Darin Leong - Hawaii Guitar » Blogs

Thanks for Visiting My Site

darin — Wed, 11 May 2011 15:02:23 +0000

Hi folks. Thanks for visiting the site. Summer is fast approaching and there’s loads of music to be made. I’ve been performing at a lot of private events recently (weddings, corporate, baby 1st birthdays, anniversaries), and it has been lots of fun! If you’re looking for a solo guitarist, duo or trio, please send an e-mail through the Contact link.

Grammy Bound in 2011!

darin — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 03:40:32 +0000

Hi folks. Thanks for visiting. 2010 was a great year and I am looking forward to 2011. Thank you for all your support.

I was fortunate to have lots of solo guitar performance opportunities in 2010. Concerts, weddings, parties, corporate events. If you have something planned and need a guitarist, please send a note!

Our trio, Pineapple Tree (comprised of myself, Hoku winner and former Pure Heart lead singer Jon Yamasato, and Hoku winner David Kamakahi), are just getting into the studio. We are looking forward to it.

Finally, I recently received exciting news. I’m a Grammy nominee for my engineering work on Jeff Peterson’s album, “Maui On My Mind.” Looking forward to attending the awards in February and seeing the spectacle!

All the best to you and your families in 2011!

Darin

2010 Hoku Award Nomination

darin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 03:41:36 +0000

I am pleased to announce that I’ve been nominated for a Hoku Award in the Engineering category for my work on Jeff Peterson’s “Maui on My Mind!” It came as quite a surprise. I am told that the award is selected by a panel from the National Academy of Recording Arts. Award ceremonies are on May 30.

There are some outstanding projects on the final ballot, so I’m just happy to be there! You can check out the album here:
http://www.mountainapplecompany.com/traditional/maui-on-my-mind

Kanikapila Sunday at Hawaii Public Radio

darin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:40:06 +0000

Had a great time raising money for Hawaii Public Radio. Kanikapila Sunday is a big supporter of new Hawaiian Music. Derrick Malama (pictured right) hosts the show.

Whittier Tour with Hapa Video

darin — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:36:39 +0000

Check out this video of my tour with Hapa at Whittier College last December.

Honolulu Advertiser’s Domestic Violence Project

darin — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:00:10 +0000

Aloha Everyone,

Here are some videos for the Honolulu Advertiser’s domestic violence project, which incorporate my music.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/section/domesticviolence_journal

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/section/domesticviolence_escapeplan

Performance at Whittier College with Hapa

darin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:01:49 +0000

Great news! I will be a special guest with Hapa at Whittier College on December 6. I’m excited for several reasons. First, this is my first mainland tour. I dreamt of touring the mainland, and the opportunity is finally here! Second, I’m performing with one of my all-time favorite groups, Hapa. This is the band that inspired so much of my guitar playing. Third, it’s a great opportunity to meet new people. If you live in Los Angeles, hope to see you at the show!

2008 Hoku Awards Photo Gallery

darin — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:00:21 +0000

2008 Hoku Awards Performance Video

darin — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:01:46 +0000

Here’s another video of my performace at the 2008 Hoku Awards. This one was shot by my brother Evan using a handheld camera.

Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Recap

darin — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:29:46 +0000

Mahalo to everyone for your support at the Hokus! It was a fantastic night and a complete honor just to be there! There were so many great moments, like when Robert Cazimero gave me a big hug after my performance, talking story with Kawika Kahiapo, encouragement from Jon de Mello and Leah Bernstein, taking pictures with Jon and Ernie Cruz, saying hi to Eric Gilliom. I was like a kid in a candy store. Thank you to all of you for helping me get here.

Here’s a pic that ran in the Honolulu Advertiser: