Kanekoa is one of Hawai’i’s premier live music experiences, consistently selling out shows wherever they perform. Playing what is described as “ ’ukulele-powered Hawaiian jam-rock,” their sound explodes with the untapped potential of the electrified Hawaiian ‘ukulele. Kanekoa is riding the wave of renewed interest in this instrument of Hawai‘i, guided by its culture and its land. From traditional Hawaiian to 80’s Pop to Jamband Blues, they offer their signature electric ‘ukulele sound to everything they play. With every show they play, Kanekoa continues to gain new loyal fans.

 

Kanekoa was founded in the early 1990’s by soulful and soothing singer/rhythm ‘ukulele player Kaulana Kanekoa, ‘ukulele virtuoso Vince Esquire and the talented pace-maker percussionist Travis Rice. Uncle Don Lopez, a virtuoso on the U-Bass, completes a full- flavored sound to round out the band. Kanekoa has uniquely taken the ‘ukulele into new territory. Though Kanekoa has been at it for close to 25 years, the band continues to surprise and delight, pushing the envelope of this 4-string instrument in a jam band with eclectic roots and a sound that embraces flavors of reggae, blues, funk, jazz and island music. Esquire’s fluid, liquid runs on the ‘ukulele sometimes recall Jerry Garcia’s tonal lyricism. Wherever this band plays people are mesmerized.— To hear this band, and the music that comes from their four strings…is to love this band.–