First of all, if you don’t know what I am talking about, we have recently (like 2 days ago), started a Facebook Fan Page.

This entry really isn’t informative because I am more proud of what has transpired in the last couple of days with this page. I am overwhelmed with the amount of support and Aloha that has been shown by all of our fans on Facebook. In a mere TWO days, we already have 500 fans! There was no way I could have imagined something like this, and it FAR exceeded my expectation.

So, on behalf of the entire Dad, Alex, Mom, Gramma, the entire Manoa DNA family, thank you for joining us in this journey and we hope to be able to continue to bring you something that you can be proud of.

Nick

For those of you who are not able to follow our radio show broadcasting on 79.5 Radio-i in Nagoya, Japan, “Manoa DNA Reports” is a segment from our show where we report about places or events around town and share them with our radio listeners. I am going to try and follow up here on my blog on those reports, so if you see this header, that’s what’s up.

KoAloha Ukulele, located in Kalihi on the island of O’ahu, is one of Hawai’i’s premiere ‘Ukulele manufacturers. Founded and lead by the Okami family, KoAloha ‘Ukulele has been providing both affordable and high-end ‘Ukulele around the world.

Much like Manoa DNA, KoAloha is run by two generations of Okamis. Alvin “Papa KoAloha” Okami founded a plastics company before KoAloha, but soon found that his passion for music would be leading him away from the plastics business. Utilizing his relationships with many of Hawai’i’s top ‘Ukulele musicians, Alvin and his wife soon began production of hand crafted ‘Ukulele and have not looked back since. Joined by his two sons Alan & Paul, the Okami family have taken that small beginning and built a great ‘Ukulele company with a fleet of models to choose from.

Along with fully custom options available upon request, KoAloha’s vast array of ‘Ukulele include popular choices like the “Pineapple Sunday” model (with a body shaped like a pineapple), or the “Sceptre” (modeled after the KoAloha logo crown). Their standard lines include several Tenor, Concert and Soprano models and they are always inventing new custom and special models. Visit KoAloha.com or your nearest musical instrument retail store to find out the full list of models offered.

KoAloha Family with PALI at Pakele Live - 2/25/10

Factory tours are also available if you are on the island of O’ahu. They have partnered with the Waikiki Trolley which makes stops at the KoAloha factory, and also offer custom tours for those who want to take a personal look at the KoAloha story. As a special treat for the visitors, sometimes the Okami family even breaks out their own personal ‘ukulele and jams a song!

All in all, KoAloha is a model local family business. The Okamis have a true sense of Aloha and pass that on to each and every ‘ukulele they produce. If you get a chance to play a KoAloha ‘Ukulele, or visit their factory in Kalihi, understand that you are experiencing Hawai’i at its finest. Thanks to the whole KoAloha gang for letting me sit in and learn about the company. It was a pleasure to learn about each aspect of the company, and the family members that solidify its foundation.

For more information about KoAloha Ukulele, visit their website, http://www.koaloha.com.

“Nick Reports” is a section of the segment “Manoa DNA Reports” featuring weekly reports from each of Manoa DNA (Dad, Nick & Alex). Featured on Manoa DNA’s radio show, “Discover Aloha,” “Manoa DNA Reports” showcases different highlights from Hawai’i and Manoa DNA. For more information about “Manoa DNA’s Discover Aloha” radio show, visit the show’s website, or tune into 79.5 Radio-i (Nagoya, Japan) every Sunday from 11:00-13:00 (11a-1p).

We have two performances being broadcast live over the internet this week…

Pakele Live! (http://www.pakelelive.com/) is a weekly internet broadcast show featuring music, culture and activities from around Hawai’i. Broadcasting directly from the Pakele Lounge in the Ala Moana Hotel, Pakele Live! features something new every week. Tonight, Thursday February 25th, Manoa DNA will be performing live for the KoAloha Ukulele night. With music featuring Herb Ohta Jr., PALI, Alvin Okami, and more, it is sure to be a fun night filled with music and story. If you would like to tune in, head over to their website (http://www.pakelelive.com/), and tune in starting at 18:00 HST.

Then, for a second consecutive day, Manoa DNA will be broadcast live over the internet via our own live monthly show, Manoa DNA Live!. Featuring Lulus Restaurant in beautiful Waikiki, you can tune in directly over this website and check out Manoa DNA’s monthly show! You never know who is going to show up, or what is going to happen! Friday February 26th, from 18:00HST to 21:00HST (6-9pm), you can tune in directly by visiting our Manoa DNA Live! page: http://www.manoadna.com/manoa-dna-live/

See you online!

If you need another reason to come down to Kani Ka Pila, then you are just too picky about your Saturday evening entertainment. But, let’s say, for now, I will amuse you.

This Saturday, the 20th of February, I am inviting all of you down to Kani Ka Pila Bar & Grille at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach in Waikiki to join Manoa DNA from 6-9p. I do feel a little awkward about especially inviting you to this one, since I should be promoting it on a weekly basis, but oh well.

We will be having a lot of fun this weekend, and it just so happens that I turn 27 that day, so la-di-da. Get it? Got it? See you there.

Last week I got to go to visit Kenneth Makuakane and help celebrate his latest release “The Dash.” To listen to our full interview with Kenneth, tune into our radio show which broadcasts every Sunday in Nagoya, Japan.

Kenneth writes…
“‘The Dash’ represents the journey of life. These handful of songs are but a glimpse of my journey as a songwriter. Though I have written over a thousand songs, I still remember the sensations I felt at the time each of them were penned. They remain bookmarks of my life, and audio diary of my thoughts.”

“The Dash” is Kenneth’s fifth solo release, but the idea behind this particular recording is intriguing. After the party had finished, I got to sit down and talk story with Kenneth about the album while recording a segment for our “Discover Aloha with Manoa DNA” radio program. He explained the concept of this recording and summarized it as “live enhanced,” a live recording of just him and his musical talents but with the enhancement of guest musicians and technology. It’s an interesting concept and one that Manoa DNA has been trying to wrestle with since we first started. How do you capture the energy and the spirit of a live performance while in the confines and safety of a studio? Kenneth may be on to something…

The music Kenneth plays is Manoa DNA style, a little English, a little Hawaiian language, but all music of Hawai’i. He explains that even though the music may not be in the language of Hawaiian, it comes from Hawai’i, from a Hawaiian songwriter, and contains the spirit of Hawai’i, thus making it Hawaiian music. We couldn’t agree more.

To pickup your copy of Kenneth Makuakane’s “The Dash,” visit his website. He also lists all the lyrics, liner notes, and audio samples from all his previous recorings. Heck, while you’re at it, you may as well become his Facebook fan, eh?

A week late on the post, I realize and apologize, but what do you expect for free labor?!

February is shaping up to be a very busy one for Manoa DNA, and we hope you are all excited about what we have coming up for the month. If you haven’t already, check out our schedule for the full list and calendar of our gigs!

As you may have noticed as well, I have updated our front page with our latest music video from Hawaii Tourism Japan. We have partnered with them for the last four years, writing theme songs and performing around Japan. This year, the theme is “Our Hawai’i,” where we invite all people to come and see our Hawai’i. It is a beautiful place, and will be appreciated even more if you experience it from a local’s stand point.

The video is available to watch below. However, if you are a YouTube member, please visit the video and subscribe to our ManoaDNA.tv channel! Mahalo!

I’m all for Google Translate, but sometimes I don’t even understand what someone is saying. Take for example an email I received on our ManoaDNA.com information line…

Date: January 18, 2010 1:18:24 AM HST
Subject: Zako kikatili nchi ni mtu mbaya kuitumikia nchi ambayo watoto wa bahari Valar samaki.

Now, as a frequent email user, I know to look out for bad emails or “junk mail,” but for some reason I smelled an extra dose of crazy in this one and decided to see what it’s all about.

A Happy New Year
Hii email aliyetumwa kutoka Ujapani.

There was a supposed translation of this nonsense at the bottom of the email, so supposedly that means “This email has been sent from Japan.” I know the Japanese language, and “aliyetumwa” is no Japanese. Unless this is the first pig-Japanese (as opposed to Latin) email that I have received…

Anyway it goes on to talk about something with the US, and whales, and oil, and some sort of electric wave…

U.S.A. only do the robbery war /thief the invention of foreign country / fraud / blackmail with the electric wave after it was taught electric wave.

Oh, it get’s better…

The fish is rich in the mineral of the sea and grinds a human brain excellently.

Go on…

Because you still sell a lot of fish in a Japanese total shop, do not you understand it?

I see. So what are you saying?

It is the bait of the fish without floating if the electric wave guide the whales to the deep bottom of the sea by an electric wave and murder the whales.

That sounds bad, can you elaborate?

The delicious large size whales at the South Pole and coaxes the world in conspiracy with U.S.A. and does Japan and the United States conspiracy strategy to threaten the world.

So what can I do about it?

Do not buy American Electric / car of GM / Cadillac / Buick / Pontiac / Chevrolet / Saturn / HUMMER / NUMMI / Ford / Lincoln / Mercury / Shelby / SSC / Chrysler / Jeep / Dodge / Saleen / Freightliner / Sterling Trucks / Paccar / PETERBILT / KENWORTH / DAF / MACK / Navistar / AVANTI / Panoz / Ci / Zeta / Mosler / Vision / Callaway / Hennessey / Tesla!

Thank you crazy email person. I will make a movie out of this…

For those fans of Ukulele star Brittni Paiva, I don’t have to tell you the good news. But, for those new to the Ukulele, Hawaiian Music or Brittni, I want to let you in on a great new offering from her.

Hailing from the Island of Hawai’i (Big Island), Brittni has refined her skills and put out a great album. At 21 years old, she is still very young in age, but her playing style shows the experience and command of a much older performer. This new album “Four Strings: The Fire Within” showcases her ever expanding talents and highlights her songwriting skills.

I had a chance to sit down and talk with Brittni at her CD release party yesterday, and I was amazed at how much she has matured and grown. We met Brittni back when we were first starting out, and I remember a shy little girl jamming on the ‘Ukulele. Now, she’s cracking jokes on stage, married, and full of confidence.

I wish Brittni the best of luck with this new album, and if you would like to pick a copy up, head over to her website: http://www.brittnipaiva.com/MUSIC_STORE.html

Happy Holidays everyone! As we celebrate another great year of Manoa DNA music, we would like to thank all of you for your continuous love and support!

2009 was filled with great memories and great music. Whether it was traveling far and wide spreading the Aloha spirit, or keeping it local and jamming down at Lulus or Kani Ka Pila, 2009 will always be remembered.

Last week, during our gig for 2009, we held a toy drive to support the Lokahi Giving Fund, a local charity that help needy families during the holiday season. We have been lightly involved with this charity since we started, but this year we wanted to do more. So we put the call out to all of you to send in your support and love, and you responded overwhelmingly. We ended up with about a dozen big bags of toys and household items, and over $300 in monetary donations. Maybe small to some people, but that’s money and toys that Lokahi drive would not have received if it wasn’t for all your kind generosity.

To thank you all very much for helping us raise that money and donate your toys, we would like to give the only gift we can offer, our music. For a limited time, you can download our version of “Silent Night,” recorded last year for a promo. Just visit the link below, or right-click-save it and take it with you wherever you go.

http://www.manoadna.com/music/Manoa%20DNA%20-%20Silent%20Night%20(Free%20Download).mp3

Again, thank you very much for all your Aloha and support! We look forward to exceeding your expectations in 2010, and hope to see each and every one of you sometime soon!

For the past three years, Manoa DNA has taken part in the annual Lokahi fundraising drive at Ala Moana. This year, we wanted to take a bigger role in helping the Lokahi Giving Project.

Presenting Manoa DNA’s “Boys & Their Toys” Drive!
With the help of Lulus Restaurant, IOLANI Sportswear, KHON2, and many other volunteers, the boys (Manoa DNA: Dad, Nick and Alex), will be hosting a small toy & fund-raising drive at Lulus Restaurant in Waikiki on Friday, December 18th. As a part of their weekly stint down at the Waikiki restaurant, Manoa DNA will be performing as normal, but also be collecting toys and raising money to help a very worthy cause!

Jump to the bottom of the page for the list of details, or read on about the fund raiser!

What is the Lokahi Giving Project? “Since its inception in 1985 by newscaster Leslie Wilcox and social services director Mariellen Jones, Lokahi has been helping Hawaii’s struggling families by providing them with life’s basic necessities, year round emergency assistance, and brighter holiday seasons.” [more from LokahiGivingProject.com]

How can you help? Manoa DNA and volunteers will be on-hand collecting donations from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, at Lulus Restaurant in Waikiki [map]. Entertainment will be provided by Manoa DNA throughout the night, and all the money and items collected will be donated directly to the Lokahi Giving Project.

What can I donate? Usually, people think that the Lokahi Giving Project is just about distributing toys to kids during Christmas, but there is so much more that is needed to help local families. Donations can range anywhere between money to unwrapped toys and other household necessities. The Lokahi Giving Project is asking for Christmas gifts (new and unwrapped) for all ages (children, teens, etc.), household necessities, new clothing, or plain old cash money! Anything you give will help a needy family this holiday season and throughout the year.

Your donation will earn you music! As a small way of thanking you for helping Manoa DNA fund raise for this wonderful charity, each person that donates will get a code for a free download of Manoa DNA’s “Silent Night.” A small gift in comparison to what you will be donating, but it is our way of thanking you for helping us realize our goal.

What else will be going on that night? Along with the drive, Lulus Restaurant in Waikiki will be running a full operation, serving delicious surf and turf food and drinks throughout the night. How’s this for a plan… Come to Lulus, donate something and help a family out this holiday season, chow on some great grinds, have a drink, and just sit back while listening to great local music. Not a bad Friday night, huh?

So, here’s the lowdown. “Manoa DNA’s Boys & Their Toys Lokahi Fundraising Drive”
-Friday, December 18th, 2009
-6:00pm to 9:00pm HST (3 Hours)
-Lulus Restaurant in Waikiki [map]
-Park at the Zoo and walk over or valet at the Park Shore hotel
-Please donate toys (new & unwrapped), new clothing, household goods, cash, etc.
-Music and entertainment provided by Manoa DNA throughout the night.
-Eat, drink, & enjoy the holidays!

Mahalo for your support, we hope to see you there on Friday!