Updated at 5:16 p.m., Monday, February 4, 2008
Annual Hawaii Music Awards releases list of winners
Advertiser Staff
Nearly 30,460 people cast ballots for the annual Hawaii Music Awards, marking the largest voter turnout in the event's 11-year history, according to organizers.Among the tight races: Two Japanese recording artists, Tokyo (Agnes Kimura) and Osaka (Kaulana), battled back and forth until the last few days of voting when Kimura stayed on top, according to event organizers. Voting, which started Jan. 14, wrapped up today.
The Tikiyaki Orchestra and Waitiki went head-to-head for the top spot was the Exotica Music Category. And in the Seasonal Category, Afatia (Seasons of Love) was leading up until the last two days before being edged out by Abe Lagrimas (A Pass Out Records Christmas).
Faith Thompson Ako from Rohnert Park, CA (KuKahi CD) won the Traditional Hawaiian Music Category, with her tremendous support from her local church and neighborhood community.
The Hawaii Music Awards winners banquet will be held March 15 at The Willows Restaurant, 901 Hausten St., Honolulu.
Tickets: $50 per person, dinner and show; 6-9 p.m.; 951-6699. Cocktails, 5 p.m. Hawaiian attire, semiformal.
Here's a list of the award winners for the 2007 recording industry entries:
Adult Contemporary Category
Rob Yamahoha / Better
Anthology Category
Ekolu / The Best of Ekolu
Compilation Music Category
Legends of the Ukulele 2
Contemporary Hawaiian Music Category
Paul Shimomoto / Sentimental Alibi
DVD Music Category
Keali'i Reichel / Kukahi
Exotica Music Category
Waitiki / Rendezvous In Okonkuluku
Gospel/Inspirational Music Category
Jon Almosara / Thankful
Hip Hop Music Category
Ryde or Die Movement / Business
International Hawaiian Music Category
Agnes Kimura / Ho'omana'o - My 30 Years
Island Contemporary Music Category
Mighty J / Calling Out
Jazz Music Category
Angela Crandall / Shine
Pop Music Category
SDIB*
Reggae Music Category
Natural Vibrations / From the Heart
Rock Music Category
82 Fifty / Take a Chance and Let the Music Play
Seasonal Music Category
Abe Lagrimas Jr. / A Pass Out Records Christmas
Single Music Category
Tsunami Wave Riders / Island Dreamin'
Cyril Pahinui / He'eia
Steel Guitar Music Category
Ken Emerson / Slack & Steel Kauai Style
Traditional Hawaiian Music Category
Faith Thompson Ako / Ku Kahi
Ukulele Music Category
Jake Shimabukuro / My Life
World Music Category
Mahealani Uchiyama / A Walk By the Sea
The following categories are single entry nominees. Because there was no contest we only acknowledge the artist as "Recognition Awards" for keeping the categories open.
Children's Music Category
Allison / Kuhio Bay
Classical Music Category
David Strattford / Romantic Classics
Comedy Category
Augie Tulba / The Augie Show Season 1
Country Music Category
Steve Zuwala / Tough Guys
Film Score
Jake Shimabukuro / Hula Girls
Folk Music Category
Makena
Polynesian Music Category
Vaihi / Nave Nave
Rhythm & Blues Music Category
B.E.T. / Big Everytime
Ska Music Category
The Golfcart Rebellion / Make Way for Progress