Kanekoa

Sailing in on a wave of blissful sound, Maui’s Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning band Kanekoa, has become a global phenomenon. Powered by electric ukuleles and exotic rhythms, these ukulele masters ride the wave of Hawaiian roots with jam band energy, creating a sound they call Hawaiian jam-rock. For the last 25 years audiences never fail to swoon over their soulful originals and crafty covers interpreted with pure originality. The Grateful Dead’s drummer Bill Kreutzmann goes so far as to call them, “the Hawaiian Grateful Dead.” David Hidalgo of Los Lobos says, “These guys scare me. They are that good.” They recently graced the cover of Ukulele Magazine and were referred to as “Hawaiian Trailblazers”. Once you hear Vince Esquires lead ukulele, you’ll know why he was invited to play with the Allman Brothers Band by his good friend Gregg Allman. The October dates feature a very special guest, master percussionist Lopaka Colon (Pure Heart, Henry Kapono, Mick Fleetwood). Lopaka is the Neil Peart of percussion and brings a whole new texture to the band.

“Kanekoa‘s live shows are legendary throughout the islands and beyond – anyone that has had the privilege of seeing Kanekoa perform can attest to a live experience unlike any other.”
— Kala Brand Music

“I’ve been jamming with Kanekoa for years now and whenever I get over to Maui we share the stage. Hawaiian style roots music at its best.”
—G LOVE

“Wow…They are really tight, and do very interesting arrangements of our songs.”
—John Densmore, The Doors