Where have I been?

Its been a real long time since my last blog entry. A lot has been going on since February. I was doing the podcast for a while. It was a lot of fun doing it but life got real busy and I didnt have the kind of time that the podcast required of me. 

I've been working longer hours at my day job and have been gigging and performing more frequently. Things at church have been requiring more time and attention and I've been able to spend a lot of time with my son. 

I've been blessed to be playing frequent gigs at local bars and restaurants. Taps and Apps in Mililani has been having me come share music pretty often and I am super grateful for that. If youre near central oahu and looking for a chill space to grab a bite or a drink, I highly recommend checking them out www.instagram.com/tapsandappsbrewpub I'll be back there playing on August 13 from 8-11 pm and on August 20 for Happy Hour (4-7 pm) 

I've mostly been doing private events like weddings, birthdays and this summer I've done a lot of grad parties. Im always humbled and super grateful that I get to do what I love to do and make a living off of it. I still remember just learning guitar and going to open mic nights and hoping to get the chance to play a gig. 

When people thank me for playing their event or party I always tell them thank you. I dont think people really understand that they are making my dreams come true. Doing music for people that enjoy and appreciate it, thats been the dream. Being able to pay my bills because of it, thats all a crazy bonus. 

I entered The Hawaii Songwriting Festival Songwriting Contest on Oahu and Won. The prize was a dope ukulele and tickets to attend the Songwriting Festival on the Big Island. It was an amazing experience and I got to learn a lot from people in the music industry from around the world. It was all very inspiring and exciting. I am planning to attend next year as well and am really looking forward to it. 

I dont know when the next entry in this blog will be but if youre reading this, thank you. Thank you for having enough interest to stop by the site, and thank you for reading these thoughts. I appreciate it. Stay blessed. Love and Aloha. 

Grateful.

So its 2016, Im really looking forward to what this year is going to bring. I've had some good gigs already this year, and have some fun ones lined up going forward. I just got a call today asking to book me for a fundraising event. I was stoked to volunteer my time but the organizer insisted on paying my normal fee... thats unreal I dont get it but Im thankful. On top of that Ill be playing right before a local performer that I really admire. His name is Kaipo Kapua. Ive known of this guy for so long and became a fan when I started getting into playing music. Im really excited about meeting him and watching him do his thing. I've never seen him live before. 

Ive got a bunch of weddings booked into the spring. One of them is in partnership with a local radio personality KreyZ Oshiro from Island 98.5. I met him while playing at an open mic competition. He does wedding sound and Emcee services and has included me as an option for his wedding packages. 

Im super humbled and just hyped over all these things. I know I've only been in this music thing for a minute but its been such a fun ride and Im so grateful for all the opportunities that have been placed in my path and for all the people Ive met and all the experiences. 

I dont know what your dream is, what gets your heart racing, or what drives you. Whatever it is, do it. Dont worry about how good or not good you are or what other people will think. I know Im not the most talented or skilled or trained at what I do but I love it and I know that passion is something people can sense and its something people are drawn to. All the other stuff comes with time and dedication but nothing starts, if you dont. 

Anyways I hope you are chasing your dreams. love, blessings and aloha.