Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 711 - Cheating Cherimoyas

🌺🎶 HAWAIIAN CONCERT GUIDE — SHOW 711 🎶🌺

🌴 Love In Me — From Contemporary Hawaiian Voices to Vintage Island Nostalgia

10 Songs • 5 Featured Artists • A Musical Journey Through Generations of Hawaiian Music

Aloha, Hawaiian music lovers! 🤙

Welcome to Hawaiian Concert Guide Show 711, where we're celebrating the many sounds, stories, and traditions that make Hawaiian music so special.

This episode takes us on a fascinating musical journey — from contemporary Hawaiian artists sharing deeply personal stories about family, cultural identity, and their connection to the ʻāina, to the nostalgic sounds of mid-century exotica and Hollywood's famous interpretations of island music.

We'll feature new-generation Hawaiian voices Kimié Miner, Baba Tavares, and Kalaʻe Camarillo, before turning back the clock with Martin Denny and the legendary Elvis Presley.

It's a show filled with aloha, beautiful melodies, Hawaiian history, and a few musical surprises along the way!

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🌺 FEATURED ARTIST #1: KIMIÉ MINER

Album: Kuʻu Hawaiʻi (2025)

We begin our journey with award-winning Hawaiian singer-songwriter Kimié Miner and her deeply personal EP, Kuʻu Hawaiʻi, released November 14, 2025.

The album explores themes of motherhood, self-love, Hawaiian identity, cultural heritage, and connection to the land.

Kimié's music blends contemporary arrangements with meaningful Hawaiian storytelling, creating an intimate listening experience that celebrates both personal growth and cultural belonging.

🎵 1. Love In Me (Interlude) — featuring ʻŌmealani
⏱️ 1:06

What a beautiful way to begin our show!

This intimate recording features Kimié alongside her daughter, ʻŌmealani.

The song explores the importance of learning to love ourselves and passing that love and confidence to future generations.

It's a touching reminder that aloha begins within us and extends outward to our families, communities, and the people around us.

Listen for: The personal connection between mother and daughter and the message of intergenerational love.

🎵 2. Sweet Island Air — featuring Hāwane Rios
⏱️ 4:12

Kimié is joined by fellow Hawaiian artist Hāwane Rios for a beautiful collaboration that evokes the atmosphere and spirit of the islands.

The title invites us to appreciate Hawaiʻi not simply as a tropical destination, but as a homeland filled with living traditions, relationships, and deep cultural meaning.

Coming immediately after "Love In Me," this song provides a natural transition from love for oneself and family to love for Hawaiʻi.

Listen for: The collaboration between two contemporary Hawaiian voices and the musical expression of aloha ʻāina — love and care for the land.

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🌋 FEATURED ARTIST #2: BABA TAVARES

Album: Hanohano Hōnaunau (2025)

Next, we're heading to South Kona on Hawaiʻi Island with Hawaiian composer and performer Joshua "Baba" Tavares.

His six-song EP, Hanohano Hōnaunau, takes listeners on a musical journey through the communities and landscapes of Kona Hema (South Kona).

What makes this album especially interesting is its origin.

The compositions were originally created for Glitter in the Paʻakai, a Hawaiian theatrical production presented at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in February 2024 through the Hana Keaka Hawaiʻi program.

The album celebrates family history, ancestral connections, Hawaiian place names, and the communities that have shaped generations of island residents.

Its title, Hanohano Hōnaunau, expresses honor and praise for Hōnaunau.

Baba Tavares has also received Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award recognition for his contributions to Hawaiian music.

🎵 3. Hoʻokena
⏱️ 3:05

Our first stop is Hoʻokena, a historic coastal community in South Kona.

For generations, Hoʻokena has been associated with Hawaiian families, fishing traditions, and the enduring relationship between people and the ocean.

This song is part of Baba's larger musical tribute to the places that hold his family's history.

Rather than treating the landscape as scenery, Baba's compositions remind us that Hawaiian place names carry memories, cultural knowledge, and ancestral significance.

Cultural connection: Hoʻokena represents a living community with a rich cultural history, making this selection a meaningful musical tribute to place and belonging.

🎵 4. Mauna Loa
⏱️ 3:44

From the South Kona coastline, we turn our attention toward magnificent Mauna Loa.

The Hawaiian name Mauna Loa means "Long Mountain."

One of the world's largest active volcanoes, Mauna Loa dominates much of Hawaiʻi Island's geography. Its most recent eruption occurred in 2022.

But in Hawaiian culture, mountains represent much more than geological landmarks. They are part of the ancestral, spiritual, and environmental landscape.

Within the context of Baba's album, this song continues a musical journey honoring the land and the communities of Hawaiʻi Island.

Fun fact: Mauna Loa is a shield volcano, formed through repeated flows of relatively fluid lava that created its enormous, gently sloping profile.

Behind the album: The EP features production and instrumental work by Zachary Alakaʻi Lum, who contributed ʻukulele, guitar, bass, and piano. Mixing and mastering were handled by Michael Grande.

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🌈 FEATURED ARTIST #3: KALAʻE CAMARILLO

Album: Drifting On Island Time (2025)

Now we're shifting into contemporary island sounds with talented Hawaiian singer-songwriter Kalaʻe Camarillo.

Coming from a musical family, Kalaʻe is a third-generation music educator who has built a successful career blending Hawaiian influences with acoustic, folk, and contemporary singer-songwriter traditions.

His musical journey has included performing with his brother Kamaka as the Camarillo brothers and developing a successful solo career.

Previous albums include Working Man (2017), Feel at Home (2019), and Child of These Islands (2022).

His music has earned multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, including major recognition in 2024 for "Sands of Old Lahaina."

His 2025 release, Drifting On Island Time, continues his exploration of island life, personal relationships, memories, and the people and places that matter most.

🎵 5. Paradise In You
⏱️ 3:18

Here's a song title that gives us something wonderful to think about.

When we hear the word "paradise," we often imagine palm trees, beautiful beaches, and tropical sunsets.

But perhaps paradise isn't always a destination.

Sometimes we find it in the people we love, the relationships we cherish, and the meaningful moments we share.

"Paradise In You" brings that romantic perspective into our musical journey.

Musical connection: This selection offers a contemporary perspective on love and happiness, contrasting with the more place-centered Hawaiian compositions earlier in the show.

🎵 6. Dance In The Colors of Spring
⏱️ 4:18

What an evocative title!

Spring often represents renewal, hope, new beginnings, and the beauty of life's changing seasons.

The imagery of dancing among the colors of spring offers a wonderful sense of movement, warmth, and appreciation for the present moment.

Kalaʻe's modern island songwriting is a fitting bridge between traditional Hawaiian influences and contemporary popular music.

Listen for: The contemporary singer-songwriter approach and the colorful, uplifting imagery suggested by the song's title.

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🌴 FEATURED ARTIST #4: MARTIN DENNY

Album: Exotica Volume II (1958)

Now we're turning back the clock to the fascinating world of 1950s exotica!

Meet Martin Denny (1911–2005), one of the pioneers of a musical style that became closely associated with tropical lounges, tiki culture, and the romanticized image of Hawaiʻi.

Denny developed his distinctive sound while performing in Waikīkī, including at the famous Shell Bar in the Hawaiian Village.

His arrangements combined jazz, vibraphone, Latin percussion, and musical influences from different parts of Asia and the Pacific.

And perhaps his most recognizable musical trademark?

Bird calls and tropical animal sounds! 🦜

Denny's group began incorporating simulated bird and frog calls into performances, creating an imaginative sound that became a defining feature of exotica.

His first Exotica album appeared in 1957, followed by Exotica Volume II in 1958.

While exotica isn't the same as traditional Native Hawaiian music, it became an influential chapter in the history of how Hawaiian-themed music was marketed and enjoyed internationally.

🎵 7. The Queen Chant (E Lili U E)
⏱️ 2:49

This recording connects us to one of the most important figures in Hawaiian history: Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Queen Liliʻuokalani ruled from 1891 until the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893.

She was also an accomplished composer whose musical legacy includes the beloved "Aloha ʻOe."

"The Queen Chant" is associated with the Hawaiian mele "Liliʻu e," a tribute to the queen. The mele is associated with words attributed to Antone Kaʻo and music associated with John Kaulia.

Martin Denny's arrangement places a Hawaiian royal tribute into the distinctive instrumental language of 1950s exotica.

Historical significance: This recording provides an interesting example of Hawaiian musical material being adapted for broader popular audiences.

🎵 8. Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)
⏱️ 2:47

Here's one of the most internationally recognized Hawaiian melodies!

"Ke Kali Nei Au" was composed in 1926 by influential Hawaiian composer Charles E. King.

The Hawaiian title is commonly translated as "Waiting for Thee."

The song eventually became famous around the world as the "Hawaiian Wedding Song," with English lyrics by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning.

Andy Williams helped popularize the English-language version in 1958, and Elvis Presley later performed it in the 1961 film Blue Hawaii.

Martin Denny's interpretation brings this beautiful melody into his signature instrumental exotica style.

Fun fact: The Hawaiian composition predates the internationally famous English-language version by more than three decades.

And speaking of Elvis Presley, that brings us to our final musical destination!

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🌅 FEATURED ARTIST #5: ELVIS PRESLEY

Album: Blue Hawaii (1961)

We're wrapping up Show 711 with the King of Rock and Roll himself!

Elvis Presley's 1961 movie Blue Hawaii became one of the best-known Hawaiian-themed musical films of the twentieth century.

The movie and its soundtrack helped introduce the imagery, melodies, and romantic atmosphere of Hawaiʻi to millions of international fans.

Released October 20, 1961, the soundtrack became an enormous commercial success, spending 20 weeks at number one on the Billboard albums chart.

It featured favorites including "Can't Help Falling in Love," "Rock-A-Hula Baby," and "Hawaiian Wedding Song."

Although Hollywood's portrayal of Hawaiʻi was often idealized and very different from everyday island life, the film became an influential part of Hawaiian-themed popular culture.

🎵 9. Slicin' Sand
⏱️ 1:36

Time for something lively!

"Slicin' Sand" is a playful rock-and-roll selection from the Blue Hawaii soundtrack.

Written by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, it was recorded on March 21, 1961, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood.

The recording featured an impressive collection of studio musicians, including:

🎸 Scotty Moore — guitar
🎸 Hank Garland — guitar
🎸 Tiny Timbrell — guitar
🥁 D. J. Fontana — drums
🎹 Floyd Cramer — piano
🎷 Boots Randolph — saxophone

The session also featured ʻukulele players Fred Tavares and Bernie Lewis, with vocal contributions from The Jordanaires and The Surfers.

The result was a lively blend of Elvis's familiar pop and rock style with Hawaiian-themed instrumentation.

Fun fact: Although the movie was set in Hawaiʻi, this recording was made in a Hollywood studio!

🎵 10. Hawaiian Sunset
⏱️ 2:32

We bring our musical journey to a peaceful conclusion with "Hawaiian Sunset."

Also written by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett and recorded on March 21, 1961, this romantic ballad captures the dreamy tropical atmosphere that made Blue Hawaii so memorable.

After the lively energy of "Slicin' Sand," this final selection provides a gentle musical farewell.

It's a nostalgic reminder of how Hawaiian sunsets, beautiful beaches, and island romance became iconic images in American popular culture.

And it's a fitting ending to an episode celebrating love, the beauty of Hawaiʻi, and the many different ways its music has touched listeners around the world.

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🎶 THE MUSICAL JOURNEY — SHOW 711

Complete playlist, in broadcast order:

#	Song	Artist	Time
1	Love In Me (Interlude)	Kimié Miner feat. ʻŌmealani	1:06
2	Sweet Island Air	Kimié Miner feat. Hāwane Rios	4:12
3	Hoʻokena	Baba Tavares	3:05
4	Mauna Loa	Baba Tavares	3:44
5	Paradise In You	Kalaʻe Camarillo	3:18
6	Dance In The Colors of Spring	Kalaʻe Camarillo	4:18
7	The Queen Chant (E Lili U E)	Martin Denny	2:49
8	Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)	Martin Denny	2:47
9	Slicin' Sand	Elvis Presley	1:36
10	Hawaiian Sunset	Elvis Presley	2:32

🎵 Total music time: 29 minutes, 27 seconds (not including host commentary).

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❤️ FIVE ARTISTS, FIVE MUSICAL PERSPECTIVES

One of the things we love most about Hawaiian music is the tremendous variety of stories it tells.

🌺 Kimié Miner reminds us that aloha begins with self-love, family, and our relationship with the islands.

🌋 Baba Tavares honors Hawaiian communities, ancestral places, and the generations whose stories are preserved through mele.

🌈 Kalaʻe Camarillo brings contemporary island songwriting and heartfelt musical expressions of love, renewal, and everyday life.

🦜 Martin Denny takes us into the imaginative world of exotica, a musical movement that shaped international perceptions of tropical island entertainment.

🌅 Elvis Presley brings us back to a landmark Hollywood soundtrack that helped popularize Hawaiian-themed music around the world.

Together, these recordings remind us that Hawaiian music has a rich history, extending from music deeply grounded in Native Hawaiian culture to the many popular styles influenced by the islands.

And there's always another story behind the music!

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🌺 KEEP HAWAIIAN MUSIC ALIVE!

Mahalo for joining us for Hawaiian Concert Guide — Show 711: Love In Me.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Hawaiian music or just discovering these wonderful artists, we hope this episode inspires you to explore more music, learn about its history, and support the talented musicians keeping Hawaiian music vibrant.

🎤 Looking for Hawaiian concerts and live performances?

Visit our Hawaiian Concert Guide calendar to discover upcoming shows, festivals, concerts, and performances.

🌐 Concert calendar:
https://www.HawaiianConcertGuide.info

🌐 Hawaiian Concert Guide:
https://www.HawaiianConcertGuide.com

💬 WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Which musical era is your favorite?

🌺 Contemporary Hawaiian artists like Kimié Miner and Kalaʻe Camarillo?
🌋 Hawaiian storytelling and place-based mele from artists like Baba Tavares?
🦜 Vintage exotica from Martin Denny?
🌅 Or classic Hawaiian-themed Hollywood favorites from Elvis Presley?

Share your favorites in the comments!

Mahalo nui loa for supporting Hawaiian music and the artists who share it with the world!

🤙 A hui hou — until we meet again!

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