Hana Hou Hula

Nā Hōkū Hanohano nominees, Maui Jam, with founding members Al Nip and Jon Toda have been playing Hawaiian music on Maui since 1983. They have shared their music to malihini and kama`āina at many Maui venues, including, the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, Westin Maui, Hyatt Regency, Sheraton Maui, Kealani, and other Maui properties.

Al Nip, retired after 31 years as an educator at Lahainaluna High School, where he coordinated the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism and taught business courses. He has played music professionally on Maui since 1975 and enjoys sharing the culture and history of the islands through this medium. He loves kiho`alu and his style can be described in two words, “simple and sweet.” Al currently teaches part-time at the Kaunoa Senior Center in Lāhaina and plays music at the Old Lāhaina Luau.

Jon Toda has been playing Hawaiian music on Maui for over twenty-five years. He is a skilled bass player who also plays guitar and ‘ukulele. He is also employed at Seabury Hall, a prestigious private school, where he is the Technology Director and teaches `ukulele. He previously worked for Maui Community College as the coordinator of the CompTech program, a division of VITEC.

Fulton Tashombe, the only full-time musician in the group, is a world-class keyboard player, arranger, and producer. He has played with the Jackson 5, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Natalie Cole, Patti LaBelle, and Herbie Hancock in Japan.

Fea-B-Lei Alcomindras plays `ukulele and is an accomplished Hawaiian musician and vocalist, and directs her church choir.

Geronimo Valdriz learned to play the steel guitar from Jerry Byrd and is a master in his own right.

Other musicians on the “Kalakoa” cd include Mika`ele Villaren, who along with Jon and Al made up the original Maui JAM. Lance Tokushima, who composed an inspirational song for this cd, “E Pili Pa`a. Allan Morimoto, plays a kiho`alu version of “Koko Ni Sachi Ari” in honor of his dad, Munaki. June Kaaihue, who sings Hawaiian music in the old style, with her Honokohau Valley voice. Paul Suzuki Bunuan who contributes his talent on the Saxophone and Hawaiian flute. vocalist Josh Tatofi, who will soon be well known in the entertainment community, vocalist Deidre Tegarden, and Renato Guasconi, a most talented drummer.