Willie K Headlines 17th Annual Great Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival

Willie K will make his first appearance at the 17th Annual Great Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival on Saturday, March 4 at Queens’ MarketPlace.

Willie K, called the “Hawaiian Hendrix to Polynesian Pavarotti,” has wowed world audiences since he started playing music with his dad’s band at age 6. He is a Grammy nominee, and winner of 18 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.

Roy Sakuma directs workshop students at the Great Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival. Photo Courtesy

Uncle Willie K is just part of the day-long line up of ‘ukulele superstars that will perform on three stages.

The ‘Ukulele Festival begins with Roy Sakuma’s free ‘ukulele workshop at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa’s Paniolo Ballroom at 10 a.m.

From 11:15 a.m., throughout the day, live entertainment will take place on three stages at Kings’ Shops and Queens’ MarketPlace.

The all-star lineup includes:

Lito Arkangel. From Keaau in East Hawai‘i, Lito is a Navy veteran, lecturer at UH Hilo and regular entertainer in resort lounges. He is an accomplished musician and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards nominee who has also played the big stage at the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Kris Fuchigami. A Hawai‘i Island musician, Kris won the Hamakua Music Scholarship Competition at the age of 15. Since then, he has released five CDs, and performed worldwide. Kris has an exciting style that pulls in elements of pop, rock and contemporary sound.

Arden Fujiwara. Born in Hawai‘i, Arden is now part of the Seattle music scene, fusing ‘ukulele tradition with the progressive, including rock and hip hop.

Kunia Galdeira. Grandson of Gabby “Pops” Pahinui, Kunia learned to play ‘ukulele at a very young age. He is an in-deman solo artist and also frequently plays with Sonny Lim and Kevin Kealoha as the trio, “Ekolu Mea Nui.”

The Humble Project, led by Tad Humble and K.U.P.A Hale, led by Alan Hale. These two groups of dedicated musicians from Kona with a common love for ‘ukulele music and for sharing it with others of all ages.

Alii Keanaaina. Originally from North Kona, Alii first toured with his twin brother Nui, before stepping into the solo spotlight in 2010, when he won the Clyde “Kindy” Sproat Falsetto Contest. He tours in Japan, Las Vegas, and around the Islands, and easily pleases crowds with his smooth falsetto and full voice Hawaiian music.

Widdy Loo. Born and raised Hawai’i Island, Widdy is a lifelong musician who plays a wide variety of music, often incorporating hula and stories of “Old Hawai‘i”.

Maluhia. George Bence and Beverly McCabe created the Hawaiian-Canadian musical blend, Maluhia (“peace”). They share their time and music between Hawai‘i and Vancouver Islands.

Brittni Paiva. Brittni’s musical career started with piano lessons at age four in her hometown, Hilo. She picked up ‘ukulele at eleven and has since released six CDs, won the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for ‘Ukulele Album of the Year, and traveled internationally. Her multi-genre style melds traditional, pop, alternative, EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and more, and she has pioneered the looping technique on ‘ukulele in her YouTube videos.

Mark Yamanaka. A nine-time Hōkū winner from Hilo, Mark is known for his sweet and soulful Hawaiian music and falsetto, performs frequently in the island and Japan.

The festival includes prizes and ‘ukulele giveaways by sponsoring companies.

For more information on the ‘Ukulele Festival visit here or call (808) 886-8822.

GREAT WAIKOLOA ‘UKULELE FESTIVAL: SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Saturday, March 4, 2017

Waikoloa Beach Marriott, Paniolo Ballroom
10-11:30 a.m.
‘Ukulele Workshop with Roy and Kathy Sakuma. BYOU (bring your own ‘ukulele). Free.

Queens’ MarketPlace, Coronation Pavilion:
Noon The Humble Project
1 p.m. Kunia Galdeira
2 p.m. Kris Fuchigami
3 p.m. Lito Arkangel
4 p.m. Roy Sakuma with Nelly Toyama-Baduria, Daniel Baduria and Nick Acosta
5 p.m. Willie K
6 p.m. Mark Yamanaka

Queens’ MarketPlace, Island Gourmet Markets Stage:
1 p.m. Alii Keanaaina
2 p.m. K.U.P.A Hale
3 p.m. Maluhia
4 p.m. Arden Fujiwara

Kings’ Shops, Center Stage
11:15 p.m. Widdy Loo
Noon Kris Fuchigami
1 p.m. Roy Sakuma with Nelly Toyama-Baduria, Daniel Baduria and Nick Acosta
2 p.m. Maluhia
3 p.m. Arden Fujiwara
4 p.m. Brittni Paiva