Music Center | Holiday Celebration Encore: Daniel Ho Trio & Friends

About The Performers

Hālau Hula Keali`i o Nālani

The highly acclaimed dancers of Hālau Hula Keali`i o Nālani are known for their perpetuation of ancient hula, Hawaiian culture and its traditions. Equally impressive is their forward-thinking ability to present contemporary interpretations of new music and themes. The hālau serves as a vessel in which these legacies are taught and shared through hula. Members of the hālau range in age from children to seniors, male and female, and consist of different levels (e.g., recreational, competitive) based on their commitment to the art of hula. Dedicated to their 7 / 11 kumu (teacher), some members have been with Keali'i since the start of the hālau in 1991.

Daniel Ho Trio

The Daniel Ho Trio features Randy Drake on drums and Steve Billman on bass. They are consummate musicians and instructors with long careers in the Los Angeles area. Randy and Steve have been recording and performing with Daniel for 25 years.

Makoto Taiko

Expanding on Daniel's love of world music is Makoto Taiko. The Makoto Taiko ensemble centers its performance around traditional Japanese taiko drums. The Pasadena-based community group was established in 1999 and has grown to include eighty members. Through precisely articulated rhythm and movements, Makoto Taiko’s drumming provides a powerful experience that, despite its Japanese origin, transcends cultures. Makoto Taiko is proud to serve the community through classes, workshops, performances, and other charitable activities.

Arcadia High School Orchestra

The 285 member Arcadia High School Orchestral program has three performing orchestras lead by directors Mr. Tom Forbes and Ms. Pin Chen. The three orchestras give many different performances throughout the school year. The Arcadia High School Orchestra has been in existence since the opening of the school in 1952. The program has become the model for many orchestra programs throughout California. The Orchestras have performed at both state and local music educators conferences. Arcadia High School is a past recipient of the Bravo Award for excellence in the arts. Aside from concerts, the orchestras also take part in various competitions and festivals.

Watch Now

Daniel Hol Trio + Friends (2018)

Artist Q + A

: I’m always blown away by how seamlessly everyone works behind the scenes to create the magnificent production. I love the professionalism and courteousness of the staff and crew—from the thoughtfully organized correspondence, to the moment we check in at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Artists' Entrance, to the giddy excitement felt as we’re graciously prompted onto the stage minutes before show time. All involved are at their festive best, and it is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays.

It’s also a special treat to take a big group photo in front of the elegantly decorated foyer.
: Interaction with the audience. I appreciate being able to share music that is very personal and important to me. When I compose, my work is typically created at home in solitude. Everything comes to life as you feel the exchange of energy when it is presented to an audience. It’s validating to know that for someone somewhere, a particular chord or lyric may have resonated with them in a memorable way. I find value in knowing that I’ve connected with people at an emotional level.
: Collaborations in writing, choreography, rehearsals and fine-tuning culminate in a performance, an accomplishment beyond words. Just as these productions take time and effort to affect so many in a positive way, this is our time to perform as a community-wide ensemble to take care of one another with compassion, courage and love. In our connectedness, we are resilient, and 'the show WILL go on'!

Holiday Celebration Encore Daniel Ho Trio & Friends