Since the pandemic, the Nihonmachi Street Fair has brought the spirit of Aloha to Japantown through our FREE Aloha by the Bay™ concerts at the Peace Plaza. Thanks to a grant from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, we've been able to host incredible talent like Patrick Landeza, Steven Espaniola, Faith Ako, Pomaika’i, Na Leo Pumehana, Gary Haleamau, Nathan Aweau, Ho’okena with Kumu Hula Nani Dudoit, Ei Nei, Kamaha’o Haumea-Thronas, Azure McCall, Namaka Cosma-White & Sean Parks, and Hoaka with Shane Kahalehau all stellar performers who shared the aloha spirit here in Japantown.
But we need your support!
With the Peace Plaza under renovation until 2026, we're determined to keep the Aloha alive in Japantown. To continue offering FREE outdoor concerts and our annual Street Fair, we're hosting a fundraising concert on Saturday, August 17th.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of Hawaiian music and culture as we raise funds to keep this beloved tradition going. Your support will help us bring even more amazing artists to the stage and ensure that the Aloha spirit thrives in our community.
Mahalo for your support!
Come join the Nihonmachi Street Fair for a night of Hawaiian music and aloha spirit at the Hotel Kabuki! Be mesmerized by the beautiful harmonies of Na Leo Pilimehana as they take the stage. It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the sounds of Hawaii right here in San Francisco's Japantown. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of music and aloha all to support the Nihonmachi Street Fair.
Online ticket sales for Aloha by the Bay featuring Na Leo Pilimehana has closed.
Tickets will be sold at the door.
Na Leo Pilimehana
It was 40 years ago that the world was introduced to the harmony of three high school friends singing on stage at the Brown Bags to Stardom talent contest at the Waikiki Shell. It was that performance that started it all for Na Leo Pilimehana and changed the direction of contemporary music in Hawai`i. With their original song “Local Boys,” Na Leo Pilimehana won the talent competition and put themselves on the map as musicians. To this day, “Local Boys” remains the #1 selling single in Hawai`i’s history. That was only the beginning.
Today they have over 23 CDs, more than 20 #1 hits with two of them hitting the top 25 national charts. Having written, recorded, and performed more than twenty #1 hits, their music has marked life’s milestones for their fans becoming the playlist to their lives.
Brook Lee, Mistress of Ceremony for the evening
Brook Lee is a Native Hawaiian beauty queen turned TV host and cultural advocate. She made history as the first Native Hawaiian to win Miss USA and Miss Universe. After her reign, she transitioned into television, hosting various shows and becoming a familiar face. Today, Lee is dedicated to preserving Hawaiian culture, serving as Artistic Director of the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame and leading the Lei Poina'ole Project to restore the local lei industry.
Kamaha’o Haumea-Thronas: A Hawaiian Music Prodigy
Hailing from Kauai, Kamaha'o was immersed in Hawaiian culture from birth. At 10, he was discovered by Na Palapalai and quickly became a sensation. By 12, he hosted his own show and joined the Mana Māori Youth Collective. His viral performance of "Hawaiian Cowboy" at 13 solidified his status as a rising star. With a deep connection to his roots, Kamaha'o is redefining Hawaiian music for a new generation.
Kumu Lahapa Doroen; Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie & Halau Kahulaliwai
Under the direction of Kumu Lāhapa Doroen, Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie a me
Halau Kahulaliwai is honored to perform to support this wonderful event. They are a traditional hālau from Brentwood, California and strive to perpetuate hula and Hawaiian culture.
Kumu Lāhapa is a firm believer of giving back to our local community and she and her students have devoted countless hours volunteering for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, organizing donation drives for local seniors, and performing for various nonprofit organization’s programs and events, including Nihonmachi Street Fair’s Aloha by the Bay™.
Since 2007 the Nihonmachi Street Fair (NSF) has been presenting and collaborating with many Hawaiian musicians, cultural performers and culinary giants such as Hapa, Brothers Cazimero, and Chef Sam Choy.
In 2013 NSF presented it’s first Aloha by the Bay™ music concert fundraiser at the Palace of Fine Arts featuring Raiatea Helm, two-time Grammy nominee, eight-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award recipient, Nathan Aweau, two-time Grammy nominee, three-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award recipient, and Steven Espaniola, New Artist of the Year winner at the Hawaii Music Awards.
Since then artists such as Kapena, Makaha Sons, Kuini, Jeff Peterson, Mark Yamanaka, Waipuna, Weldon Kekauoha, Faith Ako, Gary Haleamau & Kāwili, Kalei Gamiao, Jon Yamasato, Justin Young, Patrick Landeza, Pomaika'i, Hālau Nā Wai Ola and many others have graced the Aloha by the Bay™ stage in support of the Nihonmachi Street Fair.