TobyChristensen.com » kauai

Hanging in Hawaii

toby_christensen — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:14:08 +0000

I’ve been here for weeks now. It’s probably time that I do some writing. So I want to share with you the fun and magnificence of the island of Kauai! This is by far the most magical place I have experienced on the planet. Yesterday as I laid on the beach and watch the dolphins play in the surf I was overcome with a sense of gratitude and wonder. The way the earth welcomes all of us, the way the other beings that share the planet with us welcome us. It is amazing. The interesting thing so far has been the weather. There has been a tremendous amount of rain. In the past this of course would be a disappointment since all I lived for was laying in the sun and playing in the ocean. But this rain has made the island so lush and so alive! The other aspect is that the rain is primarily in the morning and the afternoons have been beautiful and sunny. So the term paradise really fits. I have been drumming and doing some private sessions, and working on some new music that will be released this fall. I am trusting that the magic of this island will be felt in the magic of the music. The longer I stay more connected I feel to the indigenous spirit of this great island. As I have talked to some of the locals and some historians in the area the power of this place and the blending of cultures leaves me spellbound.

Tonight I will be jamming with my friend Francesco. We are preparing for a performance of one of the local clubs which should be a blast! The mix of old and new, the healing drum with modern music, the voice of the heart and the rhythm of the drum, combined to bring a gift to all that listen. A powerful time on the island full of fun! I will update regularly and I’m looking forward to those who are coming to visit. By the way, there is still room in the September workshop for those who would like to attend!!!

Aloha,

Toby

Kauai Wellness Expo – Fun Energy and Celebrities!

toby_christensen — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:54:40 +0000

While on Kauai last month I had the pleasure of attending the Kauai Wellness Expo. What a great event! I was in some great energy and met a bunch of people who are committed to making the world a better place. One such person and one of my favorite people in the world is Danny Hoshimoto. Danny is kind, loving and the true embodiment of Aloha. He is also a master raw dessert maker! I enjoyed many of his amazing creations while at the expo. Below are Danny and I posing while I take the shot! and Danny creating his favorite Coconut Cream Ambrosia. It is the most delightful food I have ever tasted!!!

Another aspect of the expo are the celebrities that hang out incognito. You never know who you will run into. I have seen music great Taj Mahal, actors Jeff Bridges and Pierce Brosnan, Bill Kreutzmann from the Grateful Dead and many others. While walking about I ran into a friend who I just came to know is a world famous Qigong Master, Francesco Garripoli. This guy is amazing. Each morning he leads the people at the expo through a Qigong routine. Here is a little scoop on him from a website I found. Francesco Garri Garripoli is the Chairman of the Board of the Qigong Institute and enjoys being an author, television producer, Qigong practitioner and wellness advocate. He began his formal training in Eastern healing in Hawaii in 1977 after leaving a full medical school scholarship. His documentary Qigong: Ancient Chinese Healing for the 21st Century, airs on PBS Television, where he has produced programs for 20 years. Francesco teaches Qigong workshops around the world and through www.wujiproductions.com and is a past Chairman of the National Qigong Association. Author of Qigong Essence of the Healing Dance and Tao of the Ride, Francesco currently resides on Kauai, Hawaii at the non-profit Kahuna Valley Retreat facility www.kahunavalley.com . Here I am with Francesco, he is also a prolific song writer and guitar player.

I also ran into this person who requested to stay anonymous. Any ideas????

We shared some of Danny’s raw chocolate delight and then it was time for me to hit the beach. Thats the report from the Kauai Wellness Expo 2010. ALOHA!

Call of the Ukelele

toby_christensen — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 07:16:19 +0000

One of the kindest and most amazing people on the planet is Sam Bonanno at Larry’s Music in Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii. I met Sam a couple of years ago while visiting the island. Although a drummer by trade, I have had a passion for guitars and was feeling the call of the ukulele. When I walked into Sam’s store, the energy of Aloha was present–the energy of unconditional love, welcoming, and home. We talked and fooled around with some ukes. It was awesome. Sam’s enthusiasm and knowledge was infectious. I walked out of the store with a very nice instrument.

I visited the store several more times that trip and was blessed with Sam’s willingness to sit with me and teach me how to play! What a guy! I visit Same several times on each visit to Kauai. What a joy!

I am now the proud owner of a beautiful Kamaka Ukulele and I play it every day that I am home. While jamming with Sam one afternoon, he began to play a beautiful rendition of “I’ll Be There” by Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. I’d like to share it with you. And if you ever go to Kauai, Larry’s Music is a MUST!!! Go meet Sam and buy a uke! In the words of George Harrison, “Everybody should have a uke. You cannot play the ukulele and not be happy.” So ENJOY!

How To Tune Your Djembe

toby_christensen — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:51:32 +0000

Many people have been asking me how to tune their drums.

So, tonight my friend, Kirk, and I decided it was time to make a video to show you how it’s done.

From the paradise of Kauai’s Garden Isle, here is the video so you can keep your drums tuned and sound great.

Peace Concert Part 1

toby_christensen — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:41:43 +0000

While on Kauai I realized the vibration of peace was so strong that I had to do something to express it publicly and acknowledge the energy that was transforming me. So… after talking to my good friend, Danny Hashimoto, we began to collaborate with some wonderful people on the island to celebrate PEACE. I want to thank Danny, Isa Maria, +Elijah and all who participated in making this event so wonderful. Here is a video of one small part of the event. I’ll continue to post more as I wade through the film!! Many Blessings and Peace to you, Toby