Many local fans of Patrick know him from the days when Borders brought Hawai’ian entertainers to this area – and later, when Patrick brought them to the 24^th Street venue.  There, we would hear the entertainers and then move to a different room where a meal would be served – one cooked by Patrick.  Mmmmm. ONO!

This person is certainly more deserving of the title “Most Interesting Man in the World,” or second-most anyway, than the grizzly person we see on TV.  The latter is not even in the top 10. I tried to write down all Patrick’s talents, accomplishments, ideas.  Could not.  But here are some:  He is the only non-island-based artist to win the prestigious Na Hoku Hano Hano award, which was given to him for his Slack Key album.  He is a dedicated teacher (Social Studies and Religion), and tours with his manager, bass player Chris Lau and others on a regular basis.  On Wednesday night Chris offered his talents on the bass, as well as his sense of humor to the festivities.

Patrick is based in the Bay Area – says he’s from the island of Berkeley – but you can go to his web sites, www.patricklandeza.com and www.landezapresents.com, to find out where to catch him.  He makes jewelry (taught his students to make bead rosaries), cooks, makes a business of jam, earrings, poki, and countless other “things,” and speaks at universities and other venues.  He writes music and has written a children’s book – and – oh, lots more.  He is full of ideas and is always coming up with new ones.

A storm was expected on Wednesday night, but it didn’t keep The Strum Shop in Roseville from being full.  Those in attendance knew what to expect, both from Patrick and from the Strum Shop (a cozy place on a cold night).  Patrick came directly from the classroom to the concert and began by playing a lovely slack key number followed by “Mele Kalikimaka” (surprise!).  Other seasonal offerings were “Silver Bells” and “Silent Night.”  But it wasn’t all seasonal.  He also played “Mona Lisa,” “I Kona,” songs he wrote and more, including one of my favorites, “Her Name is Nola” which was recorded by my friend, the late Moe Keale. 

Between the last 2 numbers, he conducted a drawing in which 3 lucky fans won jam and a ukulele (I forget the 3^rd thing).  I do want to mention that he plays and endorses Kala instruments because they support the use of musical instruments in the classroom.  He also played a “guitarlele.”

Patrick was greatly influenced by his friend, the late Rev. Dennis Kamakahi and by other “giants,” and many of his stories – there are always stories – were about them.  His biggest influence was his mother, though, who sang Hawaiian songs to him and told him she prayed that someday he would sing those same songs.

Patrick is a long time friend of The Strum Shop’s Stu Herreid, and we are grateful to him and the Strum Shop for continuing to bring special music to us.