Daisy Fest

05/12/2026

Johnny Helm. He was there when I met Donna. He was there when I proposed to her. He was there when I buried her. He was in Canada to celebrate her life. He’s been at every Daisy Fest. And for the past 4 years, he has been by my side for support.

Johnny’s night of storytelling and original music at the Velvet Monkey was a unique treat for everyone that was there, and special guest Jenny Yim surprised the room with her award winning music! Daisy Fest 2026 is still in planning stages, but these are the shows that keep Daisy’s energy alive all year ‘round! Big mahalos, my dear friends!

05/05/2026

Every time I hear Kala’e perform this song, I’m so honored and deeply moved. And I can’t help thinking about Donna, and how proud she would be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my dear friend.

I know I’ve posted versions of this song before, but I think it’s an important message of hope and healing for anyone who has experienced loss. We are all wanting our gardens to be filled again. With Daisies or whatever it is that you need...

This was last Saturday, May 2, at the Velvet Monkey in Hawaii Kai with Mika Kane on ukulele. Mahalos to Henry Kapono and the Spicer brothers for providing a first class music venue in East O’ahu!

05/01/2026

April will always be an emotional month for me. The joyful memories I have of our wedding will forever fill me up, and the death of my beloved Daisy will always scar my soul. But music will always be the bridge that carries me over the river of swirling waters.

Hanging out with Johnny Helm has been my weekly therapy. Seeing Jake, Kala’e, Tavana, Lopaka, Makana, and Jenny this month has truly kept me afloat.

And last weekend was special. Lopaka’s Sophisticated Savages at the Blue Note on Saturday, and my new friend Frankie Moreno on Sunday, finished off my April on a high note (pun intended). Saturday’s special guests Makana and Jon Yamasato, along with tributes to Willie K, made it feel like a Daisy Fest weekend. I couldn’t have asked for more. Donna would have loved it. Thank you, April…you showed me I can do it. Let’s go, May!

04/09/2026

Seeing Jake at the Blue Note is one of the many blessings of living in Waikiki. I miss my date nights with Donna, and I always think of our engagement night there. But the music keeps me going, and seeing Jake always warms my heart and makes me proud. Last night was no exception. Mahalos to Jake and the Blue Note team!

04/05/2026

I was invited to a private party last night at the Bayer Estate. The home where I threw a surprise birthday party for Donna’s 50th. Where Donna and I hosted our wedding luau. And where I held the first two Daisy Fests. I was thrilled to learn that our dear friend Makana was performing! He was at that birthday party 12 years ago. He performed at Daisy Fest. And he sang at Donna’s funeral. Donna loved him, and he has been another thread throughout our story. And continues to be there for us. Thank you, my brother. I love you.

03/09/2026

02/02/2026

Last night, DAISY FEST regular JOHNNY HELM performed # an intimate “talk story”show at the Velvet Monkey speakeasy at “Kapono’s at The Lounge.” I’ve said many times how Johnny saved my life after Donna/Daisy passed. He was working with Donna when she was diagnosed, and now he continues to honor her by holding me up daily. He was there the day I met Donna, the day I proposed to Donna, and the day I buried Donna. And he is still there for me. Thank you, my dear friend. You are making a difference.

01/15/2026

10 years ago, Blue Note officially opened it’s doors in the Outrigger Beach Resort in Waikiki. Donna and I attended the soft opening featuring Maya Azucena, and soon became regulars. Seeing our musician friends play in a world class showcase environment...in our own neighborhood...was a dream come true for us! And on February 10, after 7 years of dating, Blue Note became a permanent part of our story when Marc Cohn (Walking in Memphis) helped me propose to my future wife. And now, Blue Note Waikiki has become home to our very own Daisy Fest. Thank you Marco, Amanda and all the Blue Note staff from the past 10 years for making this our go-to music venue. And thank you Donna for all of the amazing memories…and for saying YES!! Happy Anniversary Blue Note!!!

01/02/2026

To those we loved and lost. Thank you for the good times.

I bade aloha to 2025 at the grand opening of Kapono’s in Hawaii Kai. Henry Kapono, as well as our friend Tavana, rang in the New Year with music, friends and memories. And a special aloha to Jay, Kim, Ella, Diane, Josh, Sonia, Vonella, Joshua, Louise, Peggy, Dan, Katherine, Kary, Ona, Kacy, Dave and Dorothy. Yes, I remember EVERYONE that was in the Velvet Monkey speakeasy! And I got everyone to remember everyone else’s name, too! What a great time!

Mahalos to Tavana, and to Henry and Bryan Spicer for a supporting live music, and providing a beautiful venue on the east side of O’ahu for everyone to enjoy! Happy New Year everyone!! 2026 is going to ROCK!

01/01/2026

Happy New Year to everyone!! 2025 has been challenging in so many ways, but I’m confident that HOPE will take us into 2026 with grace, love and gentle kindness. I’m spending my last evening of 2025 in the last US time zone with my friend and Daisy Fest artist Tavana!! Be safe and treat each other with aloha!!