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Maui artists hope to lift spirits with holiday tunes

Hanaiali‘i, Tatofi, Makia release new songs and updated classics

With Christmas approaching during this challenging time, three Maui artists felt inspired to spread a little holiday cheer, releasing either new compositions or updated classics.

Recording the Hoku Award-winning "A Hawaiian Christmas" collection back in 2007, Amy Hanaiali'i decided to celebrate the 2020 season with a wonderful, uplifting new song, "Christmas Brings Hope."

"With the pandemic going on and everyone fearful and so many cases on the Mainland, I wanted to write something that was hopeful, that we're going to get through this," Hanaiali'i said. "Sometimes I feel the news sensationalizes things and puts people in fear, so I wanted to give a little bit of hope."

Musicians accompanying her include guitarist Jeff Peterson, keyboardist Sal Godinez, bassist Marcus Johnson, "and Robert Tsuhako, my engineer, provided the beat track we played along to. I wanted a poppy, Babyface kind of feel."

In conjunction with the song, she has released a Christmas-themed video shot by her brother, Eric Gilliom.

"Eric shot the whole video at my home and at Lipoa (Street) Beach where we grew up in Kihei, and I used a little footage off a special I shot at the Hawaii Theatre," she explained.

Hanaiali'i is part of a new Christmas TV special, "Ho'ola Christmas Celebration." Filmed at Oahu's Moanalua Gardens, it also features Josh Tatofi.

The special debuts on KGMB at 8 p.m. Saturday and repeats at 10:30 p.m. Sunday. It will be broadcast on K5 at 8 p.m. Dec. 22, and then on KHNL at 6 p.m. Christmas Day.

"I did it with Jeff (Peterson) and we shot it in Kamehameha III's cottage," Hanaiali'i said. "It's really beautiful, with hundreds of poinsettias around me."

Na Hoku Hanohano Male Vocalist of the Year winner Tatofi celebrates the season with a memorable, six-song EP, "A Jream Christmas," which will likely become a holiday favorite.

Back in 2014, Tatofi released a popular, soulful version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," and this new collection features the talented singer injecting a Hawaii flavor to standards like "White Christmas."

"Because of the year we're having I felt compelled to do some Christmas songs, to up some spirits in the midst of it all," he explained. "I know it's been a tough year, but we should do our best to have a great holiday season for the sake of the kids and our own lives."

So how did he decide on six Christmas favorites?

"They were the first six songs that came to mind," he said. "I grew up listening to 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,' especially The Jackson 5's version, so that's why it has a Motown feel. There's Elvis Presley's 'Blue Christmas,' and 'The Christmas Song' has a Luther Vandross feel. A lot of things I do are R&B flavored and in my eyes Luther Vandross is one of the kings of that soulful, sultry feel. So that's how 'The Christmas Song' came about."

Rounding out the release, "Home For Christmas" is performed in his signature smooth style, and "White Christmas" gets a light reggae treatment.

"There are hundreds of renditions of Christmas songs and I thought with 'White Christmas' it would be good with a reggae feel," he said. "Island reggae is very popular here and that's my upbringing with my dad being in Kapena. I wanted to pay homage to that."

Tatofi hopes his new Christmas collection will help raise spirits.

"It's been a crazy year and I hope people get the feel to love one another and remember what the spirit of Christmas is all about. It's about being around loved ones and people who made you who you are," Tatofi said.

Performing on Maui for close to four decades, Tarvin Makia has just released "Christmas Day," a joyous duet with Grammy nominated, four-time Female Vocalist of the Year winner Natalie Ai Kamauu.

Makia said he felt moved to release his new single to celebrate the true meaning of this season.

"Christmas is about love, and this holiday is special to reflect on love," Makia said. "Love brings us all back together."

Having the former Miss Aloha Hula on board greatly enhances the song's message and appeal. Makia secured Kamauu's involvement after sending a copy to her.

"She texted me immediately and said, 'I would be honored to sing this song with you.' She totally loved it," Makia recalled.

Playing bass and singing with Hapa for six years, Makia has also released a new song for kids to play along to, "The 'Ukulele Christmas Song."

"It's a child-friendly song," he explained. "I made it so easy to play. You don't even have to be in pitch to get it right."

During the holiday season, music lovers could always count on an Uncle Willie K concert to spread some cheer. His ohana are continuing Willie K's legacy by presenting a livestreamed show, "Aloha Kalikimaka," from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday.

A mix of live and pre-recorded performances, artists appearing include the Makaha Sons, Princess Owana Ka'ohelelani Salazar, Damon Williams, Kaleo Phillips, Gretchen Rhodes, the Warehouse Blues Band, Kaulike Pescaia with Ahumanu's Liz Morales, Ho'okena, Na Koa and members of the Kahaiali'i ohana.

"The show is going to be amazing," said his sister Rae Kahaiali'i. "Every year the proceeds for our Christmas concerts go to feed those in need. This year we are working with Maui Stage 4 to feed our fellow musicians and music industry ohana. Willie envisioned Stage 4 to help musicians who are struggling or in need, because he understood how hard it could get. Having lung cancer hindered him from being able to gig like he used to.

"Being able to provide a meal, especially a Christmas meal, relieves stress and worry that everyone is feeling especially now throughout the pandemic," she added. "We pray we can help relieve some of that. All of Willie's Christmas concerts in the past have provided over thousands of pounds of food. People can donate via PayPal."

Emceed by Kathy Collins, "Aloha Kalikimaka" will be available on Willie K's Facebook page.