Friends of The Island Bazaar

With friends and performers like these, we couldn't ask for better company!  Thank you one and all.

Sarah Maisel & Craig Chee

Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel are a dynamic duo in the ukulele world, celebrated for their complementary playing styles, vocal harmonies, and dedication to music education. Married in 2015, they’ve performed at prestigious ukulele festivals and events worldwide, including in Australia, the UK, Canada, Japan, Germany, Belgium, and across the United States. Both have graced the cover of Ukulele Magazine and are influential educators through their successful online school hosted by Artistworks.
Craig Chee:

• Raised in Hawaii and refined his musical career on the mainland.
• Studied at the University of Oregon.
• Known for his energetic style and collaborations with ukulele legends like Jake Shimabukuro and Troy Fernandez.

Sarah Maisel:

• Based in San Diego when she discovered the ukulele.
• Specializes in jazz-inspired Hawaiian tunes, influenced by greats like Lyle Ritz and Benny Chong.
• A captivating performer and highly sought-after teacher.

Together:

• Proud Kanileʻa Ukulele artists, supporting music education and community initiatives.
• In January 2020, they welcomed their son, Cameron, who joined them on their musical adventures from just five days old, making the ukulele truly a family affair.

Craig and Sarah continue to inspire audiences globally, embodying the spirit and joy of the ukulele community.

Victoria Vox: Ukulele Virtuoso and Award-Winning Songwriter

Victoria Vox is a celebrated ukulele artist and songwriter renowned for her infectious blend of pop-folk-jazz and her innovative approach to the instrument. A passionate songwriter since age 10, she graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Songwriting. In 2003, she transitioned from guitar to ukulele, transforming her sound with chanson-inspired jazz influences. Her groundbreaking ukulele debut, Victoria Vox and Her Jumping Flea (2006), cemented her as a pioneer in the ukulele community.

Career Highlights

• Featured on the covers of Ukulele Magazine and UKE Mag multiple times.
• Shared stages with legends such as Jake Shimabukuro, James Hill, and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.
• Known for her “mouth trumpet,” a vocal horn imitation showcased on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and praised in The Wall Street Journal.
• Her bilingual music has appeared in indie films and global indie radio, highlighting her songwriting versatility.

Advocacy and Community Impact

• Actively supports environmental and social causes, donating music to organizations like 1% for the Planet and the Duchenne Foundation.
• Engages fans through creative, fan-funded projects and pandemic-era entertainment with The Best Medicine Show, performed with her husband, Jack Maher, as the duo Jack & the Vox.
• Inspires the next generation through ukulele workshops, songwriting residencies, and programs like the New Zealand Ukulele Trust, where her song “The Bird Song” was performed by 2,500 children.

Global Influence and Performances

Originally from Green Bay, WI, Vox has lived in France, England, Nashville, and Baltimore, and now resides in Costa Mesa, CA. Her performances span the U.S., Europe, New Zealand, and beyond, captivating audiences with her unique style, live looping, and heartfelt songwriting.

Join Us at the Orange County Uke Fest 2025!

Island Bazaar Ukes is thrilled to support the Orange County Uke Fest 2025, celebrating music, creativity, and the ukulele community. Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of artists like Victoria Vox. 🌴🎶

Aldrine Guerrero: Ukulele Virtuoso and Educator

Aldrine Guerrero, co-owner and head instructor of Ukulele Underground, has dedicated his career to teaching and inspiring the global ukulele community. Born in the Philippines and moving to Hawaii at age 7, Aldrine began performing in small-town venues as a middle schooler, eventually captivating audiences worldwide. He has played on stages across the US, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, Korea, China, Australia, the Czech Republic, the UK, and France.

Ukulele Underground

For over a decade, Aldrine has shared his expertise through Ukulele Underground, nurturing the next generation of ukulele players. His lessons have reached hundreds of thousands of students, creating a thriving community of fans, learners, and lifelong friends.

Accomplished Performer and Artist

Aldrine has released four full-length albums and three EPs, showcasing original compositions and innovative reimaginings. His music has been featured on platforms including radio, TV, and film:

• Played ukulele for Adam Sandler’s “Hotel Transylvania”.
• Contributed to independent films like A Short History of Decay.
• Appeared in crossover episodes of The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers.
• Featured artist on Kanileʻa’s 20th Anniversary CD, Ola Ka `Āina.

A Legacy of Music

Aldrine’s blend of talent, humor, and versatility makes his music a joy to experience. Whether performing live, teaching online, or contributing to pop culture moments, he continues to push the boundaries of ukulele artistry.

So kick back, relax, and enjoy the smooth sounds of Aldrine Guerrero—an artist whose music and teaching embody the heart of the ukulele community.

Herb Ohta, Jr.: Ukulele Master and Cultural Ambassador

Herb Ohta, Jr. is a celebrated teacher, composer, recording artist, entertainer, and producer, renowned for his contributions to the ukulele and Hawaiian music. Following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Herb Ohta (Ohta-San), Herb Jr. has become a vanguard of his generation, promoting the beauty of Hawai‘i’s music, culture, and the ukulele on a global scale.

Global Performer

Herb has performed extensively across Hawai‘i and internationally in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the mainland United States. His captivating performances and dedication to his craft continue to elevate the ukulele's presence in the worldwide music landscape.

Legacy and Mission

With a goal to share the spirit of Hawai‘i through music, Herb Ohta, Jr. combines technical mastery with heartfelt compositions, bridging traditional and contemporary styles. His passion for teaching and performing ensures that the ukulele’s legacy endures for generations to come, solidifying his role as a cultural ambassador and icon in the ukulele world.

 
 Lil' Rev: Ukulele Maestro and Keeper of American Musical Traditions

 
Lil' Rev is an award-winning ukulele author, entertainer, and educator based in Wisconsin. Known for his dedication to American musical traditions, he is a sought-after performer and teacher at festivals, music camps, clubs, and folk societies across North America. A gifted storyteller and music historian, Lil' Rev masterfully blends songs and stories to create engaging and unforgettable performances.
Musical Style and Versatility 
Lil' Rev’s ukulele style is deeply rooted in blues, jazz, and country traditions, enriched by his original compositions. A true jack-of-all-trades, he employs diverse techniques, including:

• Finger-picking
• Claw-hammer
• Chord-melody
• Single-string lead
• Campanella

Accolades and Recognition

• Voted Best Folksinger in Wisconsin (2004).
• Winner of the 1996 National Blues Harmonica Championship.
• Praised as a "ukulele and harmonica wizard" by Elderly Instruments.

Legacy 
Lil' Rev’s passion for preserving and sharing classic American music makes him a treasured figure in the ukulele and folk music communities. Whether teaching, performing, or authoring, he continues to inspire audiences with his mastery and deep respect for musical heritage.

Daniel Ho: Grammy-Winning Musical Ambassador of Hawaii

 
Daniel Ho’s journey from humble beginnings in Honolulu to becoming one of Hawaii’s most celebrated contemporary musicians in Los Angeles is a testament to his versatility and dedication. A multi-talented musician, producer, singer/songwriter, arranger, composer, engineer, and record company owner, Daniel has made an indelible mark on the global music scene.
Accolades and Recognition

• Six-time GRAMMY Award Winner in categories including Best Hawaiian Music Album, Best Pop Instrumental Album, and Best World Music Album.
• Featured slack key guitarist and producer, known for elevating Hawaiian music to international acclaim.
• Described by Ukulele Magazine as “Hawaii’s greatest contemporary musical ambassador.”

Legacy 
Through his artistry and production, Daniel Ho bridges the traditions of Hawaiian music with contemporary global sounds. His dedication to excellence and cultural advocacy continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Bill Tapia: The Jazz Ukulele Legend

Bill Tapia, affectionately known as "Uncle Bill," was a pioneering jazz guitarist and ukulele virtuoso whose career spanned over nine decades. Beginning in vaudeville, he went on to perform with legendary artists such as Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, and Hawaiian greats like King Bennie Nawahi, Sol Hoʻopiʻi, and Andy Iona.

Career Highlights

• Known for blending jazz and Hawaiian music, Tapia became a beloved figure in both genres.
• Despite his lifelong contributions to music, he didn’t record his first album until 2004, at the age of 96, demonstrating his enduring passion for the craft.
• Designed and refined ukuleles, collaborating with luthiers to innovate and improve the instrument over the years.
• Shared his life story in a detailed NAMM Oral History Program interview in March 2004.

Legacy

Bill Tapia passed away peacefully on December 2, 2011, just shy of his 104th birthday. His incredible career and contributions to music, particularly his fusion of jazz and ukulele, solidify his status as a trailblazer and an enduring inspiration in the ukulele and jazz communities.

Bobby Tomei: Our Very Own Ukulele Legend

Bobby Tomei, a beloved figure in the Huntington Beach ukulele community, left an enduring legacy through his passion for music and dedication to the ukulele. As the Performance Coordinator for the Kolohe 'Ukulele Club, Bobby brought joy to countless enthusiasts who gathered at Island Bazaar for weekly jams. He also led his own group, the "Ukulele Rascals," and actively participated in local clubs such as the "Oasis Strummers" in Corona Del Mar.

Beyond organizing and performing at community events, Bobby's efforts included supporting annual fundraiser concerts at Island Bazaar, ensuring club members had access to music and resources. His enthusiasm and leadership made him a cherished part of the ukulele scene in Southern California.

Although Bobby passed away a few years ago, his contributions continue to resonate within the ukulele community. His music, camaraderie, and dedication to fostering the joy of playing live on in the hearts of those who knew him.