Grammy-nominated vocalist Amy Hanaiali’I was raised on the island of Maui in Hawaii surrounded by kanikapila – music played by family and friends. The singer’s grandmother Jennie Napua Woodd – who choreographed major Hawaiian films and shows in the 1930s in Hollywood – influenced Hanaiali’I’s musical tastes and gave her an appreciation for her heritage.
The singer has released ten wildly successful albums, which have solidified her place in Hawaii’s top-selling female vocalist.
Grammy-nominated instrumentalist Jeff Peterson is one of today’s most talented musicians. An expert slack-key, classical, and jazz guitar player, Peterson has collaborated with artists around the world. The musician has blended a deep connection to his Hawaiian heritage with a singular and captivating style.
Aloha! Welcome to a sold-out crowd of Hawaiian shirts and gorgeous music.
The first half of the show was entirely solo-guitar with Jeff Peterson describing his childhood home and influences of his song writing. He was a gifted story teller and he interwove instruction on slack-key playing and Hawaiian musical traditions.
Amy Hanaiali’I’s voice was unequaled – truly gifted. She also was an amazing story-teller and embellished song-covers with stories about her grandmother or traveling as a Hawaiian ambassador.
It was a fun evening and left me longing to travel back to Hawaii. Both artists loved their homeland and left us with a better understanding of both Hawaii and Hawaiian music.
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