Sharing His Unique Artistic Flair

For 40 years, ukulele player Bryan Tolentino has performed, locally and abroad with some of Hawaii’s most well known and accomplished Hawaiian music artists. He has recorded more than 60 albums for other artists as well as compilations adding his unique “fairy dusting,” to award-winning recordings featured on Na Hoku Hanohano and Grammy nominated albums.

Bryan has performed and recorded with notable Hawaiian entertainers including Raiatea Helm, Jake Shimabukuro, Herb Ohta, Jr., Aunty Genoa Keawe, Pomaikai Keawe, Karen Keawehawaii, Kuuipo Kumukahi, Hoku Zuttermeister, Marlene Sai, Melveen Leed, Jerry Santos and Olomana, O’Brian Eselu, Nathan Aweau, Frank Hewett, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong, Sonny Lim, Jeff Peterson, Wailau Ryder, Kalei Gamiao, Elua Kane, Owana Salazar, Weldon Kekauoha, Natalie Ai, Iolani Kamauu, Napua Greig, Kuana Torres Kahele, Aaron Sala, Keao Costa, Blaine Kamalani Kia, NUE—Na Ukulele Ekolu—Bryan, Kama Hopkins and Halehaku Seabury, The Side Order Band—with Del Beazley, Chris Kamaka and Asa Young, and more!

In May 2005, Bryan opened another musical chapter by releasing his solo album “Ka Ukulele Lele” that became a Na Hoku Hanohano finalist for Instrumental Album of the year. Ten years later in April 2015, he released a duet CD, “Ukulele Friends”, with Herb Ohta Jr. that received a Na Hoku Hanohano award for 2016 Ukulele Album of the Year. In the summer of 2016, he expanded his role by joining the Performing Arts Academy at Kamehameha Schools—Kapalama campus, educating young adults interested in learning and performing the ukulele. He released a second duet CD with Herb Ohta Jr. “Ukulele Friends: The Sequel” In December 2017, also winning a Na Hoku Hanohano award. Together with the group NUE—Na Ukulele Ekolu with Kama Hopkins and Halehaku Seabury he released the Na Hoku Hanohano nominated album, “In the Heart of Paradise” in December 2021. Bryan continues to teach ukulele in person and online, sharing his love for the ukulele through performances and workshops. Explore more artists.