Downey may feel like a tropical paradise this month as a trio of Hawaii’s most celebrated musical acts bring the sounds of the islands and aloha culture to the city.
The Aloha Everywhere Concert Series lands at the Downey Theatre on Saturday, May 18 featuring a night of traditional laid-back Hawaiian music with three powerhouse groups.
“It’s going to feel like being at the beach with your friends and listening to beautiful music,” said Patrick Landeza, the producer and director of the show.
The three groups on the lineup are husband and wife duo, Kellen and Līhau Paik, who perform as Kūpaoa, Hōkū Zuttermeister and Mark Yamanaka.
All the performers are multiple award winners who between them have more than 30 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, which is Hawaiian music’s equivalent of the Grammy Award. While they all have performed in Southern California on their own, this is the first time they have come together for the same event.
So say aloha and get to know the performers.
Kūpaoa
The husband and wife duo have been performing as Kūpaoa since 2005 and will headline the show performing songs in their signature soothing style that according to festival officials is meant to linger in the ears and hearts of concert-goers.
“They are a leading force of the new Hawaiian music composers. They really really are just the carriers of the torch of Hawaiian music,” Landeza said.
Their music has also lingered with critics too as the couple have won several awards including multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards in categories such as Island Music Album of the Year (2014), Best Hawaiian Language Performance (2014), and Christmas Album of the Year (2015).
Hōkū Zuttermeister
A native of Kāneohe, Hawaii, he is part of a Hawaiian hula musical legacy. His great-grandmother and great aunt were both famous master hula teachers, so their influence is evident in his music, Landeza said.
“He rarely comes out, so we’re so happy to have him. Hawaiian music and hula is the theme of all this and he really represents that,” he said.
Zuttermeister taught himself to play ukulele, guitar, and bass and describes his music as Hawaiian with a contemporary flair. He cleaned house at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards in 2008, winning the Male Vocalist of the Year, Hawaiian Album of the Year, Entertainer of the Year awards.
Mark Yamanaka
The father of two has won 14 Nā Hōkū Hanohano award since the release of his debut album, “Lei Pua Kenikeni,” in 2010. Hailing from the Big Island, he’s known for songs that celebrate his love for his hometown and his family and for his unique voice.
“His voice is just heavenly,” Landeza said, explaining that he sings in a falsetto, which is meant to hit very high notes.
“It’s traditional Hawaiian on steroids. It’s just crazy what he can do,” he said.
Aloha Everywhere Concert Series
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Where: Downey Theatre, 8435 Firestone Blvd.
Tickets: $55-$65
Information: downeytheatre.org
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