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Joliet Convention '96 Preview... Alan Akaka & Ed Punua Featured Guest Artists(Reprinted from the Newsletter) HSGA members are in for a double-header Hawaiian treat at HSGA's 10th Anniversary convention in Joliet, Illinois, at the Holiday Inn. Because of the convention date change to September 26-28, HSGA president Alan Akaka will be there in person, along with Hawaiian steel artist Ed Punua, HSGA's Secretary-Treasurer. Two different Hawaiian steel playing styles will be represented. Alan, plays the clean, single note style of his former teacher, Jerry Byrd; Ed, following the stylings of his former teacher, the late, great Alvin "Barney" Isaacs, Jr. uses more chording in his playing. Ed also brings a plus to our stage -- some fine Hawaiian falsetto singing. Alan AkakaAlan, who plays many instruments besides steel guitar, started his musical journey on upright bass; his steel guitar days began with the urging of a music teacher who recognized his interest. Currently Director of Intermediate school choral music at Kamehameha Schools and a recording artist and arranger (see "Diskussion" for Alan's brand new release), he is also leader of the "The Islanders", featured at Waikiki's Halekulani Hotel "House Without a Key." Alan has created his own sound and style. He utilizes both the popular C6th and the rich sound of the B11th tuning, and has incorporated the best of the Hawaiian steel masters in his playing: David "Feet" Rogers, Benny Rogers, Jules Ah See, Billy Hew Len, David Keli`i, Jake Keli`ikoa and, of course, Jerry Byrd. Over the years, he has been instrumental in reviving interest in Hawaiian steel guitar as a popular entertainer and guest soloist in the mainland U.S., Canada and Asia. Ed PunuaEd Punua comes from a family whose roots reach far back in Hawaiian music culture. His family connections include Mary Kawena Pukui, recognized in her lifetime as the greatest living authority on Hawaiian culture and best known as co-author of the Hawaiian Dictionary. More than that, Ed can rightfully call the late "Barney" Isaacs "uncle". Before he started playing steel guitar, Ed's speciality was Tahitian drumming; as a child he played professionally with his father, well-known singer Victor Punua and his mother Ku`ulei at their lu`aus on Kaua`i. Ed's mother, a hula dancer since the age of 3, still teaches hula and choreographs shows. Ed says "When I was little, I tagged along and absorbed the entertainment scene. Uncle Barney often played steel guitar with the various groups Mom danced with, and Mom asked him if he would teach me." He uses the popular C6th tuning. An accountant with a Honolulu CPA firm, Ed is the new father of (hopefully) a future steel player. He says he is looking forward to attending the Joliet convention, playing steel, and singing some of the memorable songs composed by the Isaacs family dynasty. 
HSGA * HAWAIIAN
STEEL GUITAR ASSOCIATION Homepage URL: www.hsga.org (hsga@lava.net) Last updated: 07/22/02 by Gerald Ross (gbross@umich.edu) |