The Nā Hōkū O Hawai`i Music Festival is proud to present a list of
keynote speakers.
- HARRY GARFIELD
- GUY HIGASHI
- WILLIAM MEYER
- KENNETH MAKUAKANE
- ROXANNE DARLING
- MICHAEL PAULO
- JERRY BROCKLEHURST
- MELVIN DAVIS
- KAWIKA KAHIAPO
- JOHN KEAWE
- JOHN AETO
- MARK BERNSTEIN
- ROBERT MARCELLO
- JOHN HERNANDEZ
- SCOTT TIBBS
- EDWARD L. BAILEY
- LEE RITENOUR
- REV. DENNIS KAMAKAHI
- KEALII REICHEL
- HENRY KAPONO
- MOON KAUAKAHI OF MAKAHA SONS
- DAVID PACK
- JOHN CRUZ
- KAWAIKAPUOKALANI HEWETT
- JEFF DAYTON
- KOA SIU
- CAS HALEY
- HENRY K. ALLEN
- KEALOHA
- NATHAN AWEAU
- JAKE SHIMABUKURO
- CYRIL PAHINUI
- HOKU ZUTTERMEISTER
- NA PALAPALAI
- NATALIE AI KAMUU
HARRY GARFIELD EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF MUSIC FOR UNIVERSAL PICTURES - Harry Garfield holds the position of Executive Vice President of Music for Universal Pictures. He is involved in all music-related activities for Universal Pictures releases.
A Los Angeles native, Garfield began his career as a musician and songwriter, performing with various bands and playing back-up for such acts as Ike & Tina Turner, The Music Machine, The 1910 Fruit Gum Company and Gary Lewis & the Playboys. His original songs have been recorded by artists as diverse as Michael McDonald, Steppenwolf and Andy Williams. His duet with blues man Arthur Adams of his composition "People Love to Go To The Movies" plays all day at Universal Studios Hollywood and he is currently developing children's music videos with artist Mark Lewis under the name of The Bumblemen.
Garfield joined Universal Television in 1981 as a Music Coordinator, arranging songs for various television programs and licensing master recordings for Miami Vice, the first network series to make extensive use of contemporary hit recordings. In 1985, Garfield came to Universal Pictures as Director of Music, and was promoted to Vice President of Music/Creative Affairs in 1991 and Senior Vice President in 1994. In 2008 he was promoted to Executive Vice President of Universal's Music Department. He has supervised the creation of soundtracks for hundreds of Film and Television projects.
Guy Higashi is President of Pacific Rim Christian College in Honolulu Hawaii. His ministry experience includes Director of Continuing Education at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, Administrative Director for Integrity and Maranatha songwriter Tommy Walker, Senior Pastor of New Hope Pearl Community and on the management team with Wayne Cordeiro of New Hope Christian Fellowship. Guy’s corporate experience includes IBM and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Guy has a Masters degree in Worship, Theology and Arts and is currently working on his doctoral studies in Ethnomusicalogy, researching the history of the Ukulele in relationship with the indigenous Hawaiian Ukeke. He has organized worship conferences and mission projects around the world. His passion is to equip pastors and leaders with resources for Kingdom purposes, especially in the areas of worship and the arts. He is married to Lori and has four children, Jamie, Shayna, Sherri, Joshua and grandson Maicah and granddaughter Pohai.
William G. Meyer, III began practicing law in Hawai‘i in 1979. His practice focuses exclusively on intellectual property law and includes transactional matters (music licensing and copyright, trademark licensing and registration) and dispute resolution (copyright, trademark and patent infringement; unfair business practices litigation; mediation and arbitration). He represents a broad spectrum of creative individuals and businesses here and on the mainland.
Mr. Meyer is an adjunct professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law (UH Manoa). He is a lecturer in intellectual property at the Pacific New Media (UH Manoa), and Hawai‘i Music Institute (Windward Community College) and is past Chair of the Intellectual Property & Technology Section of the Hawai‘i State Bar Association.
A frequent speaker on intellectual property, music, e–commerce and Internet law topics he has authored numerous articles, books and other materials. Mr. Meyer was selected for inclusion in the 2008 and 2009 “Hawai‘i Super Lawyers on intellectual property. He is active in community arts and culture organizations and devotes time to a pro bono practice assisting artists with their legal problems. Mr. Meyer serves on the Board of Governors of the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts.
Makuakāne is recognized as a successful innovator in producing and recording Hawaiian music. He has over one hundred albums to his producing credits, working with artists such as Na Leo, Amy Hanaialii, Raiatea Helm, O?brien Eselu and Jeff Rasmussen. He has received a total of twelve (12) Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.
Roxanne has been ranked #24 of the 50 Most Influential Women in Social Media and is a Hawaii-based social media expert and founder of the Social Media Club Hawaii. She produced the wildly successful Podcamp + Wordcamp Hawaii in 2008 and is the host of the award-winning internet TV show, Beach Walks with Rox, (www.beachwalks.tv) which features Hawaii musicians as often as possible. She is a partner at Bare Feet Studios (www.barefeetstudios.com), a web company that has been providing leading edge web services since 1997.
One of the most versatile and cosmopolitan saxophonists in pop, soul and contemporary jazz for nearly 20 years, Michael Paulo has added his distinct saxpertise to a virtual who's who of artists, including Al Jarreau (Paulo's longest term touring association), James Ingram, No. 1 Smooth Jazz Trumpeter and guitarist Rick Braun and Peter White, Oleta Adams, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Jeff Lorber, David Benoit, Carl Anderson, Bobby Caldwell, Johnny Mathis and more. Come to this session and learn from the Hoku Award winning sax player, Michael Paulo.
Jerry Brocklehurst is a Nä Hökü-nominated producer, with many years of recording and engineering experience. He maintains a vast network of music industry contacts throughout Hawai'i, in Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York. He is President of New Boomer Music (record label / recording studio), President of the Kauai Music Festival, the annual 4-day event focused on songwriting, and is General Manager of KKCR Kauai Community Radio. Jerry is a member of HARA, the Recording Academy, and Board member of Garden Island Arts Council, which promotes concerts including the annual E Kanikapila Kakou series. He is a BMI affiliated songwriter and publisher.
Los Angeles native Melvin Lee Davis was discovered at the tender age of 16 by Buddy Miles, when a horn player from Buddy Miles' band heard Melvin playing in a local club. Buddy Miles flew Davis to New York to audition for his band and immediately hired him. After playing the New York club circuit, Melvin found himself working with Don Cornelius of Soul Train. He has toured and recorded with Chaka Khan, the Pointer Sisters, Lee Ritenour, Bryan Ferry, David Benoit, Larry Carlton, Patti Austin, Gladys Knight, and many other top acts. Davis wrote the theme for the TV show "The Party Machine" and "Soul Train's A Coming" and has appeared on "Johnny Carson", "David Letterman", "Jay Leno", and "Arsenio Hall." Melvin has travelled the world and continues to be in high demand across many genres of music because of his incredible talent and positive demeanor on and off stage.
Kawika's interest in music began at an early age, the legendary Gabby Pahinui was the inspiration for his passion for kï-hö'alu (slack-key guitar). Today, he continues to perpetuate the art in his records and annually at the Slack Key Festivals. In 2007 he was awarded the Kï Hö'alu Award at the Nä Hökü Hanohano Awards. Kawika contributed his musical talent on some 30 recording projects and has collaborated or performed with major Hawai'i artists Na Leo, Kelly Boy Delima, Del Beazley, the Native Hawaiian Band, and others. He released two solo albums (Alana and One Heart One Voice), and in 2007 his song 'Life in These Islands' won Song of the Year. He is a sought after studio musician whose kï hö'alu graces many theme songs and jingles on radio and TV. Kawika sits on the Boards of Kokua Hawai'i Foundation Board and Friends of He'eia State Park
John Keawe, the award winning slack-key (Kiho`alu) guitarist, composer and recording artist. John's music is infused with the spirit of Aloha and is reflective of many elements personal to him.
John Aeto is the President of Hiki No Records, a local record company in operation for over 14 years. He has been in radio for over 23 years, and produced and executive produced several television shows and numerous musical festivals and events. He is the owner of several other companies, partnership and joint ventures. He is the Treasurer of the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts, is a board member on numerous community non-profit organizations including Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl and Hale Kipa
Mark Bernstein has practiced law in Honolulu for over 30 years. Throughout that time he has been professionally involved in Hawaii’s recording industry and the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts, where he served as an original director and incorporator. Over the course of his career he has represented many of Hawaii’s most renowned artists, record companies and radio stations. His experience in the industry extends to international music licensing both for film and commercial use; the prosecution and defense of copyright and trademark infringement claims; and the negotiation of artist recording agreements both on behalf of artists and record companies. During his career he has been witness to the dramatic changes in the industry both in recording, live entertainment and radio. In the past three decades Mark has heard told almost all of the myths of the Hawaiian recording business.
Robert Marcello is a masterful guitar artist from Sweden. His skill and stylistic range have made him a sought-after tour and studio player for such artists as John Corabi (Motley Crue), Bobby Blotzer (RATT), Mike Vescera (Yngwie Malmsteen), Tony Montana (Great White), Fergie Fredricksen (Toto), George Lynch (Dokken), Twisted Sister, Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), Stet Howland (WASP), and many others.
Robert has toured internationally with the band Danger Danger since 2002, including a performance at the famous Sweden Rock Festival in 2004 before an audience of 25,000.
Robert is also a highly regarded teacher and clinician, and currently travels the country — training guitarists and amazing audiences as a Roland/BOSS artist.
John has been a professional musician since 1976 and was in the fore front of electronic music since 1977 both as a programmer and performer. Some of the artists he has worked with: Journey, Yes, Peter Gabriel and Abraxes. He was and is a pioneer in the application of electronic percussion. John has performed on two of Neal Schons solo albums. He also performed on a Grammy nominated album by Suzzane Ciani. Did a soundtrack demo with Angel Romero. Engineered, produced and performed on many other non high profile projects. Co-wrote, performed, engineered and produced music for two PBS documentaries titled “San Diego Above It All”. Has been involved in numerous hi tech drum clinics with many major artists since 1989. He has also done many keyboard MIDI, and recording clinics since 1993.
John has been a professional musician since 1976 and was in the fore front of electronic music since 1977 both as a programmer and performer. Some of the artists he has worked with: Journey, Yes, Peter Gabriel and Abraxes. He was and is a pioneer in the application of electronic percussion. John has performed on two of Neal Schons solo albums. He also performed on a Grammy nominated album by Suzzane Ciani. Did a soundtrack demo with Angel Romero. Engineered, produced and performed on many other non high profile projects. Co-wrote, performed, engineered and produced music for two PBS documentaries titled “San Diego Above It All”. Has been involved in numerous hi tech drum clinics with many major artists since 1989. He has also done many keyboard MIDI, and recording clinics since 1993.
Scott began his musical career at the age of 11 working for Bill Cosby in Las Vegas. By the time he graduated high school, Scott was a seasoned veteran in both writing and performing, working with numerous entertainers such as Lola Falana, Cher, Diana Ross, Wayne Newton, Fifth Dimension, Dionne Warwick and many others. It was also in Las Vegas where he began conducting his own orchestra and big band arrangements in the showroom.
After high school, Scott dedicated his time to education, receiving a B.A. in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music, an M.A. and Ph.D in Composition from UCLA. During these years, he also continued his commercial writing pursuits outside academia. Scott became a very in-demand writer and orchestrator for several films and television shows from the early 90’s.
Scott’s music and orchestrations have been played (and conducted by him) by the London Symphony Orchestra, Hollywood Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Polish National Radio Orchestra, not to mention every session orchestra in Hollywood. From BET, the Grammy’s television’s “One Tree Hill”, to commercials and film trailers, his music is everywhere in today’s media.
Scott has amassed a large body of music with numerous recording artists such as Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Howard Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Nelly, Lil’ Wayne, Robin Thicke, Bette Midler, Destiny’s Child, Jasmine Sullivan, Amerie, Jamie Fox, Teddy Riley and more.
Scott joined Roland Corporation U.S. in 1993. Scott currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and family.
Ed Bailey is currently vice president of brand development for Austin City Limits—the venerable PBS concert series produced by KLRU public television in Austin, TX. Since being named the director of Austin City Limits’ 25th Anniversary in 1998, Mr. Bailey has spearheaded its expansion as a diversified music brand and has overseen such projects as the Austin City Limits exhibit and merchandise store in the new Austin airport; the Best of Austin City Limits Country series created for CMT; the debut of the Austin City Limits Music Festival, with the economic impact to the city estimated at over $25 million; Austin City Limits’ receipt of the National Medal of Arts from President Bush; and the 30th anniversary release of a new line of DVDs scheduled for this year.
Before moving to Austin, Mr. Bailey was part of the launch team that opened the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, OH. He began his career as an advertising executive, and for six years supervised the advertising and market development for Cedar Point Amusement Park & Resorts, Ohio’s most visited tourist destination. His experience building public-private partnerships has lead to consulting assignments with Paul Allen’s Experience Music Project in Seattle, Farm Aid, the Buddy Holly Center, and the River Music Experience. Mr. Bailey serves on the boards of the Austin Music Foundation, Saveur Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival, Alejandro Fund, and the advisory committee of the Austin Film Festival. He has been a feature presenter at IEGs Annual Sponsorship Summit, International Amusement Parks & Attractions Annual Meeting, SXSW Music Festival, and has been a sponsored lecturer with Richard Florida at Creativity Group conferences, Memphis 100, and Creative Cities Summits.
