Uluwehi Guerrero Traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music & hula finds a new voice By Puanani Woo It is said that if one could hear an angel sing, it would have the voice of Uluwehi. Uluwehi, which means “growing in beauty in Hawaiian,” is a name fitting to this spirited talent. His sweet, soothing voice, soaring harmonies, intriguing arrangements, and powerful falsetto stylings - which were already well-known within Hawaii's hula community - stunned the Hawaiian music industry in 1996, with the release of his first self-titled CD. "Ka Manawa Pono" received 3 prestigious Nä Hökü Hanohano award nominations (equivalent to a “Hawaiian Grammy”). Since that time, Uluwehi has toured non-stop. He has been critically acclaimed from California to New York, Canada to Japan. He has performed at one of the world's most coveted venues, Carnegie Hall. Uluwehi continues to garner new fans with every performance, pushing Hawaiian music ever closer to the global world music. "Ulu," as he is known to those closest to him, was born in Wailuku, Maui, and studied hula with Peter Pekelo Day from Ke´anae. When Pekelo moved to Hilo in 1982, Ulu and Keali'i Reichel formed Hälau Hula O Ka Makani Wili Mäkaha O Kaua´ula, which eventually became one of Maui's most decorated, award-winning Hula Hälau (traditional hula school). It was during the early 80's that Ulu honed his musical skills through hälau performances, paying close attention to falsetto blending and unique, one-of-a-kind arrangements, which won him top honors at several falsetto competitions throughout the State. Photo provided by Kevin Rebelo of Rebelo Miholer Advertising ______________________________ He has been critically acclaimed from California to New York, Canada to Japan. ______________________________ Uluwehi has an innate ability to create visual beauty out of Hawaiian lyrics through hula. Sophistication and elegance are the trademarks of an unprecedented style that is "uniquely Uluwehi." His innovative choreography for the modern Hula ´Auana has brought the art form to a new level, including international recognition for the staged hula productions of the Kükahi concert series. Active with his own dedicated Hula students of all ages, he recently re-named his Hälau, Halau Hula “Kauluokalä,” which means “Rising of the Sun.” Ulu has judged many hula competitions in Hawaii, the mainland, and Guam, and often leads well-attended hula workshops throughout Hawaii, the Pacific basin, and Japan. In addition, he has helped numerous local organizations in their fundraising efforts through concert performances, contributing his talents to their worthy community projects. Never one to rest on his laurels, he has lent his time and incredible musical and vocal arrangements to other recording artists, such as Keali´i Reichel and Lei´ohu Ryder of Maui. Two thousand one was a big and very special year for Uluwehi. At the prestigious Nä Hökü Hanohano Awards, he was nominated in four categories and was named Winner- Best Male Vocalist of the Year, a title truly earned. Maui's Mayor Kimo Apana honored him with a special ceremony and proclamation at his office, as did the County Council later in the year, declaring Uluwehi Guerrero a local Hero in their resolution. Ulu performed for two different Hälau at the Merrie Monarch Festival live in Hilo. His first large-scale production solo Maui show, “Uluwehi - In My Heart-The Concert,” was a sold-out, standing-room-only gala event, an exquisite performance which critics and the crowd raved about for months. In Fukushima, Japan, Mr. Guerrero performed for their government with a lively cultural display of song and dance and was granted special membership in the Iwaki-Hawaii Exchange Association, furthering the sister-city relationship. He was also the Special Guest Soloist for the holiday concert with the Maui Symphony. ______________________________ Maui's Mayor Kimo Apana honored him with a special ceremony and proclamation at his office. ______________________________ The 2002 Maui Concert, entitled "Songs from a Joyful Heart," was another sell-out, with many new songs being debuted for the very first time to an enthralled and appreciative audience. Uluwehi performed with the Honolulu Symphony as a special guest for their Pops Concert Series under the direction of Maestro Matt Catingub, along with Keola Beamer. For two nights in November, Uluwehi enchanted the full-house crowds, receiving standing ovations and excellent press commentary. Ulu's much anticipated second solo CD, "In My Heart" (recorded and produced with the Mountain Apple Company, 2000), brought his many talents to the forefront. He once again showcased a diverse array of beautiful musical selections, seamlessly blended traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music, bold yet sensitive originals, and favorite cover tunes. "In My Heart" continues to be a sure delight to young and old alike, aficionados of Hawaiian music and those new to the genre. Uluwehi is currently working on new and original material for his next recording project (a third CD, to be titled “Uluwehi Sings Na Mele Hula Aloha- Beloved Hula Songs), one that is certain to generate a spirit of hope, peace, and love. For booking, sponsorship and product information, please contact: uluwehi@kaulupono.com www.kaulupono.com (808) 877-0115. Puanani Woo, a Hawaii native residing in Kawaihae Hawaiian Homesteads, is a retired teacher from Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu and Waiakea High School in Hilo. She has been active in cultural organizations and community activities for decades, perpetuating the heritages of her ancestors with great interest and enthusiasm. She is a beloved Kupuna \(elder), mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie and friend, always there with encouraging support and loving aloha, for all to be their best. Go to Urban Mozaik Magazine This website: Copyright © 2009 Dream World Media, LLC. / Urban Mozaik Magazine. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in Urban Mozaik Magazine are not necessarily those of Urban Mozaik Magazine and the publisher cannot be held responsible for them. This website/publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.