News Archive 2020

MACC Concert December 2020

I played a concert last weekend on Maui with my friend, Henry Kapono. How did we do this during the existing covid restrictions? Our friends at the Maui Arts And Cultural Center set up a “Drive In Concert” in their amphitheater, then let in 200 cars filled with people. There was no audience applause, instead people just honked their horns. For me, that took a little getting used to!

All in all, it was so much fun to see the crew hard at work and to once again play for a Maui audience. Sweet!

Mahalo Nui, Art Vento (MACC) and my dear friend, Henry Kapono.

PBS Hawaiʻi Neighbor Challenge November 2020

Aloha friends and slack key ‘ohana. Recently PBS Hawai’i contacted several Hawai’i based artists regarding the concept for a “PBS Hawai’i Neighbor Challenge”. We were given the rights to use the song from the PBS show “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” and then asked to make a video in our individual neighborhoods using the Mr. Rogers song. This would be a way to support our own excellent PBS Hawai’i station. Here is what I came up with at Honokahua Beach on Maui.

Read the story and watch the video about PBS Hawaiʻi Neighbor Challenge

‘Ohana Beamer (my family) and I hope you might consider making a donation to PBS Hawai’i at this critical time.

me ke aloha,
Keola Beamer

P.S. Mahalo nui – Murphy Kapua’ala (Hawaii Canines For Independence, Class of 2011) and my friend, Tom Vendetti.

Livestream April 17, 2020

Legendary Artists Keola Beamer and Jigme Drukpa Spread Aloha from the Himalayas to Hawai`i in a Free Online Concert and Q&A

Washington, DC, April 8, 2020: On Friday, April 17, enter the worlds of award-winning artists Keola Beamer and Jigme Drukpa as they bring together the sounds of the Himalayas and Hawai`i in a free livestream concert and interactive Q&A session.

The show will take the audience across the world from the islands of Hawai`i with legendary artist Keola Beamer, a slack key guitarist and performer whose work was featured on the Grammy-nominated soundtrack for the film The Descendants, who will feature stories and songs on the guitar. Keola’s work is far-reaching and has been seen on programs such as Sesame Street and NBC’s Today Show.

From there, the audience will be transported to Bhutan in the Himalayas with Jigme Drukpa, a renowned folk performer and ethnomusicologist from Eastern Bhutan. He’ll perform traditional chants and pieces—some of which were featured in films and documentaries such as Travelers and Magicians and the award-winning Yak in the Classroom.

After the performances, both artists will come together to conduct a joint Q&A with the audience. Join us on April 17, at 8 PM EST to hear great music and get the chance to ask your questions live with Keola Beamer and Jigme Drukpa.

This free concert is organized by the Bhutan Foundation to bring together with the power of music communities and cultures across the world being affected by COVID-19.

The Bhutan Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC and Thimphu, Bhutan, which works to serve the people of Bhutan in living and sharing the principle of Gross National Happiness. You can learn more about the Foundation at our website: www.bhutanfound.org.

Aloha Music Camp March 2020

We had a lot of fun at Aloha Music Camp… and some special guests!

What a wonderful Aloha Music Camp on Kaua’i. We were surrounded by excellent Kumu.

My friend Paul Simon came by and did an awesome workshop relating contemporary acoustic guitar to Hawaiian Slack key and sharing his special song writing tips.

Paul Simon with Keola, Jeff Peterson and Claudia Goddard

Actor Beau Bridges came by to share Aloha and support our Aloha Kuamo’o Aina Project.

A Wonderful Night and On to Aloha Music Camp!

We really enjoyed working with the Maui Pops Orchestra. The musicians were terrific and under the the able baton of conductor – Jim Durham, it was an awesome night! Now we look forward to Aloha Music Camp as we ready to leave for the Island Of Kaua’i.

The Maui Pops Winter Series 2020

On Sunday February 23, I played with the 50 plus members of The Maui Pops Orchestra for their “Winter Pops” series conducted by James Durham. The Maui Pops Orchestra is terrific! It was a matinee performance at The Maui Arts and Cultural Center – Castle Theater, one of my most favorite venues in the world, right here on the island of Maui. Because it was a matinee show, I didn’t have to stay up too late and …Yay! I actually get to sleep in my own bed! Wow! I am a lucky man and life is good!

Also, please see below for our fund raiser for the Mokihana Club on Kaua’i.

With Moanalani Beamer – Sun, Feb 23, 2020, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului HI Guest Artist with Maui Pops Orchestra. 3:00 PM
With Jeff Peterson, Uluwehi Guerrero & Moanalani Beamer – Sat, August 22, 2020, Kauai Beach Resort, Lihue, HI. A benefit fundraiser for the Mokihana Club. 7:00 PM

Winter Tour 2020 With Henry Kapono

keola beamer and henry kapono promo picture

Keola, Jeff Peterson, and Moanalani went on tour from Jan 12 to 16th in California and Washngton, followed by Keola, Henry Kapono, and Moanalani from Jan 23 to Feb 2 in California, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada. Find out the venue details here.