Na Hoaloha Hawaiian Trio

Time: Saturday, 6/21. 12:00PM
Location: The Hawaiian Airlines Stage at Hudson River Park’s Pier 26

Hālāwai and New York Outrigger are pleased to present Nā Hoaloha Hawaiian Trio on the Hawaiian Airlines Stage at the Liberty Festival in Hudson River Park’s Pier 26 as part of the 2014 Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge on Saturday, June 21.

Nā Hoaloha Hawaiian Trio blends the sounds of sweet vocals, slack key guitar, ‘ukulele and Hawaiian steel guitar for a sound that is authentic, rooted in tradition, and transports listeners to the islands. The group has the distinct honor of performing with renowned kumu hula (Master Hula Teacher) Vicky Holt Takamine and the dancers of Pua Ali‘i ‘Ilima at premier venues including the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, La Mama Theatre, and Jacob’s Pillow.

Andy Kūlana Wang
Vocals, Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar

Andy has performed at premier venues across the East Coast and Hawai‘i. He studies with Hawaiian slack key guitar masters Keola Beamer, Raymond Kāne, and Ozzie Kotani. Andy has appeared as a special guest with “Hawaii’s super group” HAPA and twice opened for the legendary Mākaha Sons. His music has been featured by Hawaiian Airlines and national television networks. His Hawaiian name, Kūlana, was given to him by songwriter, hula teacher and Hawaiian cultural authority, Auntie Nona Beamer. He is founder of Hawaiian music website www.taropatch.net and a board member of New York based non‐profit www.Halawai.org.

Claudia Kanileʻa Goddard
Vocals, ʻUkulele, Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar

Claudia’s singing is the result of a blend of classical training, modern musical influences and a passion for Hawaiian music and culture. A coloratura soprano, she is known for her haʻi, the art of Hawaiian female falsetto, Claudia is also a multi‐instrumentalist who plays ʻukulele and the unique style of Hawaiian slack key guitar. When in Hawaiʻi, she studies with slack key masters Keola Beamer and Ozzie Kotani, and when in New York, with internationally acclaimed musician Terre Roche (The Roches). In New York, she has performed with renowned kumu hula (master hula teachers) from Hawaiʻi as well as with the premier hula groups based in the greater New York area. To deepen her understanding of Hawaiian culture, she dances hula and also is in an immersion study of the Hawaiian language.

Chris Davis
Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar

A respected musician, performer and teacher, Chris truly loves and deeply appreciates the beauty of Hawaiian culture. He has been playing the steel guitar for over 30 years and has performed at many events on the East Coast, including Joe’s Pub in New York City and with Grammy award winning, country super star Vince Gill. His playing can be heard on CD’s by Dan Bonis, Terrence Martin and Billy Rush (Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes). In 2005, Chris co‐authored an instruction book, “The Art of Hawaiian Steel Guitar, Vol.2” with Grammy winner Stacy Phillips which was published by Melbay Productions. Chris is also an expert in vintage Hawaiian instruments including steel guitar and ʻukulele.