by Abi Braceros | Oct 15, 2024 | Artists, Artists 2024
Vocalist Nara Boone, a professional singer since the age of 14,–performed throughout the islands and in Los Angeles. She was hired as a lead vocalist and original cast member of Maui Theatre’s award-winning show, ‘Ulalena, showcasing the myths, legends and history of Hawai’i’s people. Well known for her vocal prowess she has also performed with Crazy Fingers and Marty Dread. The third oldest of nine kids, she attended Haiku Elementary School where she learned to read music and performed in her first talent show, thus setting the stage for her professional singing career. Boone has sung backup/lead on more than 25 albums to date.
by Abi Braceros | Oct 11, 2024 | Artists, Artists 2024
Stan Kessler is a trumpet/flugelhorn player, band leader, clinician, and educator who has been a fixture in the Kansas City jazz scene for the last 33 years. He was voted best trumpet player and leader of the best jazz band (Sons of Brasil) in Kansas City by the Pitch Weekly Music readers’ poll, received many other awards, and is in the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. His expertise includes jazz, R&B, funk, and all latin genres, especially brasilian and afro-cuban. Kessler also plays drums and hand percussion and does extensive writing and arranging for small groups. He maintains an adjunct position at Missouri Western State College in jazz trumpet, theory and improvisation, and music business classes. Stan has appeared in concert with Clark Terry, Paquito D’Rivera, Ernie Watts, Gary Foster, Karrin Allyson, Kevin Mahogany, Bobby Watson, John Clayton, Kim Park, and many others.
by Abi Braceros | Oct 1, 2024 | Artists, Artists 2024
Loren Tilley
Michael Guzalak
Guitarist Loren Tilley and Michael Guzalak on clarinet and saxophone often perform together in the band “Swing Star” playing Gypsy jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt’s Hot Club of France. This musical style includes swinging jazz, waltz, passionate ballads, Bossa Nova as well as the sound of European gypsies. Multi-instrumentalists, they have played in many different bands and styles of music, from accordion to zydeco.
by Abi Braceros | Aug 9, 2024 | Artists 2024
Now on Maui, New York City-based Marie-Claire Giraud is a soprano, jazz singer, musical theater singer, songwriter, composer, playwright, and actor. Born on the island of Dominica and raised in The Bronx, started her operatic training in Rome, Italy.
by Abi Braceros | Jul 22, 2024 | Artists 2023, Artists 2024
Pianist and vocalist Sal Godinez is a well-known favorite on Maui. He has played with some of Hawaii’s most popular entertainers including Benoit Jazz Works, Amy Hanaialii Gillom, Willie K, and Melveen Leed. Originally from California, Sal has been a professional musician since the age of 15. His first interest was classical music but in college his horizons broadened to jazz, funk, salsa, Brazilian and indigenous genres. Before moving to Maui, he toured across the mainland United States playing with different bands.
