Wade Paracuelles - Vocals, Ukulele
Representing the famous North Shore of Oahu, Wade was born and
raised in Waialua, just enjoying the beach and living a
country lifestyle. He grew up listening to a wide range of
music like Hawaiian, Reggae, 80's, R & B, Hip-Hop, Rap,
Alternative, Metal, Jazz, Oldies, etc. His openness to music
has enabled him to develop as an individual as well as a
growing artist.
Wade started singing at family parties on the Karaoke
Machine but seriously got into music in High school and
getting coached from Mel and his Father. Wade and Mel
formed "Aloha Brewed" about 5 years ago and have been
pursing their dreams of creating and sharing good music.
"Playing music is one the greatest gifts God has blessed me
with, next to my wife (Lisa) and my family."
"Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
Mel Orillo - Vocals, Ukulele
Born and raised in the small
town of Haleiwa, (North Shore) Oahu. It all started for him
as a child carrying his fathers'
ukulele while on their way to church on Sunday's. At home he
would always be there, next to his father, picking out what
oldies song would be the next one for him to learn to sing
on the karaoke. His father was his teacher of music and life
and what you hear and feel from his voice is the product of
his father's teachings through God's Will and Graces.
Throughout High School he began to show and teach Wade how
to sing using what he learned from his father. Wade and Mel
formed "Aloha Brewed" about 5 years ago, but even before
that their Hawaii ohana here in the Bay Area already knew
that there was "Something Brewin!"
Reid Yamamoto - Bass
Reid started thumping the low end for Aloha Brewed a few
years ago. Pulling bass for the Brewed allows him the
flexibility to continually develop an innovative style -
incorporating his musical foundation with a wide range of
new influences including reggae, alternative, rock and R&B.
Originally from Pearl City, music always played a role in
Reid's life - starting with Double Bass in Orchestra and
Piano while growing up. But a passion for Hawaiian Music
fueled by years of KCCN in the car to and from school led
to the ukulele and jamming with friends. Upon graduation
from Punahou School, Reid matriculated to Santa Clara
University where kanikapila nights with the Hawaii boys led
to a group loosely called "Ho`okani Pila" - performing at
various campus events.
A few years after college, Uncle Vernon Chang invited Reid
to play in his group `Eono Kane - who was in need of a bass
player. 4 years and hundreds of gigs later, Reid still
performs Traditional Hawaiian Music regularly with `Eono
Kane. Reid also sits in on bass with various Hawaiian groups
in the Bay Area.
Ben Peralta - Keyboards
Ben was born and raised in Aliamanu, HI, were he grew up
playing sports and enjoying a wide variety of music.
Influenced by his mother, Ben started playing the ukulele
and the piano at a very young age and became more involved
with music playing in recitals and concerts.
In high school he started his first band and competing in
the Brown Bags to Stardoms competition and later played with
many bands and artists in Hawaii. He then moved to Northern
California and started playing with the Pupule Boyz with
friends Vic, Drez and Deric for a few years. He was later
asked to join Aloha Brewed were he got to perform with some
of Hawaii's most talented artist. Ben also plays with band
Ten Feet helping to fill in the keyboards.
Thanks to my family for influencing my music, all my friends
and the AB crew for having the vision to keep the music
going. The music brings us closer together.
Kevin Higuchi - Drums
Kevin Higuchi, also known as "The Guch," started playing
drums at the age of twelve. Heavily influenced by jazz he
began playing professionally in local bands, musical theater
and studio session work. He currently records and tours
internationally with reggae rockers Insolence and has
recently been at work with Kid Guch (live hip hop also
featuring Mylious Johnson who currently drums for pop artist
Pink), The Whiskey Avengers, Lee Pardini Trio as well as
Aloha Brewed. Between playing, The Guch also teaches drums
privately and at San Jose State with the SJSU Spartan
Marching Band. He enjoys long walks on the beach and
Sriracha Sauce on everything.
Kevin Lam - Guitar
Born and raised in Honolulu, Kevin got a late start in
music at the age of 16 learning to play the Ukulele. After
a few lessons from his cousin jamming to some Ka'au Crater
Boys tunes, he decided to learn guitar and spent many
long hours practicing. This is when Kevin's music education
began...
Kevin, known for being the quiet one in the band,
joined Aloha Brewed in 2004. He has a wide range of
musical interests and could often be found locked up at home
trying to learn new tunes, instruments, and techniques
hoping to incorporate them into the sound of Aloha Brewed.