Shimabukuro, Kahele to release new albums

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New Shimabukuro album out Oct. 9

New Shimabukuro album out Oct. 9

Jake Shimabukuro’s newest album “Travels” will be released Oct. 9.

“Travels” casts the spotlight on his diverse artistry, from lilting self-penned compositions, to modern interpretations of beloved Hawaiian standards. The disc also includes a memorable pair of pop nuggets from the 70s: A sweet rendition of “I’ll Be There” by the Jackson 5, and a witty, Hawaii-meets-East L.A., take on “Low Rider” by War (the latter featuring rare vocals by Shimabukuro).

Born and raised in Honolulu, Shimabukuro began playing ukulele at age four. He began his career in the mid-1990s, performing at local coffee shops as a sideman with his first band, Pure Heart. His solo career began in 2002 when he became the first ukulele player to sign with Sony Music Japan. While he positioned himself as an established musician in Hawaii and Japan, his career skyrocketed when his rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” hit YouTube and garnered more than 13 million views. In the years since, he has collaborated with a variety of artists, topped the Billboard’s World Music Chart and won various accolades.

The album goes on sale Oct. 9. It is available for preorder online at www.mountainapplecompany.com.

Kahele’s new CD pays tribute to Kauai

Kuana Torres Kahele pays tribute to Kauai in “Manookalanipo,” the fourth installment of his “Music for the Hawaiian Islands” series.

Kahele’s latest release features 11 new original songs written for the Garden Isle, honoring the people and places close to his heart. Although the music is all new, it feels instantly familiar with catchy melodies and the perfect blend of piano and steel guitar complementing Kahele’s rich vocals. The CD offers a mix of his best soaring falsetto and velvety smooth lower register songs.

The album goes on sale Oct. 9. It is available for preorder online at www.mountainapplecompany.com.

Recording artist releases lei making DVD, plans workshops

Recording artist Kuana Torres Kahele Kahele last week released his first DVD showcasing the art of making lei, “Make Lei with Kuana Kahele Torres.”

Kahele has garnered many awards for his numerous CDs, including Na Hoku Hanohano Album of the Year, Male Volcalist of the Year and Song of the Year. In addition to his success in the music realm, Kahele is an avid practitioner of many Hawaiian art forms including hula, chant, poetry, ukulele, Niihau shell lei making and flower lei making.

Kahele began sharing his lei making in online tutorials and at his workshops. When touring, he also teaches workshops to share his expertise. His new DVD, presented by Mountain Apple Company, will show viewers they can make lei wherever they are out of the most unexpected materials.

The 90-minute DVD costs $9 and is available online at www.mountainapplecompany.com.

Kahele will also host lei making workshops at HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts and HouseMart Ace Hardware stores throughout Hawaii to celebrate the DVD’s release. He will be at the Ace Hardware in Kona from 10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 15 and at the Ace Hardware in Waimea from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 16.

For more information, visit https://acehardwarehawaii.com.