Michael McDonald with his Kala Koa Cutaway
Photo credit : Soundstage/HD Ready
http://www.michaelmcdonald.com

Taj Mahal

Uke Orchestra of Great Britain 

Joe Brown (Joe Brown Kala Signature Model)
Legendary  musician Joe Brown, an icon to British audiences, is also known as the man who introduced George Harrison to the ukulele.  His show-stopping performance at the George Harrison Tribute concert in 2002 with “I’ll See You In My Dreams” was both memorable and moving, a fitting tribute to one of his closest friends.  After 50 years Joe is still making new and highly acclaimed records. Joe is one of the few musicians that can lay claim to the fact that the Beatles were once an opening act for him!  www.joebrown.co.uk

Lil Rev is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and music-historian who teaches and tours internationally. Lil Rev is also a popular author of ukulele instructional books for Hal Leonard Publishing.  His many awards and frequent travels have garnered him a loyal and growing fan base amongst lovers of all things, Ukulele, Folk, Old Time, Harmonica, Jewish Music & Culture, American Labor History and Respect for our Elders!

Raul Malo
Raul Malo was a founding member and lead singer for the band, The Mavericks, whose achievements include Grammy, Academy of Country Music, and Country Music Association awards. Raul continues to have a busy recording and touring schedule as a solo artist. His most recent release is Sinners and Saints. www.raulmalo.com

Julia Nunes (Kala Archtop)
Julia has created over 60 music videos of originals and covers, most of which have been viewed an average of 650,000 times. One might think that her most popular video must be one of her covers, Destiny’s Child‘s “Survivor“, Weezer‘s “Keep Fishin‘”, or the Foundations’ “Buttercup“, but with almost 2 million views, Julia‘s original, “Into The Sunshine” tops the list. This song is from her 14 track CD, "I Wrote These". http://www.junumusic.com

Daniel Ho: Pocket Uke
From his simple beginnings in Honolulu to his life amid the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Daniel Ho has worked over the years as a musician, producer, singer/songwriter, arranger, composer, engineer, and record company owner. The most compelling of these roles has been as a six-time GRAMMY Award winning producer, featured slack key guitarist, and artist in the "Best Hawaiian Music Album" category.

Heidi Swedberg
has found a second act in the world of kid’s music.  After 20 years as an actress in the film and television industry (she is frequently recognized for her role as the envelope licking “Susan” in Seinfeld) she finally feels like she is doing useful, fulfilling work. As a native haole Hawaiian (that is, anglo born there) Heidi began playing the ukulele as a small child.  Heidi now teaches all ages, from early childhood music to ukulele for retirees and is going to Haiti to teach at an orphanage. Heidi's band,  The Sukey Jump Band ,is part of her master plan to encourage all people to make music part of their lives.

David Barratt is an accomplished composer, producer and visual artist with two gold and one platinum record to his name and a resume that includes Robert Plant and David Bowie. In 2008, David's audio sculpture (www.karito.org) comprised of national anthems of UN member states layered upon one another was installed at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

THE BEATLES COMPLETE ON UKULELE is David's most recent project. Featuring artists as diverse as English pop icon Samantha Fox, Israeli heavy metal band The Historians, and Wang Chung. His version of Let It Be features lead vocal by Barack Obama. "The Beatles Complete On Ukulele hold this truth to be self-evident: The world would be a nicer place if every citizen spent "a little bit of time" playing The Ukulele."   www.TheBeatlesCompleteOnUkulele.com

Jim D'Ville  (Kala Travel Ukulele)
Jim D'Ville hosts the blog Play Ukulele By Ear .  He has created an original and very organic approach to teach others how to play ukulele “by ear” and how to understand the basic foundation of all songs.  He wrote The Natural Way To Music;  An Organic Approach To Understanding & Playing Music with banjo legend Bill Keith, and has produced a Play Ukulele By Ear DVD series.  http://playukulelebyear.blogspot.com

Ryan O' Neal (Sleeping At Last) (Kala Mango, and Koa) Since the release of 2003’s Ghosts, the members of Sleeping At Last have logged in thousands of miles on the road, earned heaps of critical acclaim and continue to refine their alternative rock machinery. The Chicago based trio has amassed a considerable following in all parts of the globe, connecting with their audience in an artistic melting pot of swelling anthems and lyrical sincerity.  http://www.sleepingatlast.com

Dustin Barber(Al Green) ( Kala Flame Maple, 8-string)
As the guitarist for Al Green, Dusty has performed in concerts and on TV around the world. When he is not on the road with Al, Dustin can be found playing his Kala ukulele with Jimmy Parrish and the Ocean Waves Band, a collaboration which allows him to show his versatility in Caribbean, Reggae, and island musical styles.   www.dustinbarber.com

Kate Power/Steve Einhorn (The Ukalaliens
Kate Power and Steve Einhorn (Quality Folk) have been spreading the gospel of uke across the country with their fun and entertaining UkalalienTM  workshops.  Featuring lessons from their Ukalalien Songbook and accompanying CD,  Kate and Steve teach beginners how to play ukulele through easy to play songs. www.qualityfolk.com

Deni Bonet (Kala Koa Cutaway, Travel, and U.Bass)
Deni Bonet is a singer/songwriter and world-class electric violinist. Deni has performed, toured and recorded with Cyndi Lauper, REM, Sarah McLachlan, Warren Zevon, Robyn Hitchcock and many others before forming her own highly regarded band. Since picking up the Ukulele she has barely put it down. On her new CD, a follow up to her  highly acclaimed “Last Girl On Earth”, Deni will prominently feature her new Kala ukulele. http://www.denibonet.com

Danielle Ate The Sandwich (Spruce Top Tenor Cutaway, Mahogany)
Danielle Anderson (aka Danielle Ate the Sandwich) has had over 150,000 views of her cover of Bonnie Raitt's I can't Make you Love Me on Youtube. "One lucky day in December, 2008, I had a video featured on youtube’s homepage. Since then, listeners from all over the world have watched and commented on my videos and songs. It’s made a lot of things possible for me, especially the opportunity to play my songs around the country and have an audience of people who seem ready and willing to listen." www.youtube.com/daniellesmagic

Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Cathy and Marcy Grammy winners, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, are veteran instructors and performers who have spent 35 years on tour worldwide. They are equally at home in multiple genres of music including folk, country, swing and family music.  Marcy's DVD "Ukulele for Kids" has been a Best Seller for Homespun Tapes and she has just released a CD/Songbook, "Ukulele Fun for Everyone". Uke accompaniment has been gracing Cathy and Marcy's GRAMMY winning family music for over 25 years. www.cathyandmarcy.com

Jay Smart
(THE SMART BROTHERS) Drawing on a rich heritage of roots music reminiscent of Bob Dylan and the Everly Brothers, Jay and Lou Smart have been playing colleges and festivals from coast to coast, sharing the stage with the likes of Matt Costa, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, and Roger Clyne.  Featuring raw, beautiful brothers’ harmony, award-winning songwriting, and a captivating live show, don’t miss the Smart Brothers when they are in your town.  www.thesmartbrothers.com

Callie Cryer, Phoebe Cryar, The Vespers  (Kala Lacewood)
The Vespers are a seamless union of two brothers and two sisters that conceive a creative blend of music that gives their audience a sense of family unity. The Cryar Sisters and Jones Brothers have been marinated in a plethora of musical backgrounds that have evolved into a unique blend of their styles; resulting in the harmonious resonance of The Vespers.
http://www.myspace.com/thevespersofficial

Dallon Weekes/ Panic At Disco and The Brobecks (Kala Koa)
The Brobecks is the full-time project of singer/songwriter Dallon Weekes,  pulled off nicely with the help of many friends.  ”Adorable, intelligent indie-pop.” - SPIN Magazine In August of 2009 Rolling Stone Magazine published an interview with Spencer Smith of Panic! At The Disco announcing the Dallon Weekes would be performing as their new touring bassist. www.myspace.com/brobecks   www.panicatthedisco.com

Luthea Salom  (Koa Cutaway)
Luthea Salom's contagious and fun melodies have won over fans and critics alike including the Grammy Ballots in 2008. In June 2011 her song "Blank Piece Of Paper" was selected Best Song of the month by the prestigious international contest "Crank Your Cred" part of ISC. Her third CD "Kick In The Head" released in Europe (2010) is receiving critical acclaim and increasing exposure with Spotify listens, iTunes downloads and hard copy sales across Europe where she tours often also performing on national broadcast TV & radio stations. It is scheduled to come out in the USA on February 14th 2012. http://www.lutheasalom.com

Stanley Gonzales, Whisky Chimp (Koa Baritone) Bio:   Whiskey Chimp is known for taking its audiences on a genre bending roller coaster of musical emotions.  From very traditional bluegrass, they may venture deep into punk rock roots or tangent off into a rousing mariachi ballad. Whiskey Chimp’s repertoire of original material and choice cover songs delightfully violates all rules of engagement. "The Uke really lends itself to all styles of string band music.  I love the baritone uke because I can really swing the groove with old-time-sock-rhythms and give the songs a country swing sound.  I also love to use it to play Mexican Folk music. "I'm really impressed with the tonality and playability of Kala Ukuleles.”     www.whiskeychimpband.com

Snap Jackson (Kala Mango Tenor, Solid Spruce )
Snap Jackson is the creator and singer/songwriter of Snap Jackson & The Knock on Wood Players. This band is an acoustic quartet hailing from Stockton California. Their music blends Americana, Bluegrass, Soul, & Old Time Music to create a unique, fresh, & energetic sound. Whether it's a street corner, theatre, or outdoor festival, these boys are sure to leave a lasting impression.    www.knockonwoodplayers.com 

Henry Gross      in 1969, during his first semester at Brooklyn College, Henry co- founded the 1950’s Rock & Roll revival band “Sha Na Na”. That summer he became the youngest performer at “The Woodstock Festival.” Leaving the group to record on his own, he made over a dozen critically acclaimed albums highlighted by his classic A&M Records LP, “Plug Me Into Something” in 1975. In 1976, he received a gold record for his worldwide hit “Shannon,” a song inspired by the death of Beach Boy’s lead singer Carl Wilson’s Irish Setter! Henry has shared the stage with some of the greatest artists in rock-and-roll history including Aerosmith, The Beach Boys, Ricky Nelson, Mark Knopfler, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and Fleetwood Mac. As an actor, he starred in the road company of the Broadway hit PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES. In recent years Henry has been writing and recording CDs for his own Zelda Records label.   Image : Steve Satterwhite.  www.henrygross.com

Michael Powers
(Kala Acacia, and Koa Cutaway)
As a guitarist Michael Powers  has performed or recorded with Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, Diane Schuur, Gladys Knight and the Pips, David Benoit, and the Yellowjackets. After performing in a double-bill concert with Jake Shimabukuro, Michael caught the ukulele bug.  His  first all-ukulele album, "Urban Ukulele"  was released at the 2010 Tahoe Area Ukulele Festival where he opened for James Hill. Michael has been on tour in support of the album since the festival.
www.michaelpowersmusic.com

Becky Jo Benson, New Christy Minstrels
Becky Jo Benson is a member of The New Christy Minstrels, Under the Direction of Randy Sparks. Without Becky Jo Benson there surely would be no revived New Christy Minstrels. "She has been the workhorse through all of the good times and bad," Randy acknowledges."  About Kala, Becky says "I just want you to know that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE my Kala Ukes!!!  www.thenewchristyminstrels.com

Justin Fox Christian artist
Justin Fox holds makes no attempt to hold back his enthusiasm about his ukulele,  "Oh, yah - it’s UKE time!!!  My friend and producer, Pete Dawson talked me into playing the ukulele live right after the Seabright release, and it’s been a big hit ever since.  For years now, I’ve drug that thing everywhere, from Hawaii to Sri Lanka, D.C. to Decatur, and broken it 3 times!  My amazing endorsement comes from a long time friend; Michael Upton at Kala Ukulele.   www.justinfox.com

Kyle Heimann , Popple  
(Kala Utar)
Kyle Heimann is half of the Acoustic-Humor-Rock duo, Popple. Based out of Indiana, Popple travels the country to play songs about ninjas, puppy dogs and video games on acoustic guitar, ukulele and kazoo. Popple can be found playing for youth groups, camps, retreats, rallies,and anywhere else their music ministry takes them.  At times it is a ministry of joy, at other times a ministry of prayer. Either way, it is always fun. http://www.popple.us/web

Rachel Pearl
A tousle of red atop shapely dress, she takes the old, mixes it with the new and constantly tests the boundaries of where music should go. Rachel channels the 20th Century classics of Ella, Billie Holiday, and Peggy Lee while crooning her self-penned compositions from her CDs and some interesting covers. 
"Rachel Pearl adds a fun-loving touch.. not only does she have an incredible voice, but she has lots of sass and pizzazz as well. from her charm to her cute, quirky stage presence, there’s not much to not love about her." -knoxville journal.

Yannick Van Loo (Kala Acacia, Mango, U-Bass)
Belgium based Yannick Van Loo, aka Jaynickel, won the “Join the safari” contest organized by Bosko & Honey with the song called “The Mighty Ukulele Song”. Jaynickel sings and plays in three bands: "Les Mecs du Nord", "The Original Redcats" and "Jaynickel & Zaza". Jaynickel is currently working on two albums that will be released in 2010. http://www.yannickvanloo.be

Jodelle
Armed with her Kala flame maple tenor ukulele and retinue of of musical instruments, Jodelle performs original indie pop rock in clubs, festivals, and radio and television across North America and Europe .  In addition to her solo career, Jodelle has collaborated and performed with other artists that include Steve Addabbo (Suzanne Vega), Steve Holley (Wings) and Fred Schneider (B52's). Stay tuned for Jodelle’s next CD release.   http://www.jodelle.net