Kris Fuchigami’s musical journey began at age 13 with an old, beat-up ‘ukulele and a dream to become a master of the instrument. Now 34, he’s living the dream, with three coveted Na Hoku Hanohano awards for Instrumental Composition of the Year a testament to his prowess, not just as a player, but also as a songwriter. His statuettes are for his original songs “Life Is” in 2019, “Brave” in 2021, and “Always Be There” in 2023.
Fuchigami’s most recent win actually is a testament as to how popular the ‘ukulele remains in its homeland, Hawaii — as “Always Be There” tied with “Pipeline’s Daughter,” which was written and performed by fellow ‘ukulele wiz, Taimane Gardner. Asked about the instrument’s popularity, Fuchigami said, “I think it’s because it’s simple.” “It is simple, user-friendly, and you don’t have to stress out playing it,” he said.
“You can hold a chord with just one or two fingers, and it just sounds extremely beautiful.” Fuchigami will headline a concert at 7 p.m.
Friday at the Palace Theater in downtown Hilo. The Waiakea Intermediate School ‘Ukulele Band will open, and there also will be performances by special guests Lito Arkangel and Pomai Bartolome. Bartolome also is the emcee.
Advance tickets are $25 general, $35 reserved, available at hilopalace.com. Tickets will be $5 more the day of the show.
It will be Fuchigami’s third time headlining a concert at Hilo’s historic art deco theater. As usual, he’.