I guess I can start from the beginning. I was born in Auckland, New Zealand. On October 5, 1967. An only child. Both parents were originally from Samoa, and met up in Auckland. Sometime in 1970 they made their way to Oakland, California. Some how they both decided to move to Hawaii. My mother’s brother (Eliu Ieremia) was working as a librarian at the Church College of Hawaii now known as Brigham Young University of Hawaii. And that’s how we ended up in Laie, Hawaii.

 

All and all it was a pretty normal beginning. My parents were in their 30s and coming from New Zealand. I always remember those loving musicals. Growing up watching Lawrence Welk on Sunday afternoon, I still remember one of my dad’s favorite movies “76 Trombones”. And all those stories of family members who played home made banjos, brass bands, mandolins, & drums. I just couldn’t wait to learn how to make music.  

 

 At the tender age of 7, mom decides to send me to piano lessons. I think I learned a little from it, retaining it was something else. At the age of 9 on Christmas day my dad passed away from Leukemia. I give my mom credit… she did her best to keep my time occupied. Still insisting on piano lessons, she also put me into choir. I guess it’s safe to say that my love for music was instilled thanks to her persistence.

 

Then in high school, Marching Band, Jazz, & Symphony Band. Started out with the Baritone, and somehow ended up playing the Tuba. A band geek I am proud to say I was. And somehow with all the school homework and hectic schedule, I found time to get a job at the Polyensian Cultral Center. I started in the P.C.C. Brass Band, and some how made into the Hawaiian, Tahitian, & Samoan section dancing on the main stage. First in the Matinee show, also doing the dueling ukulele skit, and eventually ending up dancing in the Main Night show “This Is Polynesia”.

 

I have so many great teachers, mentors from that time. My high school band teachers were Mr. Michael Payton, & Mr. Alan Akaka. From the brass band in the Polynesian Cultural Center, conductors Mr. Sione Tuitupoe, Mr. Eddie Maiava & Mr. Siuai Laufoe. I can’t forget Mrs. Ellen Gay Delarosa, Keith Awai, & my dear friend Wayne Takemoto who gave me the confidence to be an entertainer. Little did they know that letting me dance in their section gave me a great ego booster to accomplish whatever I set my mind too.

 

And then came high school graduation… looking back at the decision to join the “United States Marine Corps”. I still ponder that decision… with the time constraints of being a soldier. Always being deported, I just didn’t have time for music. Thanks to “Uncle Sam” he paid for my world tour, twice… you know just exploring other hobbies ;) Time to time playing if anyone had a guitar, singing Karaoke but nothing to boast about. In the Marines I got into “Food Service”. Working Pantry, Baking, & Prep Cook, amongst the many responsibility of being a soldier.

 

When I finished my tour, I stayed in food service. Working mostly independent Resturants. Harbor Pub, Waikiki Yacht Club, Smitty’s Resturant, & Club Komo Mai. You know when you work for these independent restaurants it’s like a family business you end up doing everything eventually (dishwasher, waiter, host, etc…) and of course bartending.

 

It seems that I ended up working when the “Karaoke Craze”, first came around. Before I knew it, I had become the “Singing Bartender”. I would literally pour drinks and sing a song with microphone in hand. It is in this setting that I met a fine gentleman by the name of Kawika Gapero. He said, “You sing pretty good, but can you play any instrument?” I of course replied “Oh yeah! I’m pretty good.” The reality is that after 10 years of not playing. It’s like any thing else, you need work. What got me is that he said “If I teach you a show, would you like to go to Japan?” That was the resurrection of my musical career.

 

That was 10 years ago. Since then I have been so fortunate to have played around town. Waikiki Yacht Club, Mai Tai Lounge, Star of Honolulu, Sheraton Moana, Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai Bar, Tiki’s Bar & Grill, Princess Kaiolani, Tihati’s Corp, Star Entertainment, Turtle Bay, Leilei’s Bar & Grill, Tiare’s Bar & Grill, The Row Bar @ Resturant Row, Don Ho’s Resturant @ Aloha Tower, Navatek, Tropix@ Hilton Hawaiian Village, Pokai Military Resort, Sheraton Makaha, Cheeleader’s Bar in Salt Lake, Schrader’s Country Inn, Laie Day Bash, Waimea Falls Park, Tea House in Lanikila, I’m sure there’s more but I can’t remember them all.

 

I wish I could say that I am proficient in just one style of music… the truth is that would be really boring. I love all kinds of music. I just try to do what I think I can pull off. Right now I have the pleasure of playing with a 5 piece band “Island Storm”. A Hawaiian Trio Compiled by another fine musician Mr. Sonny Kalua. My dear friend Hoku Keolanui we’ve been playing together for a good 8 years. And playing duo’s at the “Shorebird Resturant”, that alternate with Mr. Sam Doval, Mr. Shawn Ishimoto, & Bradah Lance.

 

Here I am rambling about my love for music. I almost forgot to mention that I have a really wonderful son. He too shares my love for all kinds of music. My relationship with him, is one that I truly cherish. And I owe a great deal of appreciation to his mother for keeping the gates of communication between us. Of course I am proud of him… his playing the French Horn in Kailua High School. And even though I get on him about practicing, he knows I’m proud of him too.

 

So many people go to work with the idea of just trying to make it through the day. I… look forward to going to work!!! It’s like a musical journey that I get to share with people every day. And when I’m doing it right you can see it in their eyes.