Daisy Fest

Daisy Fest A musical tribute to love, hope, and dreams. A fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research, so that daisies can grow once again.

09/02/2026

Daisy Fest Alumni Sistah Robi and Kala’e Camarillo played at the Velvet Monkey this past weekend. To be in a small intimate room, listening Robi talk story, and hearing their voices harmonize so perfectly, was truly a gift. As it was when Donna saw the two of them for her very last concert, three days before her cancer diagnosis.

One of the many stories that Robi shared was the fact that Dolly Parton’s restaurant, Dockside Plantation, was in the very spot where The Lounge and The Velvet Monkey are now! Dolly’s essence and aloha are, and always will be, a part of that building…and as a tribute, they sang Islands in the Stream, which has never felt more appropriate.

Sitting there, I felt Donna’s Aloha, along with Dolly’s. Mahalo to Robi and Kala’e, for keeping their spirits with us, and feeding our souls.

08/24/2026

I love when there are Daisy Fest collaborations around town. And this weekend had some great ones!!

Last night, Johnny Helm did a rare show with a full band at the newly opened TAVANA’s. And joining him on guitar was none other than Tavana himself! These guys have become two of my closest friends in our music community, and I will always be grateful to them for what they do. They have both been gracious participants in multiple Daisy Fests, and schedule-depending, they will be again this year!

The band also featured Wil Fatolo on bass and Jason Bazilian on drums and cajon. And opening for them was the award winning Daisy Fest alum Jenny Yim!!

Mahalo to you guys for what you do for the community...and congratulations to Tavana for continuing the legacy of Anna Banana’s!!

07/13/2026

Congratulations to JOHNNY HELM for winning his first Na Hoku Hanohano (Hawaiian GRAMMY) award last night, for GENERAL ENGINEERING on Henry Kapono’s single, “Summertime!”

I’m proud to say that Johnny can add this to his two EMMY AWARDS, his American Advertising Award, and his prior 3 Na Hoku Hanohano nominations!! You definitely need a bigger shelf, my brother!

06/09/2026

Happy Oopsy-Daisy Day!! Really…it’s a thing!!

06/01/2026

Jenny Yim opened for Anuhea at the Blue Note on Friday night…and joined her on stage for a hana hou!!

Jenny leaned into her storytelling, and had the crowd smitten and eating out of the palm of her hand! She is landing, and I’m so proud!! Go Jenny!!!

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!

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Blue Note Hawaii, 2335 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI
96815

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