Makaha Sons return to the Palace

Treat your sweetheart to a melodic evening of Hawaiian music this weekend as the annual Valentine’s concert by the Makaha Sons returns at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Palace Theater in downtown Hilo.

“Each year their concert boasts a very full house and reserved seating always sells out early. Don’t miss out. If you have never heard them live you are in for a special treat,” said Robin Worley, Palace executive director. “In addition to some of the most beautiful harmonies you will ever hear, Uncle Jerome and company have an easy going rapport with each other, making plenty of jokes and keeping even touching moments upbeat.”

Jerome Koko, one of the original members of Makaha Sons, is joined by Kimo Artis, Micheal Goodknecht, Jerman Koko and Mark Yim as they blend their voices to bring classic Makaha Sons music to their fans.

The group formed in 1976 as the Makaha Sons of Niihau with Jerome Koko, Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Skippy Kamakawiwo‘ole, Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole and Sam Gray. Now Jerome Koko shares his expertise with his new band members. This new blood will insure the sounds of the Makaha Sons lives on. Though only together for four years, the rapport between these three makes you think they have played together for a lifetime.

The Makaha Sons are Na Hoku Hanohano award winners, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. The Makaha Sons travel internationally playing their special brand of Hawaiian music while spreading aloha throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. They were inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 2012. Their latest CD “Makaha Sons Memoirs” made the Grammy list of nominees and gives them a total of 22 released albums since they first began recording.

Advance General Admission tickets are $35, side reserved seats are $40 and center reserved seats are $45. All tickets will be $5 more the day of show.

Call 934-7010 or stop by the Palace Theater, located at 38 Haili St., Hilo, to purchase tickets.