The Hula Grill on Maui recently honored me in a wonderful celebration "E Ola Mau Ka Mele."
They treated me and my friends and family, to a wonderful brunch and presented me with a Congressional Letter of Congratulations from our representative, Jill Tokuda; Then another recognition letter from the Hawaii State Senate
Then they presented me with a beautiful Pepe Romero Grand Tenor ʻukulele with a wonderful letter from Daniel Ho. Professional photographer, Bruce Forrester, kindly took photos of the whole thing.
Max Angel and Jason Jerome played music and later I joined in with my son, Keoki Kahumoku. Friends came from all over including Ben Churchill from Santa Cruz and Megan Silveria from California. The food was fantastic! Mahalo to GM, Amber Compton, and Event Coordinator, MaryLou Foley, for organizing this wonderful honor.
The Gift of "Ukulele
Message to Uncle George:
Aloha and congratulations, Uncle George!
and I are sorry we couldn't make it today. We can't think of a more deserving person for this honor.
has been a fabulous 26 years of playing music with you. When I'm on stage, I still tell the story about how we first started playing together--you called me upon the recommendation of a mutual friend, "sight unseen, song unheard," to sit in for Uncle Ray Kane on a tour back in 1997. Oh, the magic we've made together since!
Touring the world, to our first album Hymns of Hawaii (1999), two Hökü Awards, multiple GRAMMY nominations and four GRAMMY wins, and a dozen+ albums in between, you are an inspiration!
We are so grateful for you and Aunty Nancy, and for being able to simply do the things we love. Thank you for your many years of music mentorship, stewardship of culture and the 'aina, your huge heart, your skills in da kitchen, and living the aloha way.
We love you so very much and look forward to being on the road again with you soon!
Aloha pumehana, Daniel and Lydia</>
