George Helm, Dennis Pavao, Ledward Ka'apana, Johnny Marr, Jaco Pastorius, Charles Mingus, Gary Haleamau, Dennis Kamakahi, Darren Benitez, Willie K, James Jamerson, Mahi Beamer, Peter Ahia, Linda DelaCruz, Genoa Keawe, Gabby Pahinui, Andy Cummings, Marcus Miller, Kahauanu Lake, The Beatles, Ohta San, Jeff Buckley, Thelonius Monk, Wes Montgomery, Ibrahim Ferrer
It's rare when an artist arrives on the scene offering a refreshing new spin on a traditional genre of music. Steven Espaniola is that artist. Raised in Aliamanu, Hawai’i and now residing in the California Bay Area, Steven is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in Ki Ho'alu (Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar), ‘Ukulele, Upright Bass, and Leo Ki'e Ki'e (Traditional Hawaiian falsetto). Of Hawaiian, Filipino and Spanish decent, his ethnicity is as diverse as his unique sound which preserves the integrity of the traditional with a flourish of the modern.
Through the years, Steven has had the pleasure of performing alongside some of Hawaii's top entertainers including Willie K, Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom, Makana, Ho'okena, and Ledward Kaapana. Though an accomplished musician, Steven continues to grow as a humble student of Hawaiian music while contributing to perpetuate its legacy for future generations. Steven hopes to be a perennial mainstay in the Hawaiian music scene for many years to come.
His debut recording entitled Ho’omaka, “to begin”, features a mesmerizing collection of traditional and original Hawaiian mele recorded by Na Hoku Hanohano award winning producer Dave Tucciarone. Ho’omaka will be sure to transport the listener to the Hawaii of yesterday with soaring falsetto vocals, nahenahe slack key guitar and rhythmic ‘ukulele. Steven Espaniola’s highly anticipated debut album will carry you on a musical journey you won’t soon forget. In 2007, Steven's musical efforts earned him the recognition of "New Artist of the Year" at the Hawaii Music Awards.
Aloha Steven, I'll be playing in San Francisco at Biscuits and Blues, upstairs on April 17 and 18. If you're in town you should come and sit in. I'll buy you a beer. Ok, two beer! Kimo Kimo
We've got an incredible show coming up! It's at the luxurious, first-rate theater, dining, and lounge venue, The OC Pavilion, on Saturday, October 18, at 8:00 p.m. We're part of a 3 act show with two other great folk, pop/rock artists.
For details, to reserve tickets online, and for info on how to reserve by phone, go to
www. MAKENAmusic. com.
The night will feed your spirit.
Again, for details, to reserve tickets online, and for info on how to reserve by phone, please go to www. MAKENAmusic. com.
Peace!
Toast and Siena MAKENAmusic. com GirlMeetsGirlPodcast. com
P.S. And hey -- pause for a "stress check" -- a deep breath, back stretch, or 30 seconds with your eyes closed. Or flip out, go crazy and do all three! It would take less than 60 seconds, and feels great.
Saw ur blinky light on and wanted to drop some aloha on ya. Ho, brother, 'ono da music with thr 'ukulele and da falsetto action! Mahalo for keeping the island music going no matter where u are. Aloha
Aloha e Steven! Just stopping by your page to show some love and aloha. How's the family? Baby must be big huh? Feel free to drop me a comment. I would like to hear from you again. Take care and Aloha! ~Alana