Ukulele Beatles With KoAloha

Traditionally known as a Portuguese instrument that has been made popular by the 50th state, the friendly four-stringed ukulele has found a niche in Hawaiian, jazz, folk, contemporary, and world music. Its distinctive sound brings an instant island tone to any piece of music and is easily recognizable when used to help tell stories in television and film. Please join us as we celebrate this magical instrument with KoAloha Ukulele artists Ryo Montgomery and Ryan Imamura, who will perform instrumental stylings and vocals inspired by iconic group The Beatles. In between performances, Alan Okami, president of KoAloha Ukulele, will speak about The Beatles and their relationship with the ukulele, as well as the modern influence of the instrument in today’s music and society. Imamura, currently 21 years old and from the island of Guam, has been playing ukulele for nearly 11 years. He has since performed in concert with seasoned artists such as Kapena, Pau Hana, Opihi Pickers, Jake Shimabukuro, Kolohe Kai, Bryan Tolentino, and most recently, Herb Ohta Jr., to name a few. In his five years of performing, Australia native Montgomery has played for George Benson at the NAMM Show, toured with Australia’s Got Talent winner Joe Robinson, and performed with Phil Emmanuel, Johnny Nicole, Adam Hynes, Johno’s Blues Band, the Montgomery Brothers, and Brittni Paiva, and has showcased at many festivals and radio stations around the world.