Michael Kiese

Mike Kiese was born and raised in Hawai'i.  He sings and plays Hawaiian Steel Guitar, Electric Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, and Saxophone (his first instrument).  Mike is a professional musician who has experience playing many genres of music to include Jazz, Classical, Blues, R&B, Rock, Country, Western Swing, and of course, HAWAIIAN MUSIC, the beloved music of his home.

Mike has traveled the world, performing music in Hawaii, Japan, Nashville, Memphis, Kansas City, Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles.  He has had the pleasure of performing with multiple Grammy Award winner Bobby Ingano, and many world class musicians.  

Mike is a US Army Veteran of the Afghanistan War, Operation Enduring Freedom.  He proudly served with the 101st Airborne Division.  

Hometown:

• Pearl City, Hawaii on the island of O'ahu

• Pearl City High School Graduate c/o '99
  
  

Notable Performances:

• Ceremonial and Entertainment performances for President Obama

• NBC's "Today Show" with Lester Holt playing Bass

• NFL Halftime Show with the Tennessee Titans

• Nashville Symphony

• 4 half time shows for the NFL Pro Bowl

Mike would like to acknowledge and thank the following people:

Suzie Kiese, my wife, someone who has chosen to share her life journey with me.

Wayne Kawahara (deceased), my very first music teacher who's unyielding positivity, support, and encouragement has made a huge difference in my life, especially at a time when I really needed it.

Bobby Ingano, a wonderful friend and mentor who gave an extremely strong foundation when I decided to seriously learn Hawaiian Steel guitar in May of 2023.  No secrets, no BS, just 100% Aloha.  Uncle Bobby is a true steward of not only the Hawaiian Steel Guitar, but also Hawaiian music.  Bobby continues to guide and coach me to this day.  Mahalo nui loa, Uncle Bobby!

Doug Jernigan, a modern day master of steel guitar and jazz.  No secrets, just 100% transparency and WORK!  Doug points you in the right direction and then coaches you on how to get there.

Pat Bergeson, my great friend and mentor who took me under his wing and taught me a lot about music and guitar.  Never faltering to share all of his knowledge, even the stuff that Chet Atkins personally showed him.  You were a direly needed friend and mentor to me at a very challenging time in my life.  Thank you.

Craig Wagner, another wonderful friend whose handful of private lessons catapulted my learning of music and guitar playing.  

Wendley "Bert" Kekauoha, last but certainly not least.  Mahalo nui loa, Uncle Bert.  You are proof that an angel will be sent into your life when you really need one.  Meeting you has made my musical journey come full circle.  To me, you are the heart and soul of what it means to be "Made in Hawaii".  My exposure to you and your musical repertoire and songwriting has brought me home both personally and musically.  Life's long journey has honed my musical skills and given me deep knowledge and understanding of HOW to play music.  Playing with you constantly reminds me of WHY one should play music, which I lost along the way when music became my job and profession.  "WHY" when it comes to the Arts is simple yet elusive, easily overlooked and forgotten.  The WHY is the most important factor, because that's what keeps you going on the Pu'uloa that is life.