Aloha,

My name is Moke Young, Jr. and I grew up with Hawaiian Music during my first 21 years living in Kaneohe. I reside in Mastic Beach, LI, NY and work in South Jersey during the week. I left home (Kaneohe) in 1981 to pursue my dream in Science after training at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and University of Hawaii.

Since that time, I've lived in over 20 US cities chasing my dream and that to learn everything I can each and everyday so that I have enough ammunition for my return home to Hawaii as I hope to work with unfortunate kids to prevent them from following my footsteps during my first 21 years growing up in Hawaii.

I am the project Radiaiton Safety Officer supporting the Welsbach General Gas Mantle Superfund Site in Gloucester City, NJ just south of Camden, N J and minutes from Philadelphia, PA.

My father was born and raised in the Valley of the Kings at Waipio on the Big Island of Hawai'i.

Hawaiian music was prevalent throughout my childhood at home, in the car, at school, at play and during family social gatherings.

My Auntie, Alice Namakelua, from Honokaa was the most prominent Hawaiian Musician/Artist/Singer along with Auntie Napua Stevens. Danny Kaleikini is family to me too and my mothers High School classmate.

Others in my family who set a great example were Uncle Ellis and Auntie Sally Kanekoa of Kaaawa whom played at many family functions. My Uncle Tyrone Young of Ali'I Kai, Kona, Hi. was my greatest inspiration as I was able to experience and watch many of his performances with greats such as George Kainapau and Cyrus Green whom performed for Aloha Airlines. His next door neighbor is none other than George Naope. My uncle Hanalei Young played professionally for many years too. My fathers sister, the late Clara Alvarado, was a great singer and Mrs. Hawaii too!
In my neighborhood at Kaneohe was home to great talent too growing up there during the 1970's. William Valdez is a well know Jazz Guitarist and close to the Great George Benson and Howard Roberts who would visit Kaneohe during their Hawaii visits. His son, the late Kurt Valdez was responsible for teaching many of us to play the guitar and Kaneohe's finest lead guitarists during his time.

Some of my Castle High School classmates and friends include; Darryl Gonzales, Joe Berinobis, Glen Rosa, Chucky Boy Chock, Dwight Kanae, Kawika Kahiapo, Sam Solotario, Brother Boom Gaspar, Jamieson Wong, Maikalani Young, Mike Kaawa, Keith Ramos, Darryl Valdez, Jessie Rivera, Kawika Gulick, Krash Kealoha, Jensen Richards, Kamakani Souza, Mike Dela Cruz, James Dela Cruz, Moe Keale, Israel Kamakawiwoole, Kevin Hosea, Kapono Kaaihue, Danny Estocado Sr. & Jr.

My New York friends include Eddie Brigati former singer for the Young Rascals and Sam Taylor the "Bluz Man" whom I learned a lot about booking music in Long Island, NY and NYC for three years. Through them, I met Johnny Farina who is responsible for "Sleepwalk" and other greats.

My new friends include Jerome Koko, Janu Cassidy, John Keawe, Kimo Gerald of Hilo (House Manager for Carnegie Hall!), Michelle Akina, Donovan Frankenreiter and my Montauk, NY Surf Brother Jimmy Buffet!

Finally, my kid brother Kaimana Young, is the head audio technician for the Teamsters Union there in Hawaii and employed in the past/present by Naleo, Kealii Reichel, Jack Johnson and the Makaha Sons.

I had so many great moments with Hawaiian Music during the past, recent past and future. Hawaiian music allowed me to party with Ilie Nastase & Arthur Ashe at the Kona Hilton Hotel in 1976 after a WTC tennis event. During that time I met Japanese movie star Toshiro Mifune at an Aloha Air function in Kona that was commerable. I was asked to stand in front of a crowded John Keawe & Keola Beamer show here in LI, NY about three years ago as an example of the Aloha Spirit; a good deed I did for John Keawe. I accepted and delivered his CD's and DVD's to the show in LI.

My most memorable event came about four years ago in Carnegie Hall. I received a free ticket to the Hawai'I Calls Show and left the Hall after the show with three of Danny Kaleikini's Leis; two Maile and one PRIZED Ilima lei that was vibrant yellow.

More important was the fact that as I chatted with Danny Kaleikini while he was on stage I told him that we shared the same Uncle that was his favorite; Edward Young and he was surprised. I mentioned that my Mom made sure to tell me that I MUST speak to Danny after the show!

I absorbed so much Mana into my body and soul after the conversation and I was high for months!

There was a definite transfer of energy from he to me and I hope the same from me. That was a magic Kodak moment!

Last year at the beach, Ditch Plains, in Montauk, NY I felt tingling in my body while I was playing a beautiful song ( I think Makee Ailana) it inspired my to come out of my shell. I made my Hawaiian Music debut playing solo at the Famous Sunset Saloon Surfer Restaurant/Bar. In addition, I played at the wedding ceremony for a notable NYC Fashion Designer whom works for Abercrombie and Fitch that went well. I'll continue to play Hawaiian music at our Surfer Beach parties this coming summer at "Ditch Plains" village of Monatuk.

We have revitalized the surf scene here in eastern Long Island and incorporated Hawaiian music!

At the present, Hawaiian music allows me to make many listeners very happy and the young keikis here, no matter what color, love the Ukulele as I play a lot at my surfing beach free of charge. The big kids love the music too and I can't wait for the upcoming summer season when we all converge in Montauk. There are a ton of talented folks that I surf and hangout with from the NYC bankers, fashion designers, advertisers and other business folks.

Mahalo for Supporting Hawaiian Music!
"Live Aloha"
The Aloha Spirit is alive and well here despite what others may think!

With Aloha,

Moke Young