Danny Kaleikini, Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha, has supported the Ukulele Festival since 1972. A legend in Hawaiian entertainment drawing audiences from around the world for well over 40 years, Danny is the spiritual and physical embodiment of aloha. Through his music, cultural promotion, historical awareness and charity, he touches the hearts of millions.

Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta, internationally renowned musician, began playing the ukulele when he was only 7 years old. Influenced greatly by Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso Eddie Kamae, this exceptional musician is credited for elevating the ukulele to a solo instrument of virtuoso status. Ohta-san's diversity and style reflect his lyrical sense and is respected as the height of ukulele artistry. Ohta san is the world’s most prolific ukulele recording artist.

Jake Shimabukuro’s first formal ukulele lessons started when his mom brought him to Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios. Since then, Jake has become one of the world’s most exciting and innovative players with his lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques. A true showman, he dazzles audiences with intricate strumming and picking, electrifying high-energy grooves and deeply felt melodic ballads.

For over 23 years, Ho‘okena has remained a staple in Hawaiian contemporary music bridging the 20th and 21st centuries .  In 2010 their tenth album, "Nani Mau Loa-Everlasing Beauty" won the Na Hoku Hanohano Hawaiian Language Performance and coveted Group of the Year honors. Nani Mau Loa – Everlasting Beauty is inspired by a new song about commitment and lasting love expressing Ho‘okena’s commitment to the everlasting beauty of Hawaii nei. Ho‘okena is a rare example of long-term commitment to Hawaiian music.

Nick Acosta, 14 years old, was born with one hand and arm. Nick started ukulele lessons with instructor Royanne Labuguen and at the age of 9 she brought him under the wings of Roy Sakuma.   Nick has become an ukulele extraordinaire inspiring many. Roy Sakuma says, “You think Nick has limits, but he just works around it.” His mom Kim never taught him the words “you can’t” always encouraging Nick ‘you can do whatever you put your mind to.'

Aidan Laprete Powell - In 2010, eight year old Aidan performed Train's "Hey Soul Sister" at a baby luau and was videotaped by photographer Michael Torres who put the video up on youtube.com. The video  received hundreds of thousands of hits immediately and was acknowledged as one of the Top Videos on youtube.  Aidan has performed with his 2 idols Jack Johnson and Jake Shimabukuro and also with Willie K at the "Hawaii Five-0" premiere. His favorite artists are Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars. And he calls Tuesdays his “happy Tuesday” because of his ukulele lessons with Roy Sakuma.

Roy Sakuma Ukulele 800-pc. Ukulele Band - The finest ukulele players in the world are showcased at the Ukulele Festival but they know that the real stars are the children of the 900-pc Band. Wherever you turn you see kids clutching ukuleles, as the sun smiles above the monkeypod trees that shade Kapiolani Park.

Luca Tomassini, artist name Jontom proves that ukulele virtuosos also come out from Rome, Italy. A skilled musician, composer and producer raised on the piano, 4 years ago decided to commit all of his passion for the love of the uke. He had the chance to perform with Max Pezzali, italian singer/songwriter, on several major stages. 2010 brings new recognition: he started to perform worldwide and finally got the chance to visit Hawai'i during his USA tour.

The Ukastle Ukestra commenced in late 2009 when community musician Mark Jackson advertised for interested people in Newcastle, Australia, to come together to learn and play ukulele. Since then over 200 people have come to experience the joys of playing music together. Many of the group are retired and keen to travel and play music, so they were delighted (and shocked!), upon an initial inquiry about the Festival, to be asked by Roy Sakuma to be a part of it. We feel privileged and look forward to being a part of this wonderful celebration and hope to expose Hawaiian audiences to Aussie and Kiwi songs.

Yuji Igarashi & “Kolohe” Imamura – Japan - ukulele artists and teachers

Taiwan Ukulele –“It’s our dream to be able to play ukulele in Hawaii”! Many ukulele lovers say that. And the dream will come true soon. It is really nice and kind of Roy and the Ukulele Festival Hawaii organization to give us the opportunity to join this special event. We will sing our Taiwanese song and share our music to the world.

Ukulele Picnic

Singto Namchok's music career began after winning the first Ribbee’s Thailand Ukulele Contest. After releasing his first single using the ukulele as an instrument, his music reached top rankings on Thailand radio charts. Singto is known as the first popular musician/singer to present ukuleles on stage and in all of his music videos. His easy listening songs and sweet ukulele sound plays an important role in making ukuleles popular in Thailand.

SACS Ukulele Club - Tamuning, Guam. Hafa Adai! In 2007, wanting to leave a legacy behind, Ryan Imamura, (Guam’s Ukulele Prodigy), formed the SACS (St. Anthony Catholic School) Ukulele Club. One of the club’s most inspiring performances was being able to take part in the concert’s Opening Act of ukulele virtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro in 2008. The club’s dream is to experience participating in the 41st Annual Ukulele Festival not only as performers, but ambassadors for the island of Guam. With the Hafa Adai spirit, the club continues to promote its motto: “Strumming unites us in harmony.”

Ka'ala Carmack & San Francisco J-Town Hui Thirty years ago C.D. Ka'ala Carmack came to the San Francisco Bay Area from Honolulu and expanded his private voice studio to include ukulele instruction based in Hawaiian language and culture. Over the years Ka'ala founded "J-Town Hui", a group of Hawaiian music enthusiasts, located in Japan Town, San Francisco, who are looking forward to, and proud to participate in this year's Ukulele Festival in Hawai'i.

Sunset Strummers – San Diego, CA. Back by popular demand, the Sunset Strummers have about 70 members mostly seniors, but they welcome children, too. Directed by Hawaii born Eleanor Nedjar.

Victoria Vox – Baltimore, MD. Eclectic, upbeat and clever, Victoria Vox, has been warming the hearts of her audience across the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe.  Vox earned a degree in songwriting from the Berklee College of Music and has become known among the ukulele community for her refreshingly modern and rhythmic ukulele technique. Vox is a First Place award winner for her french tune, “C’est Noyé” in the International Acoustic Music Awards.