Timeline

`Ale`a formed in 1997
6/97- Gonzo goes to watch his old classmates Jason and Kale play Jazz at the old 'Java Java' coffee shop. He runs into Ian Custino there.

6/97- Ian Custino asks Kale, Gonzo, and his old high school friend Chad if they are all interested in forming a musical group.

8/97- Ian Custino leaves the group,Kale, Chad, & Ryan move forward, Kale's Sister Lihau names the group `Ale`a. `Ale`a's first gig as a group is at the Walker Estate. `Ale`a gets a steady gig at the 'Java Java' Cafe on Kapahulu, they meet Jon Yamasato and Jake Shimabukuro, who also play there.

10/97- Jackson Kuroiwa joins `Ale`a. Lead guitar and falsetto. He teaches Gonzo how to play guitar.

1/98- Kala`i Stern joins `Ale`a.
Falsetto, 8-string rhythm `ukulele. Jackson leaves group to finish his studies, but continues to perform occasionally with Ho'onu'a, Keahiwai, and Native Blend.

7/98- `Ale`a enters the Ka Himeni Ana competion in 1999. They place 1st with their renditions of 'Kalamaula' and 'Cowboy Medley'.

11/98- `Ale`a enters the 'Battle for the Bash' contest. They place 1st. They open the Makaha Bash that year, and also get a deal for a single with Poki Records.

1/99- `Ale`a and Poki Records sign deal to make a full length CD.

6/00- In 2000, 'Take Me Home' hits the shelves and goes on to win 4 Na Hoku Hanohano awards, and 2 Hawaii Music Awards.

9/00- Kala`i Stern leaves `Ale`a to finish his studies at UH, and to take the director position at the Honolulu Boy Choir.

4/02- `Ale`a, returns to 3, and in 2002 releases their 2nd album 'Kinohi/Origins'. It's nominated for 6 Na Hoku Hanohano awards, The Album wins one.

10/05- On October 5th, 2004 `Ale`a will release 'Kaulupono'.

Present Day

The History

The Beginning....
Band bio not quite finished yet....

In The Press

`Ale'a in the news throughout the years:

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Aug/22/ln/ln13a.html

http://news.hawaii.com/article/2004/Apr/15/il/il02a.html

http://starbulletin.com/2003/08/15/features/story3.htm

http://www.nahenahe.net/HARA/NaHokuHanohano/2003Finalist.html

http://www.oha.org/pdf/kwo02/june02kwo.pdf (page 11 & 18)

http://starbulletin.com/2001/07/12/features/story2.html

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2001/Apr/26/il/il02a.html

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2001/May/30/il/il21a.html

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2001/May/18/en/en30a.html

http://www.john-book.com/HawaiianMusicCorner/articles/AleaInterview.htm

http://www.john-book.com/ExtraThoughts/uetas30d.htm