by Michele Van Hessen
*Archived March 2006 article

"Touring takes the Hawaiian music to those who have left the Islands and have moved to the mainland," said Sean Na`auao, "And it gives me the opportunity to play for new audiences, too. I love to tour." The multi-talented 1998 Na Hoku Hanohano award winner for his Island contemporary album of the year titled "Fish & Poi" began playing music at the age of three. Influenced by his dad "who plays everything" Na`auao said his early years were filled with music and by the age of nine he was in a boys' choir and playing several instruments.

In high school Na`auao's passion for music grew and as a sophomore he had the opportunity to travel with his dad, who worked as a musician in Japan. But then sports filled his life for the next few years, and he played with small bands through high school. Then he became friends with Danny Kennedy and joined the Mana`o Company band, which once again continued to establish Na`auao as a talented singer, musician, composer and producer. His feelings for Hawaii coupled with his unique arrangements of traditional songs catapulted his talent into a successful solo career within a very short period of time.

Displaying versatility that few musicians can master, Na`auao became a producer to help other talented artists. He is always scouting for new talent. He has built a recording studio in his house and his company Poi Ponder Records has produced nine notable albums to date. His wife Kaui is a dancer with Kumu Hula Aloha Dalire. She has held the title of Miss Aloha Hula at the famed Merrie Monarch Festival and often writes with husband. With the Hawaiian slack-key masters winning a Grammy, Na`auao hopes that the music industry will start awarding Hawaiian musicians with Grammys for the Hawaiian songs which tell island stories.

During their performance at Tiki's Bar and Grill in the Resort Quest in Waikiki, Na`auao and Kennedy enjoyed entertaining friends, locals, guests and tourists. "If there is a song you want to hear and you would like us to send it out to you, just let us know," said Na`auao. Just then a fan visiting from Phoenix, Arizona requested his rendition of "Silhouettes," which she said he had played for her while on tour on the mainland. Na`auao's arrangements of traditional and original Hawaiian songs are so melodic, another girl who was excited to see the entertainer as she walked by to attend a wedding reception cheered on, "Sean!"

Na`auao's upcoming performances include an autograph session at the Pearl Harbor NEX on March 18th at 12 noon, performances on Thursdays from 5 to 7 P.M. at Tiki's Bar and Grill, and on April 28th and 29th Na`auao performs with Amy Hanaiali'i and the Honolulu Symphony Pops at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. For a list of Na`auao's albums including the ones he has produced, visit the Mountain Apple website http://www.mountainapplecompany.com and select artists. The website provides a wonderful section of CD's from some of Hawaii's finest musicians.