John Keawe is a songwriter and slack-key guitarist who was born on the big Island of Hawaii, in the little town of north kohala. john grew up with and roll music and enjoyed listening to singer/songwriters.
After a four year tour in the Navy, john returned to his home and was drawn to the sound of Hawaiian slack-key. He listened and watched and taught himself to play this style of music. Through the years, he has developed his own distinct style.
About the same time, john began to perform publicly and started composing his own songs. Two of his early compositions "Ka'auhuhu Homestead" and "Big Island Magic" were chosen for album cuts on projects that involved various artists.
Through the years, John has release eight recordings...
1)1989-- Island Touch -- vocal recording, cassette only**
2)1990 -- We All Need Friends -- vocal recording (CD and Cassette)**
** These two recordings were under the Liko Records label **
3) 1993 -- Ho'onanea -- Slack Key Instumental (CD and Casstte)
4) 1994 -- Auhele -- Slack Key Instumental (CD and Casstte)
5) 1996 -- Mana'olana -- Slack Key Instumental (CD and Casstte)
6) 1996 -- Christmas Is -- Vocal and Instumental (CD and Casstte)
7) 1999 -- Heartfelt -- vocal (original songs) (CD only)
Of these seven recordings, five were nominated for Hoku awards (which is a local music award). the CD "Ho'onanea" won that award in 1994 for best instrumental performance. At the 1998 Hawaii Music Awards, John won best slack-key artist for his "Mana'olana" CD.John's latest project (#8) entitled "Aloha Kaikua'ana" is to be released in April 2002. It consists of slack-key instrumentals (original and traditional) and two bonus vocal tracks for a total of 13 songs.
Keawe is featured a guest artist on the following recordings:
- Share The Light by Momi Riley: "Kona Sunset", composition and slack key.
- Kohala style by Island Boiz: "E Huli" and "Kapua E", slack key guitar.
- Dreams by Brothers & Sisters: "Ja Like", composition and slack key.
- Coconut Tango by Summer. "Mom's Song", slack key solo.
John performs at:
Kona Village Resort -- Mondays - 6:00 to 9:30 pm telephone- 325-5555
4-Seasons Resort -- Tuesday and Thursday - 6:30 to 9:30 pm telephone - 325-8000
Bambolo Restaurant -- Twice a month - 6:30 to 9:30 pm- telephone - 889-5555
Kings shops at Waikoloa -- Every 2nd Sunday - 4:00 to 6:00 pm telephone - 886-8811
Homestead Productions
John and Hope Keawe
P.O. Box 577
Kapaau, Hawai'i 96755
Telephone- (808)889-5535
email- keawe@interpac.net