`Ike Pono’s sound emulates that of traditional Hawaiian music, with an up-beat twist. Utilizing their formal training with other influences, ‘Ike Pono focuses much of their sound on their musical abilities, to include interesting riffs and progressions, lead work and solid three-part harmony.
During the past ten years, `Ike Pono has had the honor of performing in some of the most beautiful Waikiki hotel properties, The Pier Bar at Aloha Tower Marketplace, Kapono’s and Aku Bone Bar and Grill. Other appearances have included the Hawaiian105 KINE Appreciation Party, Battle of the Bash, The City & County of Honolulu's Sunset on the Beach, Ho`omau at the Waikiki Shell and one of the opening acts for the Cecilio & Kapono Reunion Concert.
STANTON OSHIRO: Born and raised in Honolulu, Stanton attended Leeward area schools from Palisades Elementary to Pearl City High School. His interest in music first started under the tutelage of renowned ‘ukulele instructor, Roy Sakuma, in the summer of 1974. Classes were held in the open air recreation center at the Manana housing complex. In his early days Stan’s ‘ukulele class performed in the annual ‘ukulele festivals at the Kapiolani Bandstand and the old Ala Moana Americana Hotel for the Melveen Leed’s Christmas Show, an icon in Hawaiian music.
It wasn’t until years later when he was away from home serving in the US Air Force that Hawaiian music and culture really took root in Stan’s being. It was there in Germany where he met up with other Hawaiians and started performing at the NCO clubs and other cultural functions with Hula Halau Kalei Aloha Pa Hula, and has played with groups like the Nu’uanu Brothers, other Hula Halau, and “back-yard” musicians. Stanton has been playing with ‘Ike Pono for over 10 years and continues to dig his roots deeper and nurture his love for traditional Hawaiian music.
BOBBY YU: Local boy raised in Palolo Valley...Bobby graduated from Kaimuki High in 1973 and started playing Hawaiian music in the 70’s working at the Heritage Theatre in King’s Alley. Bass playing influences came from older brother, Johnny Yu, cousin, Steve Ma’i’i, Randy Lorenzo, Kenny Wild and the many bass players throughout the world that have made their recordings available to dissect and analyze.
Bobby’s song writing influences came from the sky a lot. “I seem to get inspirations whenever I’m flying. That’s how I wrote Full Circle Rainbow on this CD and White Mountain of Clouds from the ‘Ike Pono Ka Mano Wai CD.“ Other influences to songwriting are also attributed to wife of 32 years, Leilani Mae and daughters, Danielle Pualehuananiokekuahiwi and Amanda Makalealea. Bobby’s bass playing style is what gives ‘Ike Pono that traditional Hawaiian yet, funky, move your feet sound. Bobby quotes, “If it feels good, do it; learn about it; make it your own; and ultimately, give glory to God.”
MICHAEL LOWE: Growing up in the great Northwest, Michael has been playing Hawaiian music since his childhood. Although raised in the mainland, Michael discovered his love for Hawaiian music at an early age. After serving his country in the US Air Force, Michael settled in Hawai’I to pursue a deeper understanding of his Hawaiian roots in music.
Under the tutelage of the late Raymond Kane, Michael learned the finer arts of Slack Key Guitar, and toured with Raymond for 3 years before starting with ‘Ike Pono. He has also toured with Akoni Malacas, the KCCN FM 100 All-Star Band, Norm Thompson, and a few others. Michael has had a career in marketing and advertising with Cox Radio/KCCN FM 100 for more than 10 years.