Irvine Barclay Theatre: Nathan Aweau

UCI Students Only!

"His vibrato-rich tenor and falsetto will make you feel like you are soaring in your seat.” – Honolulu Museum of Art

Winner of 9 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawai‘i’s “Grammy”), Nathan Aweau won Male Vocalist of the Year an unprecedented four times, the only artist to have achieved this accolade. From 2003 to 2010, he was a key member of the acclaimed group Hapa, contributing to their award-winning album Maui, which reached No. 7 on Billboard’s World Music Chart.

Aweau, who is classically trained, has run the gamut of styles, playing in jazz, funk, country and even metal bands, as well as Hawaiian ensembles. His talent for fusing traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary influences is evident in his solo work. Albums like Kāne‘ohe, ‘Io, and Mau Loa have received widespread acclaim and numerous award nominations. His 2022 release, Ho‘omana‘o, further showcases his versatility, seamlessly blending Hawaiian sounds with jazz, folk, and rock.

Nathan Aweau is not only known for his beautiful vocals, but also for his musical prowess, particularly on the bass guitar, his favorite instrument (his Bass Etude album won Jazz Album of the Year honors in 2005). Often described as a musician’s musician with an in-depth understanding of orchestration, Aweau is proficient on piano, guitar, ‘ukulele, saxophone, percussion, and bass.

Nathan’s music is both deeply rooted in tradition and constantly evolving, making his performances an unforgettable experience.

Nathan will be accompanied on stage by the Puahi's Polynesian Dancers and Slack Key Ohana.

Slack Key 'Ohana is a two-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award (Hawaiian Grammy®) nominated band performing harmony-rich original songs in the Hawaiian, Hawaiian-country and Hawaiian-pop styles, along with its own interpretations of traditional Hawaiian classics.

Illuminations: The Chancellor's Arts & Culture Initiative | Website | View More Events

Contact the organizers