Riding a surge of popularity that includes sold-out shows from coast to coast on the mainland, ukulele virtuoso and songwriter Taimane brings her “Elemental” CD release tour to Hilo for an intimate, one-night-only concert at 7:30 p.m. May 31 at the Palace Theater.
Taimane and her band (ukulele/vocals, classical guitar/vocals and percussion) will perform songs from her new album, “Elemental” (available June 5), alongside hits that have garnered Taimane more than 8 million video views and counting.
On her latest release, Taimane continues her exploration of natural and metaphysical worlds. Inspired by a dream, the recording features a song for each element (“Water,” “Fire,” “Air,” “Earth” and “Ether”), as well as two songs, “Hades” and bonus track, “Atlantis,” that call out the mythical side of the elements. All songs were written by Taimane.
Two years in the making, “Elemental” illuminates the maturation of one of Hawaii’s fastest-rising stars — an album containing several distinct threads (classical, Latin, ethereal and more) woven into a cohesive cloth – contemplative, as well as playful and fun.
After Taimane’s Hawaii Theatre debut in March 2016 that drew more than 1,000 people, the Oahu native and resident of hapa-haole (Samoan) descent set her sights beyond the horizon — focusing on sharing her distinct sound and dynamic stage persona with audiences around the world.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive — from performing with Michael Franti and Spearhead before a sold-out crowd at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado to selling out her own headline shows in New York, Washington, D.C., San Diego, San Jose and Santa Cruz in California.
Earlier this year, Taimane made her debut at the iconic Staples Center in Los Angeles and she will soon embark on a tour of premier theaters across the western U.S. before heading to Asia for concerts in China and Hong Kong.
From Bach to rock, flamenco infernos to tribal hymns, Taimane captivates upon first sight and ignites a fire thereafter, channeling her passion into her instrument and busting the door wide open for connection with her audience.
“Every so often we discover an artist as he or she is about to emerge into a much bigger arena,” said Bruce Labadie, San Jose Jazz Artistic and Festival director. “These experiences have included Chris Botti, Trombone Shorty, Kamasi Washington and Lake Street Dive. Now, we have a new discovery — Taimane. She’s destined for a big, bright future, and I encourage you to catch her show as soon as you can.”
Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 students and $35 reserved seating. All tickets will be $5 more at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by phone with a credit card at 934-7010 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. the night of the show.