MEDIA RELEASE

Three award-winning artists from Hawaii, including a Big Island guitar trio, have united to tour the East Coast next month and through the summer under the touring name “Hawaiian Aloha.” 

Raiatea Helm, the Kohala trio, and Keale will perform Jan. 12 in New York City at the Association of Performing Arts Presenters Conference, the Manhattan world and jazz music venue DROM and again Jan. 21 at the famous B.B. Kings in Times Square.  They have been invited to perform Jan. 20 in Washington D.C. at the Hawaii State Society Presidential Inaugural Ball.  

The artists have written a new song for the inaugural ball and for President-Elect Barack Obama, entitled “Hawaii’s Gift”, which they will perform at the event.

Based in Waimea, the acoustic guitar trio named Kohala blends island/folk/jazz music. The trio features Hawaii’s first Grammy Award recipient, Charles Michael Brotman on classical style guitar, with Charlie Recaido and Rupert Tripp Jr. on acoustic finger style guitars. www.myspace.com/kohalatrio

A native of Molokai, Raiatea Helm is a two time Grammy nominee and multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning female vocalist who combines traditional with contemporary Hawaiian music. www.raiateahelm.com

Keale offers an acoustic vocal style and powerful stage presence reminiscent of his cousin Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (“IZ”). www.kahiapotalent.com