Willie Kahaialii,a.k.a.Willie K., is the man for great music and refreshing entertainment on Maui, at least for us anyway. His biography states that he's been entertaining since the age of ten with his father,Manu Kahaialii, one of Hawaii's most respected musicians. His music is influenced by a myriad of music genres:Hawaiian ,Jazz, R&B,B.B. King Santana, Jimi Hendrix and Willie Nelson. He is an amazing guitar player, songwriter, and entertainer,who plays country, western, Hawaiian, rock,salsa, rhythm and blues.
We have not been able to catch him play since we got here, so we were looking forward to hearing him at Charleys last night.As usual, he put on an awesome show, that electrified everyone in the audience, and most everyone was on the floor dancing by the time we left.
Charley's Restaurant and Saloon is in Paia, hippie town in north shore Maui.It claims its fame from being Willie Nelson's favorite spot on Maui. A large display of Willie Nelson's platinum records and photos decorate the walls at Charley's.
We had dinner before we left home, so we didn't eat there, and I never have personally, but I hear they have good food.
I was glad that we ended up getting there after all. I was having second thoughts about it after the bad news from Italy, I was not in the greatest mood to go out, but Uncle Willie delivered an awesome show, and I was feeling better already when we were leaving.
If you have never heard him before, check out some of his work on You Tube, he is truly brilliant. Here are couple samples of his music.
Comments (7)
Hi Candi, I enjoyed Willie's performances on the YouTube videos so thanks for sharing them. Looks like you had a nice evening. I'm glad that once you got there you felt better.
Thanks for sharing Candi.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | April 8, 2009 7:45 AM
Posted on April 8, 2009 07:45
This sounds like a lot of fun. I didn't know that Willie Nelson had a Hawaii connection. I'm glad the show made you feel better.
Posted by Annie | April 8, 2009 10:56 AM
Posted on April 8, 2009 10:56
Never heard of Uncle Willie so thank you for introducing him. He's fun to watch. On YouTube there's video of him singing a Pavarotti song. The guy has a great voice!
Posted by María I. | April 8, 2009 12:05 PM
Posted on April 8, 2009 12:05
Kathy, thanks, it was a nice evening. Willie K has a great sense of humor and his music is amazing.
Annie, yes, Willie Nelson is often spotted here especially in Charley's in Paia, I believe he is good friends with the owner there. Actually, Paia is hippie town, and many artists and musicians nag out there.
Maria, isn't his voice so powerful? I had to go back and look for that Pavarotti song, I missed earlier, he is great.
Posted by candi | April 8, 2009 3:33 PM
Posted on April 8, 2009 15:33
I am a big fan of Willie K. I saw him once a long time ago at a Honolulu City Festival of Lights performance when he was dating Amy Hanai'ali'i Gilliom. Lucky you to see him in person!!
Posted by girasoli | April 8, 2009 3:34 PM
Posted on April 8, 2009 15:34
girasoli, I've never seen him in a professional concert setting, I bet that is even more amazing. We always just catch him at a local restaurant or bar. And he is always great, sometimes the sound quality isn't though, that is why, we try to be close to him in these cases to hear him better. Charley's sound settings were fine though.
Posted by candi | April 8, 2009 3:41 PM
Posted on April 8, 2009 15:41
Candi, thank you so much for introducing me to Uncle Willie. His voice is so soothing. I love "I'll Remember You". I spent the summer of 1965 in Hawaii living with my cousin and aunt and uncle. I'll Remember You was a big hit for Don Ho at the time. I love that song. It reminds me of the islands.
Posted by Barb Cabot | April 9, 2009 9:18 AM
Posted on April 9, 2009 09:18