Kalapana

In 1973, Kalapana was born from the talent of David John (DJ) Pratt, Carl James Malani Bilyeu, Bryant Mackey Feary, and Kirk Thompson. Within a year, they opened shows for Earth, Wind & Fire, Batdorf & Rodney, the Moody Blues, Sly & The Family Stone and C & K, and released their first album “Kalapana” which included, as sidemen: Michael Paulo on sax and flute; and Alvin Fejerang on drums. The songs on Kalapana and Kalapana II, became the classics of a new era in Contemporary Hawaiian music, and continue to shape and inspire the island sound and its musicians.

Reaching unprecedented success through continued airplay on local and mainland stations, as well as, in Japan, Philippines, the South Pacific, & Europe, their popularity was manifested in the three-show run at the Waikiki Shell in June 1976, along with their winning of several Nani Awards (the predecessor to the present day Na Hoku Hanohano Awards).

When Mackey left to pursue a solo career, Kalapana re-grouped, adding Randy Aloya and Kimo Cornwell. This lineup toured in Japan and released Kalapana Live In Japan, Northbound and Kalapana Alive at Yokohama. DJ, as Kalapana, also released Hold On and a solo LP Branded.

In February 1999, Mackey Feary passed away. His presence is missed by his fellow band members and fans thru out the world. Kalapana continues to share his songs with their fans.