Hawaiian Music Island Radio Station Pipeline 2 Paradise

ONE DREAM, ONE VISION, ONE HEARTBEAT!

(November 2005)

loko.maika'i. nvs. Good will, good disposition, generosity, grace; kind, humane, gracious, benevolent, beneficent, obliging.

(Pukui - Elbert Hawaiian Dictionary)

loko.maika'i. = Moon Kahele (Pu'ukani - Pipeline 2 Paradise)

I don't quite remember word for word the first e-mail I received from Moon, but what I do remember is it opened and closed with God's blessings. He formally introduced himself and asked if he could humbly send me a copy of his newly released cd entitled "A Walk Across The Ocean." Being new to the internet radio realms and still building my Hawaiian music library, I was very excited to accept his work.

Upon receiving it I anxiously opened his CD and popped it in the player. After listening to the entire cd 3 times straight a strange feeling came over me. It was almost as if I was back home on a shorline in Hawaii watching the tide roll in. I guess you can say it was a peacful easy feeling. I continued to keep in touch with Moon and each time I received an e-mail from him I somehow re-lived that feeling. I know it sounds weird, but you'll soon see that Moon has a gift of expressing himself, not only in his e-mails, but in his song.

After several months I finally figured it out. Moon's humbleness and good heart led the way in everything he did. Moon's music is more than words being sung, it's his heart being shared! I quickly realized that the opportunity to cross paths with this man was a true blessing in disguise. I'm usually not at a lost for words, but in this case I just might be.

Instead of trying to explain, I'll let you experience first hand what I mean. When the request went out for an online interview, Moon immediately responded. It took him only one day to answer all the questions. Just another confirmation that if you let your heart speak, the words will come easy.

Let me stop rambling and allow you to also become extended ohana of this loko maika'i person. Brothers and sisters I present to you the online interview with Paradise Most Wanted #4 - Moon Kahele.

My name is Dana “Moon” Kahele, Father, Grandfather and blessed with pure-Hawaiian heritage. Presently, I work and reside with my wife, Addie and Lexi – my stepdaughter, here in Phoenix, AZ. I am a musician who performs Hawaiian “oldies” and “original” music solo and with my Band, “KKOHAWAII.” “KKOHAWAII” is the abbreviated title for “KA HELE KANE O HAWAI’I” when translated means, The Walking Men of Hawai’i. The abbreviated title is used because our mainland audience’s have a tough time pronouncing or remembering the proper title so I use the radio call letter technique.

You can find us on the band website I call “Baby” at www.kkohawaii.com. All visitors will find information about each band member, our Dancers, Corporate supporters, popular Links and Booking information. Schedules permitting and under written contract, we do travel out-of-state for shows which allows us to share our music beyond the desert sands of Arizona.

The Kahele Ohana originally comes from the Big Island of Hawaii. We are spread across the districts of Waimea, Kawaihae, Ka’u, as well as, neighboring sister Islands. My Ohana ended up on Oahu where I grew up in Kalihi. We lived at Kuhio Homes – a State funded housing project. I mention this because living in a housing project, albeit Kuhio Homes, Meyer Wrights, Kam’Fourth, Kalihi Valley to name a few, played a major role in my street smart survival skills and childhood development. Also, it didn’t hurt being the fastest runner on the block. Ha, Ha!

When I was not working around the house, doing yard work with my Dad or attending school at public schools Kalihi-Waena (for Elementary), Sanford B. Dole & Kalauakaua (my Intermediate Schools) or W.R. Farrington (#1 High School), my hobbies included body-surfing, football, baseball and playing music. My Mom and Dad, the late Lucille and John Kahele, always played an instrument or sang everyday as far back as I can remember. Mom stayed home to raise us and Dad worked and retired from the City and County of Honolulu as a Garbage Man. Back then, recycling used “opala” was an acceptable practice because a lot of furniture we sat and slept on was other people’s throwaway items. Sometimes Dad brought home a broken instrument, yet, he found a way to fix it, even if just temporary. And yes, I tinkered with the “used” instruments at the tender age of eight not knowing that this was the beginning of my music career.

How would you describe the music of Moon Kahele?

In one word I would say its “Diverse.” A little bit of country

western, Jazz, Latino, and a touch of the backyard Kanikapila

sounds to it.

Talk about the members of your group KKO Hawaii.

How long have you played together?

KKOHAWAII has been together for over two years. We met through

different connections. Here’s what I mean.

John “JT” Walsh – Vocals/Bass Guitar/Website Manager. JT has been with me from the beginning. JT is a loving father of two beautiful girls and is married to the lovely Franzi Walsh. JT is the Band kalua pork provider at rehearsals. He is from Ohio but in the ‘90’s was stationed at Schofield Barracks. During his US Army tour, he fell in love with Hawaiian music and his passion is quite evident in his playing style. Also, he monitors and updates “BABY” as needed. JT and Grammy are close friends. Solid Bass guitarist, vocals and friend!

Joe “Grammy” Broyles – Vocals/Percussions/Keyboards. Grammy is the only “local boy” from Arizona. Joe has played music since he was 4 years old, eventually attending and graduating from Berklee School of Music. He brings an array of talents, recording experience and music industry skills to the Band. Sharing and supporting his dream is the lovely Shasta, his girlfriend. JT and Grammy perform for the same Church affiliations here in Phoenix. Solid everything and friend!

Frank “Tuna” Erice – Vocal/Guitarist. “Tuna” was the last piece added to the Band. He is a local boy from Kalihi Valley and a true die-hard fisherman. I knew him since Kalaukaua Intermediate school years. “Tuna” is married to Angela Erice and they are proud parents of two young adults, Brittany and Royce. Frank is the Band’s poki and lau’lau provider when we meet to rehearse. He loves to sing Cecilio and Kapono “oldies” which we include in our shows. Solid all-around friend!

What’s the motto or mission of KKO Hawaii?

KKO Hawaii - Pule

ONE DREAM, ONE VISION, ONE HEARTBEAT!

The mana'(spirit) of the Band is still strong as ever before. We will continue to move our music direction forward like the flow of melting lava spreading across the aina (land) and moana (sea). We share our Island style music through public appearances to keep the torch of Hawaiian Music forever burning. And without question, our music journey would be impossible if not for the spiritual guidance of our Akua (God), the support of our Ho’aloha’s (friends) and the unconditional love of our Ohana (family).

You’ve been in the music industry for many years. In your opinion what has changed over the years? What has remained the same?

Good questions. The music of Hawaii will never change because it’s Universal. The listener cannot help but hear the music or the lyrics of a “latest release” or “oldie” and fall in LOVE with Hawaii. The only thing I’ve noticed is that our songwriters are far and few. We need to emphasize to our aspiring writers to continue writing songs because there is so much material to write about back home in Hawaii. As Uncle Eddie Kamae noted in a TV interview years ago, “the music of the past has already been written, its time to write new songs.”

After all these years performing, do you still get butterflies before doing a gig? If so, how do you handle the nervousness?

Yes, I do. My wife, Addie, describes the day of an event my “pre-show mode.” She plans an entire morning away with shopping errands or going to the Fitness Center to give me some time alone to focus on the show. However, it all disappears once I strum the first note of my guitar.

Your CD release “ A Walk Across The Ocean ” has gathered positive reviews by many sources. Share your thoughts on recording this album.

My wife, Addie, encouraged me to record an album. Also, I felt a need to share my music in honor of my Ohana. Recording this album with Arizona Digital Sounds and Bruce Livolsi was “good fun.” I asked JT to accompany me on this project. Never did I expect the recognition that “A Walk…” would receive but I give all praise and glory to Ke Akua.

Talk about some of your more memorable gigs.

In ’76, Brothers Bar – Jacksonville, AL. Jamming a few tunes w/George Thorgood. Blues Musician. It made me appreciate Blues music, even more.

In ’81, Gadsden, AL. Etowah County Fair. Jamming with Randy Owens, leader of the band “ALABAMA”. Our brief friendship gave inspiration to continue writing.

In ’88, Winter Park, FL. Attending a music workshop with Special Guest artist Chet Atkins in attendance. I was selected to perform a Slack Key tune in his presence. What a thrill.

In ’97, Kailua Elementary, Kailua, HI. Performing for Uncle Eddie Kamae and singing a Sons of Hawaii song with his delightful smile of approval.

In ’03, Masters of Slack Key Festival, Waikiki, HI. Invited to do the Opening Act.

Who (music or non-music related) would you consider major influences on your music?

The people most responsible are my wife, Addie, Parents, Brothers and Sisters. Each person played a major role during my growth and different periods of my music career.

You’ve recently been added to a prestigious list for Hawaiian Slack Key musicians. Please share with the listeners and readers what this list is and what this honor given to you mean.

Being a Slack Key Guitar musician is an honor bestowed upon a few. To me, it represents a lot to be included with the Masters and the Greats of Slack Key music. I’ve enjoyed listening to this type of music since my youth and now I live the dream. I teach Slack Key here in Phoenix and sharing the art cannot be anything but good. But, only a few can actually play it from the soul and to me, that’s where you find the mana’ of Ki Ho’alu.

What are some challenges, if any, do you think is the result of living away from the islands? How do you feel about these challenges?

Living on the mainland for many years, I do miss the moana, the aina and the Ohana, that’s a fact. However, being a transplanted “local” we experience similar challenges here or back home. Employment, home ownership and dealing with the local economy are relative no matter where you reside. For me, I have enjoyed living on the mainland, achieving and enjoying the fruits of my hard work. And yes, I will return to the Islands one day and adjust to its changing times when I do.

Any exciting upcoming events or projects for “Moon Kahele and KKO Hawaii”?

KKOHAWAII is preparing for our first Band CD. “Grammy” will be producing our project in his Home-Recording studio. So cool! Also, we have been selected to do the Opening Act for the Makaha Sons, August 13, 2005 in Phoenix. Please visit the following website for ticket information - www.paddleaz.com.

I know you’re a very spiritual person and you always give God honor in what you do. Is there a Gospel album in the future for Moon Kahele?

How funny you mention that because I just completed writing, pending copyrights, two Gospel songs. I haven’t given it a thought, but, if when I do, you’ll get a copy that’s for sure.

Any advice for current artists or those aspiring to make it in the industry?

Keep God and your Ohana on the top of the list. Keep dreaming for all dreams do come true. Finally, surround yourself with positive, fun-loving, life-is-great people. If you do, everything will fall into place.

How does one reach Moon Kahele and KKO Hawaii for booking?

You can reach email me at Moon@kkohawaii.com also, my direct phone number is (602)-518-3789.

Choose one:

Ukulele or Guitar? Ukulele

Aloha Airlines or Hawaiian Air? Hawaiian Airlines

Zippy's or Aloha Kitchen? Aloha Kitchen

Instrumental or Singing? Instrumental

Lake Havasu or Lanikai? Lanikai.

Any last “Mahalos” or “Mana’o”?

Pu’ukani. Hauoli La Hanau’ to P2P for a successful year on the coconut wireless – the Internet. A sincere “mahalo” to the Sebala Ohana and Da Crew that supports P2P. When you are in the Valley of the Sun, call me, let’s do lunch and kanikapila.

Official homepage for Moon Kahele and KKO Hawai'i

PURCHASE CD HERE

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