Acclaimed ukulele virtuoso and Hawaiian native Jake Shimakukuro has outlined the inaugural Hana Hou Music Festival. The first-time event is set to take place at the historic Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu on Sept. 8 and 9. It boasts a lineup of musicians representing many genres, such as pop, jazz, world and Hawaii music.
The event’s host, Shimakukuro, will play individually and with his band. They top the artist bill along with longtime island mainstay Mick Fleetwood. Other musical guests include Pure Heart and a Girl Named Tom. The Tongan-American family pop band, The Jets, known for hits like “Crush on You” and “Make It Real,” have also signed on.
Moreover, Keiko Matsui will deliver her blend of smooth jazz and new-age music, in addition to local Hawaiian music icons like Brother Noland, Mark Yamanaka, Raiatea Helm, and more. During Shimakukuro’s stage time, it was noted via press release that he would perform material off his new LP, Grateful, due out on Sept. 8.
On the record, Shimakukuro welcomes a long list of contributors, including Brother Noland, Bryan Tolentino, Chris Kamaka, Connor Johnson, Del Beazley, Fiji, Henry Kapono, Herb Ohta, Jr., Ignace Jang, Jeff Peterson, John Cruz, John Feary, Pure Heart (Jon Yamasato and Lopaka Colón), Justin Kawika Young, Kawika Kahiapo, Kimié Miner, Manaola, Mark Yamanaka, Pōmaika`i Keawe, Raiatea Helm, and Ron Artis II.
Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.jakeshimabukuro.com.
Scroll down for a breakdown of the impending schedule.
Friday, Sept. 8:
Jake Shimakukuro Band
Mick Fleetwood
The Jets
Raiatea Helm
Kawika Kahiapo
Jeff Peterson
Pure Heart
Saturday, Sept. 9:
Jake Shimakukuro
Mick Fleetwood
Girl Named Tom
Keiko Matsui
Connor Johnson
Kimie Miner
Brother Noland
Mark Yamanaka