Featured Artists

Herb Ohta Jr.'s passion for music was clear from an early age. His grandmother taught him his first song, "Happy Birthday," on the ‘ukulele when he was just three. His father, Ohta-San, provided his early lessons, and Herb later studied music through viola in high school. He also participated in The Honolulu Boys Choir, The Honolulu Children’s Opera Chorus, and The University High School Select Choir.

 ‘Ukulele player Bryan Tolentino has been known for the past forty plus years as an accompanist who performed and continues to perform, locally and abroad, with some of Hawaiʻi’s most well known and accomplished Hawaiian music artists.

It’s rare when an artist arrives on the scene offering a refreshing new spin on a traditional genre of music. Steven Espaniola is that artist. Raised in Aliamanu, Hawai’i and now residing in the California Bay Area, Steven is a self taught multi-instrumentalist Hawaiian artist specializing in Ki Ho'alu (Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar), ‘Ukulele, Upright Bass, and Leo Ki'e Ki'e (Traditional Hawaiian falsetto). Of Hawaiian, Filipino, Chinese and Spanish descent, his e

Jessica Maeve is a singer songwriter and 'ukulele artist. She loves to take songs to the next level as a solo performer by incorporating her own flair into each arrangement. Whether it's a classical piece or oldies tune or rock to modern pop, her style of playing is unique so you're always in for a treat! Audiences are always surprised by what she can perform on her instrument while singing.

Amber Rozel has been teaching musicians of all ages for over 20 years. She has been making the magic happen on ukulele for nearly 15 years and is holds a Level 3 Teachers Certificate from the JHUI program. She performs with regional orchestras, the Bay Chamber Players, her band Evergreen Road, and with anyone that wants to have fun.

Amber is a member of the Steel City Ukuleles in Pittsburgh, PA and co-director of the Allegheny Ukulele Soirée.

Kama Hopkins grew up in a family filled with Hawaiian music and hula. By day, he is the Trust Services Manager for the King Lunalilo Trust and Home. By night, he is a musician. He has been playing music professionally since 2001. He is a multi Nā Hōkū Hanohano award recipient with the group Holunape. He is also a member of other talented Hawaiian music groups Māhiehie IV and Kāneʻohe as the ‘ukulele bass player.

A Vaudeville inspired act, Mim combines elements of circus, novelty, and forgotten favorites! Expect the unexpected! Her show is a high-energy, smile inducing set that takes the audience along on a musical journey that will have them laughing and singing along! She always brings something new to the stage with a fresh group of songs, jokes, and tricks every season.

Melissa Nannen has been creating music since the age of 5 through a variety of means and finally found her perfect instrument in the ukulele during a cold, snowy winter in 2014.  She has been writing original songs since she was 15 on her guitar, but found the ukulele took her songwriting and playing abilities into uncharted territory.