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lynn
Lokahi
289 Posts |
 Posted - 01/12/2011 : 11:09:29 PM
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 This week on Pakele Live! with Tony Solis we’re excited to present Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Shawn Ishimoto in his first-ever headlining appearance on our show! Regular viewers have seen Shawn on the Pakele Live! stage a number of times, performing with Nā Palapalai, Mailani and Kapala, but many are unaware that he has a successful solo career as well.
Shawn plays a number of instruments, but is perhaps best known for his expertise on bass, guitar and ‘ukulele. However, his first instrument was drums, which he began playing at age 3, having developed a fascination with drummers during weekly trips with his grandparents to hear Barry Kim perform at the Hilton. He got his first drum set at age 4½. He also began taking piano lessons at age 4, but hated practicing, so that fell by the way side until he resumed his lessons at age 10.
At age 13 Shawn began taking trumpet lessons and joined a band. Several years later, he became fascinated by blues musicians. He was heavily influenced by Peter Tosh (of Bob Marley and the Wailers), and subsequently taught himself to play guitar by ear. After playing guitar for several years, he received a bass guitar for Christmas and taught himself to play that.
Shawn began playing professionally at age 14-15. A security guard at his school was impressed with his music, and urged him to go to a local club to perform. Henry Kapono happened to be in the audience that night, was impressed with Shawn, and called him the next day. Henry worked with Shawn for the next several years, inviting him to perform occasionally at Duke’s, taking him on several outer island gigs, and in 1996 recording his first album “Finding My Way” (under the name BB Shawn).
In 1997 Shawn’s manager (a.k.a. “mom”) took him independent and formed Flying Solo Music, under which he recorded a live CD entitled “Live and Kickin’,” followed by “No Boundaries” in 1998. “No Boundaries” won the 1999 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Best Contemporary Album. In 2000, Ernie Cruz, Jr. called and asked him to play ‘ukulele for the wildly popular Ka’au Crater Boys.
Other highlights of Shawn’s musical career include: opening for Roberta Flack with the Honolulu Symphony; playing bass with Ray Sowders; and playing drums with the Opihi Pickers. Shawn currently plays with Nā Palapalai, Mailani and Kapala, in addition to playing solo gigs throughout Waikiki. Working with John Valentine, he has released several new solo albums (“Volume I” and “Volume II”), and a third is in the works.
Join host Tony Solis as we welcome Shawn to the Pakele Live! stage on Thursday, January 13 from 6-8 p.m. HST in the Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel (410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu). There is no cover charge or minimum, all ages are welcome, and free parking is available next door at Ala Moana Shopping Center.
You may also watch the show live online at: http://www.pakelelive.com/
(If you watch online, please email the show at pakele @ lava.net and let us know you’re watching! Mention your name and where you’re located - city, state – or country, if outside the U.S.!)
(Note: photo by Marc Turner)
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Edited by - lynn on 01/13/2011 11:34:35 AM |
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Julie H
Ha`aha`a
USA
1206 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2011 : 9:27:02 PM
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Ack, I'm so sorry I missed this! I really, really enjoyed Shawn's playing with Na Palapalai in Santa Cruz. He responds to the audience and is a kick to listen to.
Julie |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2011 : 01:18:37 AM
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| Well you just might see more of Shawn than you are used to. He might soon be in your neck of the woods. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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dragonfly213
Akahai
66 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2011 : 1:25:48 PM
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| awesome bio Pakele! mahalo |
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Steven Espaniola
Lokahi
225 Posts |
Posted - 01/28/2011 : 2:00:12 PM
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| Lynn's bio writing skills are maika'i no! |
Steven |
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lynn
Lokahi
289 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2011 : 1:12:40 PM
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| Aawww - just saw now saw your comments Jeni & Steven - mahalo a nui! I coulda gone on for like 6 more pages with Shawny's bio... ohmygosh, when I was interviewing him we talked for HOURS about all he's done, the influences in his life and music, etc. There was no way to edit it all down into something manageable and still do justice to everyone he mentioned... |
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dragonfly213
Akahai
66 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2011 : 3:20:28 PM
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| Mm mahalo there, Lynn, we'll keep you in mind for a book contract.. if I can get someone interested in that :) Have a great week and year |
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Shawn Ishimoto, Pakele Live, Jan. 13
