Ohta-san, Hawaii’s Nisei ukulele legend, will be back in Hilo after a long interval to perform at the “Ohta-san Super Concert,” a benefit concert for the Hawaii Japanese Center, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, at the Crown Room
Ohta-san, Hawaii’s Nisei ukulele legend, will be back in Hilo after a long interval to perform at the “Ohta-san Super Concert,” a benefit concert for the Hawaii Japanese Center, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, at the Crown Room of the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort.
When he was 12 years old, Herb Ohta met ukulele virtuoso Eddie Kamae, who became Ohta-san’s first and most influential mentor. Kamae taught him many ukulele techniques and advised him to apply these techniques to all kinds of music.
Ohta-san’s unique solo style is expressive and lyrical. In 1964 Ohta-san released his first recording and “Sushi” became a huge hit in Hawaii. His record album, “Cool Touch of Ohta-san,” included a number of Japanese songs, including the Japanese folk song, “Yuuyake koyake (Sunset)” and “Sakura (Cherry blossom).” In the early 1970s, Ohta-san had his biggest hit with “A Song for Anna,” by the French composer and arranger Andre Popp.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Ohta-san held many concerts in Hilo to perform for his fans on the Big Island. An internationally renowned musician, Ohta-san is especially popular in Japan, where he has continued to volunteer to perform at high schools and anniversary events such as the 30th Sister State Anniversary in Fukuoka. Although Ohta-san has not held a concert in Hawaii for a long time, he has agreed to perform at “Ohta-san Super Concert” Saturday to support the Hawaii Japanese Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
“One of the purposes of the Hawaii Japanese Center is to preserve the artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that reflect the history of the Isseis (first-generation immigrants) and the Niseis (second-generation immigrants) in Hawaii. Ohta-san, a Nisei, has been a strong supporter of the center over the years,” said center President Masafumi Honda.
The Hawaii Japanese Center, located at 751 Kanoelehua Ave. in Hilo, is temporarily closed for renovation. The center will reopen in early 2013 with additional space for activities and an exhibit focusing on the rich cultural history of the early Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.
“Ohta-san continues to fascinate his audiences with his performances, and he will include Japanese songs, the music of the Beatles, jazz, and others at the ‘Ohta-san Super Concert.’ Also featured will be duo performances with Nando Swan, a close friend of Ohta-san,” said Honda. Admission is $20; tickets are available at the Book Gallery at 254 Keawe St. and at the door on the day of the performance. For additional information, please call 345-4321.
