Mike Lewis Big Band Ft. The Kanaka Swing Band

Local trumpeter and big band leader Mike Lewis has spent substantial time performing in Polynesia and the tri-state New York area. Lewis has toured and recorded with Buddy Rich, Sarah Vaughn, Sammy Davis, Wynton Marsalis, Sonny and Cher, Billy Joel, Natalie Cole, Rosemary Clooney, The Temptations, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight and Bruno Mars.

The Kanaka Swing Band is a band that celebrates a nostalgic music era that melds Hawaiian traditional tunes with the upbeat and fun feelings of swing music.

Hawaiian swing music perpetuates the mixing of different cultures, has respect for the unique nature of the people and stimulates the spirit to inspire the coming generations with aloha.  It brings a smile to the heart and appreciation for the rhythms that make you sway like the palm trees. It celebrates life and is true happiness in action.

Kanaka Swing Band is:

• Jesse Kimo Snyder – Big Island musician, vocalist, horn arranger and Na Hoku Hanohano (top Hawaiian music award) recipient for Jazz Album of the Year (2018): Mele Ho’oilina - Kahulanui). Jesse plays tenor and baritone sax, clarinet, drums and has a smooth, silky voice. He has enjoyed and appreciated the Hawaiian culture and music lifestyle for the past 15 years.
• Tani Waipa – Lead vocalist and ukulele player raised in the rich culture of the big island. She comes from a music-oriented ohana (family) and is the joyful and spirited inspiration on all things Hawaiian.
• Dwight Tokumoto – Steel guitarist and ‘guru of the twang’ perpetuates the fun and values of the band.
• Brandon Nakano – Versatile guitarist and vocalist is always optimistic and collaborative.
• Duane Yamada - Hawaiian ukulele-bass player always has a smile on his face and in his heart

And, a vibrant horn section featuring trumpet, trombone and an exuberant drummer rounds out the band. In true Hawaiian-style, Kanaka Swing Band will also feature hula dancers; artists: Farley Sangels, Russ Lundgren, Josh Timmons, Jenny Brown, Konstantine Jemeljanovs, Mike Lewis and other notable musicians.