Did you submit your name for the new baby dolphin at Sea Life Park for a chance to win a trip to Hawaii? If not you have until August 31 to do so but frankly I don't think you stand a chance against my submission: "Slippah".

Only nine more days left to save up to 30 bucks per ticket for the 2011 SoCal Slack Key Festival!

This year's lineup features Keola Beamer, Cyril Pahinui, George Kahumoku, Gary Haleamau and Makana with Special Guests Raiatea Helm and Bob Brozman. How awesome is this!

As I sit here listening to Bill Tapia on my iTunes, I want to remind you all about a special fundraising effort happening right now to create a live album of this ukulele legend and jazz guitarist's 100th Birthday Concert.

The monetary goal has been reached but for one more week you can still kick in a few bucks and receive some great premiums!

Hawaiian Jazz Nights was the first concert event I produced here on the "mainland" back in April 2007 and opened with Makena, introduced Jeff Peterson to y'all and, of course, featured the one and only Bill Tapia.

Hapa
Sunday, July 25, 8:30 p.m.
Often encapsulated as the "Sound of Maui", HAPA's music evokes a place that many people at different times have referred to as heavenly. The overriding quality of their music is one of beauty and serenity, found in the majestic tones of the oli (chant), mele (song), the elegant movements of the sacred dance known as hula, and the exhilarating innovative sounds of virtuoso slack key guitar. Join the band at a public meet & greet after the show.

Jim "Kimo" West
Friday, August 13, 8 p.m
Can you imagine the mellow, laid back slack key-playing Jim "Kimo" West jumping up and down on stage like a madman playing Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit? Neither could I - until I saw it for myself a few years ago! Kimo will be wearing his other "hat" - as the guitarist for "Weird" Al Yankovic. Don't miss it!