Craig Chee

What a rollercoaster of emotions this week. I tried to focus on things we could control and keep in mind the things we couldn’t. We had almost 90 people who braved the storm to be with us. We gave them our absolute all, which was easy to do because they gave us so much motivation and inspiration right back.

Incredible memories were made, lightbulb moments were had, and friendships forged. Keʻolu Music started us so strong, made us feel like we were among family from day 1.

Sarah Maisel and I are so grateful to our staff, Neal Chin, Cory Mau, Marion K. Travels (Map & Key Travels), Sandra and Pono Higa on making this the smoothest retreat yet!

And of course a big thank you to The Kahala Hotel & Resort. Their staff is always on point and they showed so much patience, understanding and thoughtfulness as we braved the weather together.

Hats off to our very special guests, Herb Ohta, Jr., Bryan Tolentino, Jeff Peterson, Andrew Molina, Jonah Davis, Mika Kane, Krystal Mokuahu and David Kekoamanawalea Woodward. You left such a big impact on our attendees!

Huge mahalo to Jake Shimabukuro for taking some time from his busy schedule to drop off some amazing treats for our attendees.

Another mahalo to Kamaka Hawaii, KoAloha Ukulele, Kanile'a 'Ukulele, Ukulele Lab, The Ukulele Site, Sweet Leilani Florist, Uke Logic Strings, Pro Camera Hawaii for believing in our events, and helping us build and constantly better this retreat.

Thank you to Larry (Ukulele Project Hawaii)and Damon Young for making feel people so comfortable with some impromptu jamming.

Next comes the hard work... we'll go back home and see what we can fix from the the flash foods that hit Mānoa around the house as then we will be putting together a fundraiser that will help provide some relief from the devastation that demolished the homes of our Gamiao ‘Ohana (Kalei Gamiao) and their community. Please stay tuned to see how we can come together to help.

Love and aloha,
Craig

Praying our friends stay safe. Hoping Kalei Gamiao can check in once safe. There will be a lot of help needed after this last batch of storms...

Flooding!

Sarah Maisel and I are excited to be helping out the amazing Jeff Peterson with some album artwork! Reminded us of his beautiful backyard concert with us a few years back... can't wait to bring that series back!

Our Halloween Jam is starting in about an hour! We are also hosting our big Four Strings at a Time fundraiser tomorrow, be sure to check out the free workshops. Featuring our board members, Sarah Maisel, Cory Mau, Neal Chin, LinaGirl Langi with the amazing Jake Shimabukuro!

Today's Jam: https://youtube.com/live/pX7KW2NHbYo
Tomorrow's Workshop Day: https://www.youtube.com/live/lkg1wdglww0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SE4xGVnzuU

Phew! Finally had a few days to put together our Los Angeles International 'Ukulele Festival wrap up video! It was so lovely to see so many friends on and off stage! Congratulations to Mitch Chang, all the volunteers and supporters! Thank you Cory Mau for joining us on stage and for you and Keʻolu Music knocking the socks off of everyone!

Sarah Maisel and I can't wait to see what is in store for next year's big 10 year celebration!

Shoutout to our adorable nephews helping at the merch table and to my brother helping take some photos during our set!

Much love to Kanile'a 'Ukulele, Ohana Ukuleles, Kala Brand Music, KoAloha Ukulele, Flight Ukulele, ‘Oli ‘Ukulele, Tom Music Ukulele, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., , Bernadette Teaches Music, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Dani Morcillo Usero, Kimo Hussey, Peter Luongo and his Legacy Ukulele Ensemble, Melanie Kareem, Marnie Ward, Hālau Hula La’ikūokealaula, Kalyn Aolani and HUGE thank you to Genevieve Villaruel!

Craig & Sarah's Los Angeles International #Ukulele Festival 2025 Wrap Up! It's been amazing to see this event grow over the past decade! Congratulations to Mitch, all the volunteers and supporters on such a great event! It was grea...