Kanekoa

September 25 | 7:30 pm | $35 advance / $40 day of show*

One of Hawaii’s premier live music experiences, Kanekoa fuses eclectic roots and jam band energy with flavors of reggae, blues, funk, and island music. Playing what’s described as “ukulele-powered Hawaiian jam-rock,” their sound is based on the untapped potential of the electrified Hawaiian ukulele.

Guided by the culture and land of Hawai‘i, they’re right at home playing everything from traditional Hawaiian to 80s pop to jam band blues, uniquely infusing their signature sound to everything they play.

Called “The Hawaiian Grateful Dead” by Bill Kreutzmann of The Grateful Dead, they’ve caught the ear of some of the biggest names in music including Mick Fleetwood and Los Lobos. To hear this band, and the music that comes from their four strings, is to love this band.

More About Kanekoa

Sailing in on a wave of multi-layered sound, this Maui band has become a global phenomenon, winning multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawai’i’s “Grammys”), and being celebrated on the cover of Ukulele Magazine as “Hawaiian Trailblazers.” Live audiences around the world rave over their soulful originals and insightful covers interpreted with pure originality as they’ve taken the ukulele into new territory.

Kaulana Kanekoa (lead vocals + rhythm ukulele) learned the violin, then switched to trumpet. Inspired by the beauty of Hawaiian slack-key music, he eventually turned to guitar. Absorbing a diverse range of influences, from Gabby Pahinui and Peter Moon (of Sunday Manoa fame) to Led Zeppelin and Bob Marley, Kaulana began composing his own songs and his own soulful vocals now engage audiences at a visceral level. 

Vince Esquire (lead ukulele + backing vocals) picked up the uke at seven and by 15 was blazing on guitar. Vince was so good on guitar that he was invited to play with the Allman Brothers Band in New York by mentor Gregg Allman as well as tour and record with Gregg Allman.

“Uncle” Don Lopez (u-bass + backing vocals + jokes) has been a staple on the Maui music scene anchoring Hawaiian music legend Willie K on bass for years. Don also played and toured with Vince’s blues band for many years, which created a musical bond between the two. Don is a virtuoso on the bass and can play anything. His fretless Kala U-Bass adds a dynamic groove to the ukes that rounds out the Kanekoa sound. 

Travis Rice (cajon + percussion + backing vocals) was inspired by the Grateful Dead’s improvisational approach. He eventually gravitated to the cajon (which fittingly has four strings inside).

* Please Note: Day of show tickets based on availability. If this performance is sold out online, there will be no tickets available at the door.

Arts For All

$5 Arts for All tickets are available for individuals enrolled in the Oregon Trail Card or SNAP program. Individuals can purchase a maximum of 2 tickets per show. Tickets are limited per show. Contact the Walters Box Office at 503-615-3485 or [email protected] to purchase. Present your SNAP or Oregon Trail Card at the box office when picking up your tickets.

College Students

$5 tickets are also available for college students. Individuals can purchase 1 ticket per show. Tickets are limited per show. Contact the Walters Box Office at 503-615-3485 or [email protected] to purchase. Present your college ID at the box office when picking up your tickets.

Thank you to our show sponsor, Residence Inn by Marriot, Portland Hillsboro/Brookwood.