Ukulele musician Taimane, who was in Catalina last year for the concert series, will perform at this year’s Flying Fish Festival on Saturday, May 31.
She picked up her first ukulele at 5 and won her first ukulele competition at the age of 6.
At the age of 14, Taimane became a featured performer with the late Don Ho at his legendary show at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel.
Ukulele musician Taimane, who was in Catalina last year for the concert series, will perform at this year’s Flying Fish Festival on Saturday, May 31.
She picked up her first ukulele at 5 and won her first ukulele competition at the age of 6.
At the age of 14, Taimane became a featured performer with the late Don Ho at his legendary show at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel.
She since has traveled far beyond the Hawaiian shores. Taimane has performed in Las Vegas, California, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Samoa.
She has played privately for John Travolta, Steven Seagal, George Clooney, Toyota, Pepsi, IBM and she has opened for Chicago, Jimmy Buffett and Chris Isaak.
Taimane’s playing style is unique; she can delicately pick through Bach or rip through Led Zeppelin.
She has the ability to transform musical genres – from classical to rock to flamenco – and stretch the ukulele far beyond the familiar melodies of Hawaii. Like no other ukulele player, she performs her own version of well-known pieces, as well as distinctive original compositions.
With the fierceness of a rocker, the grace of a dancer, and the pageantry of a performance artist, Taimane is a musical sensation.
Opening for Taimane, will be Craig Chee and Sarah Masial. Craig Chee grew up in Hawaii playing the cello and piano, but before leaving the state to go to college, he wanted something that gave a little more distinction of coming from the islands and took up the ukulele.
Craig collaborated with friends familiar to the ukulele world and other great musicians for his newest album.
From workshops to individual lessons, Craig has been teaching throughout the past four years. Playing at local venues and ukulele festivals around the world, Craig hopes to share his passion for the ukulele and expand on how people view the instrument.
Sarah Maisel, hailed as the “Queen of Jazz Ukulele” by international music critics, has taken the world by storm and strum. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Maisel studied classical violin for 10 years.
After moving to San Diego, she discovered the ukulele in 2006 and her new musical adventure began. Her first album was recorded in 2010, and she has three albums to her credit.
For Maisel, the joy of the ukulele isn’t in just performing—she is an avid teacher and loves to share her knowledge of the instrument with everyone she meets.
As part of the Flying Fish Festival, before Taimane’s concert, Craig Chee and Maisal will be conducting a Ukulele Workshop from 4-5 p.m., Saturday, May 31, at Middle Beach.
Come out and bring your own ukulele or borrow a ukulele (limited availability) and take a free course on ukulele strumming.
A limited number of Ohana’s “Soprano” Ukuleles will be available to borrow for the workshop and will also be available for sale at a special festival price.
Local retailer Latitude 33 also has ukuleles for sale at a variety of prices, starting at $18.
Flying Fish Festival activities are plentiful throughout the weekend as the events and entertainment roll out to celebrate the fantastic flying fish.
For information about Catalina Island’s Flying Fish Festival and other Island events, contact the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau at 310- 510-1520 or visit www.FlyingFishFestival.com.
