Kanekoa - 'ukulele-powered Hawaiian jam band


Kanekoa
“The Hawaiian Grateful Dead” —Bill Kreutzmann, The Grateful Dead
“These guys scare me, they are that good” —David Hidalgo, Los Lobos
“The band is amazing…stepping out of the traditional ‘ukulele approach” —Mick Fleetwood, Fleetwood Mac
Kanekoa is one of Hawaii’s premier live music experiences. Sailing in on a wave of multi-layered sound, Maui’s Nā Hōkū Hanohano (Hawai’i’s “Grammy”) Award-winning band Kanekoa has become a global phenomenon. Powered by electric ‘ukuleles and driving rhythms, these ‘ukulele masters draw inspiration from the Hawaiian roots of this instrument and erupt with jam-band energy to create a unique sound they call “Hawaiian jam-rock”. Most recently Kanekoa was featured on the cover of Ukulele Magazine as “Hawaiian Trailblazers.”
For the past 25 years, live audiences have raved over their soulful originals and insightful covers interpreted with pure originality. Kanekoa is right at home playing any genre from traditional Hawaiian to 80’s Pop to Jamband Blues. Led by 3 ‘ukuleles — soulful singer/rhythm ‘ukulele player Kaulana Kanekoa, ‘ukulele virtuoso Vince Esquire, and Uncle Don Lopez, a virtuoso on the U-Bass, Kanekoa recently expanded their live sound by welcoming master percussionist Augie B. Lopaka Colon Jr to the band.
Kanekoa has taken the ‘ukulele sound into new territory. The band continues to surprise and delight audiences, 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.
— To hear this band, and the music that comes from their four strings…is to love this band.–
‘Ukulele Magazine (Fall 2022) Cover Feature
Tour Schedule
2023
Fri July 7, 2023 – The Crest Theater, Sacramento CA
8:00 PM (doors 7:00 PM)
Presented by SBL Entertainment
Ticket Link
Past Tours Dates
2023
April 13, 2023 – Kanekoa at the NAMM Show
Sat, Apr 15, 2023 – The Siren, Morro Bay CA
Tue April 18, 2023 – The Venice West, Venice CA
Wed April 19, 2023 – Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA
Mon, Mar 20, 2023 – Alberta Rose Theater, Portland OR
Tues, Mar 21, 2023 – The Triple Door, Seattle WA
Thurs, Mar 23, 2023 – Millennium Stage, The John F Kennedy Center, Washington DC
Fri, Mar 24, 2023 – Hill Country BBQ Market, New York NY (Presented by CEG Presents)
Sun, Mar 26, 2023 – Music Box Supper Club, Cleveland OH
Tue Mar 28, 2023 – The Ark, Ann Arbor MI
Performance and ‘Ukulele Workshop
2022
Thurs Nov 3 – Volcanic Theatre Pub, Bend OR
Fri Nov 4 – Humboldt Brews, Arcata CA
Sun Nov 6 – Tractor Tavern, Seattle WA
Mon Nov 7 – Alberta Rose, Portland OR
Fri Nov 11 – Alaska Center for Performing Arts, Anchorage AK
Presented by Anchorage Concert Association
Sun Nov 13 – Gerald C Wilson Auditorium, Kodiak AK
Presented by Kodiak Arts Council
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Sat Oct 15 – Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad CA
Mon Oct 17 – SOhO, Santa Barbara CA
Tue Oct 18 – The Siren, Morro Bay CA
Wed Oct 19 – Felton Music Hall, Felton CA
Thurs Oct 20 – The Sofia, Sacramento CA
Presented by SBL Entertainment
Fri Oct 21 – Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley CA
Thurs, Jun 30, Anchorage AK – Community Concert
Cue to 6:44 – Kanekoa Original
Hands of the True (original)
Bustin’ Rock
Kanekoa at Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center, Washington DC