Maoli (meaning “Native” in Hawaiian) started in Maui with Glenn Awong, a 14 year-old with a passion for music, and Kana Akiu-Corpuz. In their sophomore year, the aspiring vocalist and bassist began writing original music at the encouragement of their high school teacher. It was also during this time that Glenn started recording demos of his songs. By the time he reached his senior year, Glenn was ready to share his music with a greater audience.In 2005, Glenn and the band he formed, “No Boundaries”, won a Battle of the Bands competition on the island of Maui. With numerous performances already under his belt, Glenn then formed Maoli in 2007 with a new lineup of talented musicians, including bassist, Kana.
Maoli took the islands by storm in 2008 with their debut album entitled, “Groovin” having one hit after the next (“No One”, “Write Me A Letter”, and “So Incredible”); this was the groundbreaking album that first established the group as a premiere Hawaiian Island Reggae recording band. In 2010, Maoli did it again with their 2nd release, “Rock Easy”, featuring another treasure trove of #1 hits “Breaking My Heart”, “Whisper” and “Rock Easy”. Their 3rd album entitled “Arise” took to a national and international audience exploring Maolis love for various genres of music. “Blew it”, “Something about your love” and “Time to get over” are jus some of the diverse hits that this album displays. Maoli’s road to success continued as they toured the islands and the world promoting their very own unique Island sound.
Since then Maoli released a few singles and two full length albums, one of which containing their hit remake of “In case You Didn’t Know.”
The band went through many changes in musicians but finally welcomed their third member in 2018, keyboardist Thomas Calep.
Staying true to their roots, the boys have been sharing their musical talents nationally and internationally as their style continuously evolves in hopes to spread their sound to a city near you!
BOUT LORENZO “SURFER JOE” VALDAMBRINI
Surfer Joe is truly one of the key figures in modern surf music as well as one of the top touring artists for the genre. Participating to any world surf music event as artist or organizer, Surfer Joe has collected an experience of thousands of concerts since the late 90s. Constantly on tour worldwide, he had the honor to play on guitar or drums with several surf legends and to share the stage with many surf bands.
The music of Surfer Joe: Reverb, high rhythms and great energy! It is a concert that looks back to the origins of the genre, but shows its evolution and variety, going from the heavy Dick Dale sound to lounge and progressive atmospheres, always keeping an eye on the melody and the quality of the arrangements.
Highlights
Co-organizer of the yearly Surfer Joe Summer Festival, the most important, prestigious and awaited surf music event in then world.
Several times in the line up of the Surf Guitar 101 Convention and Tiki Oasis in California, USA.
One of the headliners of Surf-O-Rama (Spain), North Sea Surf Festival (Holland) and Asbury Park Surf Music Festival (New Jersey, USA).
Mentioned or interviewed in movies like Reverb Junkies and Sound Of The Surf or in books about surf music’s history like Surf Beat by Kent Crowley or the scientific paper Surfing About Music by Tim Cooley.
Some of his music, like the album SEÑOR SURF (2013), is considered among the best modern surf music.
Co-owner of the only restaurants dedicated to surf music, the Surfer Joe Diner, which periodically host concerts and international events.
