By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Sabrina and Gordon Freitas pick up awards.
The music played
on and on
At the Hawaii Music Awards
By John Berger
Special to the Star-BulletinTHE show ran overtime but Hawaii Music Awards President Johnny Kai Lorance remained upbeat as he presented the 2nd annual Hawaii Music Awards last night at Hawaii Theatre. More than 81 people from Hawaii, Japan and the South Pacific received kudos.
Damon Williams and Justin Young were both named Most Popular New Artist. Williams also won Best Recording by a Pop Vocalist, was one of two winners for Best Recording by an Island Music Vocalist, and was one of seven winners for "Live" Performance Video. Young got Best Reggae Vocalist and Best Rhythm & Blues Vocalist. Michaelle Edwards, Gordon Freitas, Nightwing, Razed in Black, Tone Deaf Teens and Sudden Rush received two awards each.
Co-hosts Loyal Garner and Rodney Villanueva were brilliant as they kept the crowd laughing despite miscues and technical difficulties. For much of the last hour there was no emcee. Awards presenters introduced themselves and acceptance speeches were curtailed after the show went into overtime.
There were some bright moments. Piano prodigy Sean Kennard earned a standing ovation for his performance. Sudden Rush featuring Tenderoni rocked a dwindling crowd with original Hawaiian rap several hours later. Ogata made the hottest comment of the night when he told the audience to note which politicians hadn't already left!
By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Justin performs.
Lorance' biggest contribution has been creating awards for people who are involved in music but not as recording artists. Here are the winners:
Oahu Band Director's Award (2): Michael Nakasone and Kathleen Moana Allen
Teacher in Residence: Annette Johansson
Hawaii Music Teacher's Association Award: Ellen Masaki
Hawaii Music Awards Outstanding Performance Award (2): Sean Kennard and the Department of Education/"Music Factory") KHET
Hawaii Songwriter's Association Award: Nancy Gustafsson and Victor "Lanakila" Rittenband
Hawaii Opera Theatre General Director's Award (3): Jim Becker, Nani Mahoe and Rhinehardt Pua'a
Musician's Association of Hawaii Outstanding Musician: David Choy
Musician's Association of Hawaii Lifetime Achievement: John E.K. Akaka
Governor's Fine Arts Award (2): Sony Corporation and Don Ho
By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Kainoa Kamaka rips out the Chuck Berry classic
"Johnny B. Goode" on his ukulele.
"Live" Performance Video (7): Jennifer Barber, Chillum, Razed in Black, Rolando Sanchez, Showdown, Transmutator and Damon Williams.
Best Music Video Production (3): Razed in Black, Marco Rosas and Tone Deaf Teens
Mahalo Awards (5): Nora Fuererstein, Loyal Garner, Hawaii Theatre, Kaanapali Resort, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel
Reggae Vocalist: Justin Young
Seasonal Vocalist: Dennis Kai'imi Keohokalole
Paniolo Vocalist: Gordon Freitas
New Age Vocalist Michaelle Edwards
Country Album: Jimmy Mack & Uncle B
Comedy Album: Mike "Johnny Sweetbread" Victorino
Anthology Album: Nightwing
International Hawaiian Artist: The Birds
Best Recording by a Polynesian Artist: Dennis & Helen Ah Yek
Best Recording by a Polynesian Vocalist: Efiriama Tauofia
Best Recording for a Polynesian Song: Tia Orana E Paria
Best Recording by a Gospel Vocalist (2): Trio of Liann Collazo and Reggie Smith and Lady Love Smith, and Kamele Lindsey
Best Recording by a Gospel Artist: Jonny Kamai
Best Recording by a Rhythm & Blues Vocalist: Justin Young
Best Recording by a Blues Vocalist: Marco Rosas
Best Recording by a Latin Vocalist: Sabrina
Best Recording by a Country Vocalist: Gordon Freitas
Best Recording by a World Music Artist: Bhavahari
Best Instrumental Hawaiian Artist: Ohana O Kauai
Best Recording by a Slack Key Artist: John Keawe
Best Compilation Album: John Valentine
Best Recording by an Island Music Vocalist (2): Ben Vegas and Damon Williams
Best Recording Contemporary Hawaiian Vocalist: Peter Moon
Best Recording Traditional Hawaiian Vocalist: Nolan Ha'o
Best Recording by an Island Artist (2): Cory Oliveros and Wayne Takamine
Best Recording Contemporary Hawaiian Artist (2): Angela Jensen and Walter "Waltah Boy" Tavares
Best Recording by a Jazz Vocalist: Michaelle Edwards
Best Recording by a Jazz Artist: Gabe Baltazar
Best Recording by a Rap Vocalist: Sudden Rush
Best Recording by a Rap Artist: Sudden Rush
Best Recording by a Pop Vocalist: Damon Williams
Best Recording by a Pop Artist (2): Bobby Baniaga and Lance Jyo
Best Recording by a Rock Vocalist: Rommell & Maacho
Best Recording by a Rock Artist (2): Surf Psycho Sexy and Tone Deaf Teens
Special Award: Tom Moffatt
Event of the Year: Pepsi Cola - Rolling Stones
Mayor's Performing Arts Award: Emme Tomimbang
Best Liner Notes (2): John Keoni Fujitani and Nightwing
Best Album Artwork: Chad Asuncion
Best Engineer (3): Pierre Grill, Gaylord Holomalia and Bob St. John
Producer of the Year (2): Todd Adamski and Aaron Kimura
Most Popular New Artist (2): Damon Williams and Justin Young
Album of the Year: Danny Couch