Kalei Gamaio

Kalei Gamiao. To many of our readers you may be thinking, who is Kalei Gamiao? In the near future, everyone will know.

Kalei resides on the north shore of Oahu. He recently completed his first CD, and currently performs throughout the Hawaiian Islands, with plans for the mainland US and Australia. To most 'ukulele enthusiasts, soft spoken Kalei Gamiao is still unknown, and understandly, his is only 21 years old. But when you hear him play, and close your eyes (young girls will have a hard time with this), and forget his young age and lack of "street" experience in the music business, you will be in awe. And you will know why Kalei and Ko'olau have joined forces. We truly believe that Kalei Gamiao has the gift of music, and no doubt, it's because of his relection of the "joy" of music.

He has many 'ukulele mentors whom he often mentions and gives humble credit to, such as Kimo Hussey, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong, Bryan Tolentino, Abe Lagrimas, Led Kaapana, and Jake Shimabukuro. But the real beauty of Kalei is that he is uniquely different, mezmerizingly different. When listening to him play, especially in a live setting, there are times when you will emotionally take a deep breath, after forgetting to breathe, and wonder "who is this guy?"

Kalei Gamiao currently plays both Ko'olau and Pono 'ukuleles. He is a regular performer for the monthly "Ukulele Keaka" show on the last friday of each month at Higher Ground Music in Wahiawa, on the island of Oahu.

For more info: Kalei's MySpace Page