Magic Ukulele

The ukulele has anchored many treasured Hawaiian music memories. Music in Hawaii has often reached into the hearts and souls of those who create and perform it. Any fan of Hawaii’s music legends can feel it. The ukulele continues to be a favorite intermediary to channel an artist’s inner self into a shared experience. The instrument is a perfect lure for those with musical ability to participate in Hawaiian culture and to pilot their inspirations. Inspiration for Hawaii musicians seems to come from everywhere. Just look around and see that magic ukulele appear in most any setting. History of the ukulele is deeply imbedded in the Hawaii time line. A world wide popularity of the ukulele is surely partially due to the world class talent that emerges from Hawaii. It is not magic nor illusion when a gifted musician brings your emotional makeup into a physical reaction. It’s reality.

For real with Taimane Gardner

With both feet on the ground Taimane Gardner continues to bring the ukulele magic to the world. Hawaii’s musical princess has had an active year. In late spring Taimane preheated the summer. The eighteen-year-old virtuoso brought the night to life with an electrifying set of songs at the Tribute to Don Ho in Waikiki. The estimated crowd of 20,000 roared with approval as Taimane shook the stage with an action packed performance. Taimane performed with the Don Ho show and with adulation credits him for much of her success. She also performed with great reception In Las Vegas at Caesar’s Palace and Huntington Beach. On local television, Taimane appeared on Late Night and was featured on Konishiki’s House. Private corporate parties and Celebrity charity events were also fitted into a busy schedule.

New Music

Besides performing, Taimane is completing her first original set of songs. The genre will be acustic rock. Jack Gardner, her father and manager, related "her new originals are gorgeous and very different from her present style of music." Kanilea is creating a new custom six string ukulele for Taimane that will merge with her unique style. Her style shows an integration of the instrument into multiple music domains. She learned the ukulele from various teachers with different styles. “This was done purposely so she would see the potential of her instrument.” Jack also revealed the title of one of the new songs. “Sunstrokes.”

Study

This fall, miss Gardner has elected to continue her education. In her first year of college she is studying psychology and music. Previous completed studies include poetry, painting, and sculpture. Taimane loved her experience at Waldorf high school that put a strong emphasis on the arts. "At Waldorf I learned how to balance the arts and general studies. In fact, I learned how both can support one another."

Family is Special

Jack is emphatic about how special his daughters are. The youngest Teuila has accompanied Taimane in song and Jack states that “she is quite an athlete.” Teuila, nicknamed "Bugs," as in Bugs Bunny, due to her exceptional running speed, loves sports and horses.

Future

Plans for 2008 include making her songs available for downloading on ipods via the internet. Taimane is convinced that is the way of the future in music. She also looks forward to live performances in Hawaii, the mainland, and abroad. With Taimane’s innovative style the evolution of the ukulele music is seemingly inevitable. The magic continues.

Of course mother Elva has had a great deal to do with all of this providing long lineage of musicians and talent from Samoa. Visit Taimane.com to see much more of the history and story. View music videos of Taimane on her website.

Taimane will soon be playing at the Cirque Hawaii show in Waikiki and also on Mondays and Thurdays at the Royal Hawaiian hotel with the Royal Luau show.