Ke Kani Nahe

Individually we come from different facets of Hawaiian music. Derek comes from a hula background. As a former dancer and musician with a hula halau, Derek brings to the group music based on hula stylings and good ole chalangalang playing with a little bit of falsetto thrown in the mix.

Duke is a long time kiho’alu musician who got his start by listening to the great kiho’alu artists of the past and just learning by ear. As time passed, he met Ozzie Kotani and studied under him and became very proficient in the art. One of his goals is to perpetuate the art of traditional kiho’alu and as such has been giving lessons to those that have a drive to learn and all manuahi (free).

Ikaika has a background in all types of music from rock to reggae but has come back to the music he has always loved. You might recognize his last name (Machida) as his uncle Al is one of the great Hawaiian guitarists of our time and former member of the Kahauanu Lake Trio. As the lead guitarist, Shawn brings to the table subtle background fills and hot Hawaiian pa’ani.

Sam is the bass player of the group but is an excellent ukulele player in his own right. Sam grew up listening to and learning traditional Hawaiian music from his father. But for the last 10 years he strayed from his roots and mainly played reggae/contemporary music with various groups. He recently has come full circle and back to his roots where he is once again enjoying traditional Hawaiian music. He recently also became a student of kiho’alu with Duke as his kumu.