Kahulanui
Hawaiian swing at its finest! There is a new wave coming from Hawaii, a blend of traditional music and the Big Band Swing brought to the Aloha State by U.S. servicemen during World War II. Its leading exponent is Kahulanui, a nine piece band—four horns plus guitar, bass, ukulele, drums and steel—whose energy and dynamic arrangements have caused a sensation throughout the Islands. Band leader Lolena Naipo Jr. remembers stories of his grandfather, who was a member of the Royal Hawaiian Band during an era when horns and drums were a part of Hawaiian music. Kahulanui’s debut CD, Hula Ku’I, “one of the most innovative releases to come out of the islands”, was nominated for a 2014 Grammy Award in the Regional Roots category and soon Hawaii’s Kings of Swing will be bringing their unique style to audiences across America with a stop in Twin Falls!