Royal Hawaiian Center on Saturday, February 11, 2012 to search for ‘ukulele players who are genuinely skilled and ready to take their talents to the next level.

Anybody is welcome to enter the contest by uploading an unedited video onto YouTube and submitting an entry form.  There will be three entry categories: 1)Solo/13 years old and younger, 2)Solo/14 years old and older, 3) Group.  The winner of each category will receive a tenor ‘ukulele and ‘ukulele shaped wood trophy.  2nd place will receive a concert ‘ukulele and 3rd place will receive a soprano ‘ukulele  All prizes were generously donated by KoAloha Ukulele.

The best player(s) will also be asked to join the all-star ‘ukulele players the following day (Sunday) on stage at the ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i at Kaka’ako Waterfront Park.

The judges are well-known ‘ukulele virtuosos and educators, Bryan Tolentino, Terry Brown and Palani Vaughan.  PALI, the co-producer of ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i, will serve as emcee.

“KoAloha is proud to support the 2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest with ‘Ukulele Picnic of Hawai’i.  We hope this contest will motivate keiki to learn more about the ‘ukulele, showcase their talent and most of all enjoy music and Hawai’ian tradition,” said Alan Okami of KoAloha Ukulele.

‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i will host several events during ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Weekend which locals and visitors alike can enjoy and deepen their friendship through music.

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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Weekend (February 11 ~12, 2012)

Saturday, February 11     11:00am~2:00pm   2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest (The Royal Grove, Royal Hawaiian Center)

Entry Form (English)     Inquiry

Saturday, February 11 2:30pm~5:00pm   Hula Aloha from Japan (The Royal Grove, Royal Hawaiian Center)

Saturday, February 11     6:00pm~    ’Ukulele Picnic Charity Live for Tohoku, Japan (The Standard)

Sunday, February 12     9:00am~Sunset  ’Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i 2012 (Kaka’ako Waterfront Park)

Participating Musicians

Sunday, February 12     7:30pm~  ’Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i After Party (Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu)

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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i | http://www.ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org/en/index.html | facebook | Twitter
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Contact:Yumi Ozaki | Email
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Written by ukulelepicnicinhawaii

January 27, 2012 at 1:10 am

Posted in Uncategorized

‘Ukulele Picnic Charity Live for Tohoku, Japan

Press Release/January 20, 2012

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‘Ukulele Picnic Charity Live for Tohoku, Japan
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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i and Kids Hurt Too, have teamed up to host a live charity event to benefit the Tohoku area of Japan.  The event will be held at the recently opened The Standard Nightclub, in Restaurant Row on Saturday, February 11 starting at 6:00 p.m.

Musicians from both Japan and Hawai’i will be on display featuring their music to wish the earthquake and tsunami victims of the area a quick recovery, and to thank local residents for their support.  Kainani KahaunaeleNapua Makua and Mark Yamanaka will be highlighting the event.

The $45 entrance fee includes the musical entertainment, heavy pupus and a sake tasting put on by Kokusai Sake Kai. There will also be a silent auction that will feature hand crafted ‘ukuleles and other generously donated items, as well as sake gift packages for purchase.  All proceeds from the event will go towards the charity and children of Tohoku.

“After March 11 of last year, I visited Tohoku and witnessed the aftermath of the disaster first-hand.  It was a life-changing experience for me and left me feeling helpless.  But after we played our music for the residents, I saw them smiling and it made me so happy.  It brought me to tears thinking we could at least help them lift their spirits.  This is a special thing that ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i and local musicians are doing here.  We appreciate everyone’s support and Kokua,” said Co-Producer of the ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i, Pali Ka’aihue.

‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i was founded by the renowned Japanese musician and ‘ukulele music scene pioneer in Japan, Kazuyuki Sekiguchi from the band, Southern All Stars.  From the inaugural picnic in 2009, it has attracted many ‘ukulele enthusiasts worldwide, and has become a fun music event for whole family.

‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i will host several events including the Tohoku charity event, part of the “’Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Weekend” from February 11-12, 2012.  The events are intended for both visitors and locals alike who will be able to enjoy and deepen their friendship through music.  A list of the events is below, or you can go to http://www.ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org/en/index.html for more information and a lineup of the featured musicians.

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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Weekend (February 11 ~12, 2012)

Saturday, February 11    11:00am~2:00pm   2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest (The Royal Grove, Royal Hawaiian Center)

Entry Form (English)     Inquiry

Saturday, February 11 2:30pm~5:00pm   Hula Aloha from Japan (The Royal Grove, Royal Hawaiian Center)

Saturday, February 11     6:00pm~9:30pm    ’Ukulele Picnic Charity Live for Tohoku, Japan (The Standard)

Sunday, February 12     09:00am~Sunset  ’Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i 2012 (Kakaako Waterfront Park)

Participating Musicians

Sunday, February 12     07:30pm~  ’Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i After Party (Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu)

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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i | http://www.ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org/en/index.html | facebook | Twitter
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Contact:Yumi Ozaki | Email
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Written by ukulelepicnicinhawaii

January 20, 2012 at 11:09 pm

Posted in 2012, Event

2nd Annual Internaional ‘Ukulele Contest, sponsored by KoAloha Ukulele

Press Release/December 9, 2011 (revised January 19, 2012)

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2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest, sponsored by KoAloha Ukulele
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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i 2012 will host the 2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest, sponsored by KoAloha Ukulele, at The Royal Grove of Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki on Saturday, February 11, 2012 to search for ‘ukulele players who are genuinely skilled and ready to take their talents to the next level.

There will be three entry categories: 1)Solo/13 years old and younger, 2)Solo/14 years old and older, 3)Group.  Anybody can enter the contest by uploading  an unedited video on YouTube and submitting an entry form.  The best player(s) will join the all-star ‘ukulele players on stage at the ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Kakaako Waterfront Park.

The ‘ukulele is popular not just in Hawai’i and Japan but also on the mainland, London, Paris, Korea and Thailand.  Many musicians around the world find something special in the ‘ukulele’s beautiful sound and enjoy participating in various events centered around the instrument.  The 2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest would is one such opportunity for upcoming musicians to gather and show off their talents in Hawai’i, the mecca of the ‘ukulele.

“Although this may be a contest, the ‘ukulele is not by any means a competitive musical instrument.  I want all musicians to accept one another, improve by learning from each other and most of all enjoy the music.  It would also be nice for our participants to develop lifelong friendships through this event.  I look forward to seeing the many contestants from all over the world,” said Kazuyuki Sekiguchi, producer of ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i.

Alan Okami of KoAloha Ukulele said, “KoAloha is proud to support the 2nd annual ‘ukulele contest with ‘Ukulele Picnic of Hawai’i.  Hosted at the beautifully renovated Royal Hawaiian Center, this event will showcase some of the top talents waiting to be discovered.  We wish all the contestants the best of luck.”

‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i will have several events which locals and visitors from Japan can enjoy and deepen their friendship through music during “‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Weekend.”

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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Weekend (February 11 ~12, 2012)

Saturday, February 11     11:00am~2:00pm   2nd Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest (The Royal Grove, Royal Hawaiian Center)

Entry Form (English)     Inquiry

Saturday, February 11 2:30pm~5:00pm   Hula Aloha from Japan (The Royal Grove, Royal Hawaiian Center)

Saturday, February 11     6:00pm~    ’Ukulele Picnic Charity Live for Tohoku, Japan (The Standard)

Sunday, February 12     9:00am~Sunset  ’Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i 2012 (Kakaako Waterfront Park)

Participating Musicians

Sunday, February 12     7:30pm~  ’Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i After Party (Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu)

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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i | http://www.ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org/en/index.html | facebook | Twitter
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Contact:Yumi Ozaki | Email
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Written by ukulelepicnicinhawaii

December 9, 2011 at 6:47 pm

Posted in 2012, Event

‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i 2012

Press Release/December 3, 2011 (revised January 19, 2012)

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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i 2012
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The ‘Ukulele Foundation of Hawai’i is pleased to announce the 4th Annual ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i.  An all-star lineup of some of Hawai’i’s most renowned musicians with multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards will be on display at the Kakaako Waterfront Park on Sunday, February 12, 2012, produced by Kazuyuki Sekiguchi and Pali Ka’aihue.  The picnic promises to be the most successful to date.

The first ‘Ukulele Picnic was held in Shonan, Japan in 2000, with the purpose of spreading love of the instrument in Japan.  It crossed the Pacific Ocean and the 1st ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i was held in 2009.  The ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i has been thriving every year since and over 5,000 people enjoyed the event in 2011.

Event Producer, Kazuyuki Sekiguchi, had a dream to create an event where ‘ukulele players gathered together with their instruments  to enjoy music as if they were at a picnic.  “The ‘ukulele is a fascinating music instrument which heals people’s minds and connects family and friends.  Through this event, we would like to carry the message of peace, friendship and love and bridge the ties between Hawai’i and Japan,” said Sekiguchi.

Prior to the ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i, Ko Aloha Ukulele will host a contest in Waikiki.  Anybody can enter the contest through YouTube and the best player(s) will join the all-stars on stage at the ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i.  Details will be announced shortly.

Also there will be a pre-event party, to benefit the Tohoku area of Japan at the recently opened The Standard Nightclub in Restaurant Row.  “‘Ukulele Picnic Charity Live for Tohoku, Japan” will showcase musicians from Hawai’i and Japan who will be playing music to wish the earthquake and tsunami victims of the area a quick recovery and to thank local residents for their support.

‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i will have several events which locals and people from Japan can enjoy and deepen their friendship through music during “‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Weekend.”

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The ‘Ukulele Foundation of Hawai’i aims to promote, perpetuate and share with the world, every aspect of Hawai’i’s most beloved instrument – the ‘ukulele.  The ‘ukulele is an integral part of Hawaiian music and culture, rich in history and often serves as an ambassador of the Aloha Spirit, which by definition, is the regard, affection, warmth and caring extended to others with no expectation of receiving anything in return, so characteristic of Hawai’i’s people.  The foundation believes that by expanding awareness and interest in the ‘ukulele, it will spread the Aloha Spirit, inspire learning and education and foster creativity, social harmony and happiness.

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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i Weekend (February 11 ~12, 2012)

Saturday, February 11     11:00am~    ’Ukulele Contest (Waikiki)

Saturday, February 11     05:30pm~    ’Ukulele Picnic Charity Live for Tohoku, Japan (The Standard)

Musicians: Kainani KahaunaeleNapua MakuaMark Yamanaka

Sunday, February 12     09:00am~Sunset  ’Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i 2012 (Kakaako Waterfront Park)

Musicians from Hawaii: Ohta-san, Ku’uipo KumukahiNatalie Ai KamauuPALIHerb Ohta Jr.Mark YamanakaMailani MakainaiNapua MakuaKenneth MakuakaneKainani Kahaunaele, ‘Ukulele All Stars(Bryan TolentinoKalei GamiaoJody KamisatoDavid Kamakahi, Brittni Paiva & more)

Musicians from Japan: Kazuyuki Sekiguchi, Seiji Katsu、IWAOKimiko Wakiyamafulare_padHiroshi Okada Musicians’ Profile in English

Booth Participating Companies: Hawaiian AirlinesKamaka UkuleleKanile aUkuleleTakumi Ukulele CompanyBig Island UkuleleUkulele PuapuaKala UkuleleSeilenMarue

Sunday, February 12     07:30pm~  ’Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i After Party (Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu)

Musicinas: Ku’uipo KumukahiMailani Makainai, Brittni Paiva, PALI

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‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i | http://www.ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org/en/index.html | facebook | Twitter
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Contact:Yumi Ozaki | Email
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Written by ukulelepicnicinhawaii

December 3, 2011 at 8:01 am

Posted in 2012, Event