Mokai Electronic Press Kit - Streaming Music, Photos, Videos, Lyrics and Info

Artist Information

Biography

Mokai plays earthy, original music. Accompanying himself on fingerstyle guitar, he tells gripping stories, rhymes freely, and through his songs, melds the strange and beautiful into rootsy performances.

Versed in folk blues from an early age, he creates an intimate world for his audience, with his bluesy voice, engaging lyrics, and innovative fingerpicking. Bay Area DJ Rosalie Howarth (KFOG FM) commented: “Great message in a vivid, deftly expressed package…incredible live!"

Mokai has made hundreds of appearances at rallies, benefits, coffeehouses, nightclubs, festivals, house concerts, in hospitals, shelters, and on radio stations.

Mokai is pronounced MO-ki, long 'o', long 'i'; Accent on 1st syllable.

Some Venues & Festivals Mokai has played: Yoshi's, SF, CA • Cafe du Nord, SF, CA • The Independent, San Francisco, CA • Red Devil Lounge, SF, CA • Elbo Room, SF, CA • Bazaar Cafe, SF, CA • Dolores Park Cafe, SF, CA • Sleeping Lady, Fairfax, CA • Starry Plough, Berkeley CA • San Gregorio General Store • Harmony Festival, Santa Rosa, CA • Aroma Roaster's, Santa Rosa, CA • North Beach Jazz Festival, SF, CA • SolFest, Hopland,CA • Green Festival, SF, CA • SF Free Folk Festival • Humboldt Folklife Festival, • Earthdance, Laytonville, CA

Radio: KPFA*, KFOG, KALW*, KPIG, KVMR, KZYX*, KPOO*, KALX, KMUD*, KHUM*, KDVS, Democracy Now!
*live studio performances

Sounds Like: Mokai's music encompasses the poetic irreverence of Ani DiFranco and the grit and soulfullness of Ben Harper.

Influences: Dave Van Ronk, Big Bill Broonzy, Doc Watson, Mose Allison, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, Gil Scott Heron, Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Paul Simon.

Shared Bills with: David Lindley, Eric McFadden, David Jacobs-Strain, Garrin Benfield, Walter Strauss, Erika Luckett, Jeff Pehrson and Jim Brunberg (Box Set), AJ Roach, Austin Willacy, Shelley Doty, Etienne de Rocher, Joanne Rand, Mark Growden, Walter Strauss, Teja Gerken, James Nash (The Waybacks), Shaun Cromwell

Instrumentation

Bluesy Vocals & Fingerstyle Guitar
Available Solo or with accompaniment,
Upright Bass and Percussion

Discography

"Unearthed" – Debut CD 2003 – (available on itunes, CDbaby, Bandcamp, etc.)

From authentic Folk Blues guitar chops, to raving poetics, "Unearthed" digs up a wide array of styles and perspectives. Recorded at the Hyde St. studios in San Francisco, the disc bursts at the seams with talent, including performances by award-winning vocalist Erika Luckett, instrumentalist Mark Growden, soloist Matt Eakle (Dave Grisman Quintet) and Upright Bass phenom Todd Sickafoose (Ani DiFranco).

Recorded in a historic studio in San Francisco, this collection is the only document of Mokai's lifelong dedication to songwriting and fingerstyle guitar and the depth of his original musical vision.

The CD received radio play throughout Northern California, including on KPFA*, KFOG, KALW*, KPIG, KVMR, KZYX*, KPOO*, KALX, KMUD*, KHUM*, KDVS, and the Pacifica Radio program Democracy Now! *indicates live studio performances

"You Can't fool Me" – 2005 – 5 track CD including home and live recordings (Out of Print)

Mokai's next project is slated for 2011.

Audio

Make Me A Palette - pre-release01
Listen Download
"It Ain't What You Is, It's What You Ain't"
Listen Download
I Just Can't Keep From Cryin' - pre-release 01
Listen Download
Living In A House Of Cards-Solo-pre-release01
Listen Download

Lyrics

"It Ain't What You Is, It's What You Ain't"

Video

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MokaiAtYoshis-LittleBit01_201

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Mokai Live on Spotlight on Performing Songwriter

Photo Gallery

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Mokai - fingerstyle folk-blues - photo depolophotography
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Mokai - fingerstyle folk-blues - photo depolophotography
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Mokai - fingerstyle folk-blues - photo depolophotography
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Mokai Live Hi Res - photo depolophotography
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...just love playing that maplewood guitar - photo depolophotography
Live Action - photo depolophotography
EarthDance, Main Stage, 2003
Studio Shot - - photo michaelraunerphotography
Mokai -photo depolophotography
Mokai - photo depolophotography

Press

Performer Magazine

"Toe-tappin' blues riffs, catchy, interesting melodies, and innovative instrumentation."
Rosalie Howarth

“Great message in a vivid, deftly expressed package! Even more incredible live...."
Larry Kelp

“Mokai’s music is out to make a difference in the world.”
Derk Richardson

“Mokai is a fine guitarist with socially conscious songs and eclectic arrangements."
Medea Benjamin, founder, Global Exchange

"I think we’ve found the peace movement's new anthem...."
Erika Luckett

"An original voice...earthy, authentic...steeped in truth and rooted in heart."

Setlist

Originals: progressive fingerstyle guitar with bluesy vocals. Lyrics dealing with issues from the philosophical, to the romantic, to the topical.

Traditionals: Traditional fingerpicking. Faithful renditions of the classic blues masters and new interpretations in the tradition.

Basic Requirements

Calendar

Past Dates | Upcoming Dates

Date	Time	Venue	City
May 30, 2012 Wednesday	7:00 PM	Bazaar Cafe	San Francisco, CA, US
An evening at my favorite cafe, at my favorite fingerstyle guitar showcase series, Teja Gerken hosting. We'll be 'in the round' with Mark Holzinger. Come early as parking is tight, and you'll want to enjoy the garden before the show. - www.bazaarcafe.com
Jun 3, 2012 Sunday	7:00 PM	Mission Coffee Roasting	Fremont, CA, US
Sharing the evening with fingerstyle guy Doug Young. We've been planning a night together for many moons, at last it's here. Rich Osborn performs also. Strings will be plucked! - Mission Coffee = Fremont Coffee - www.fremontcoffee.com
Jun 10, 2012 Sunday	3:00 PM	San Francisco Free Folk Festival	San Francisco, CA, US
WORKSHOP: Secrets of the Great Finger Pickers - Music 3 - Room #212 - I'm excited to offer my workshop highlighting and exploring the techniques of the great fingerpickers and folk guitar players. - more info: http://www.sffolkfest.org/2012/performers_and_workshops/ws_great_finger_pickers.shtml
Jun 10, 2012 Sunday	4:00 PM	San Francisco Free Folk Festival	San Francisco, CA, US
WORKSHOP: Theory of Jazz Harmony for Folkies - Music 3 - Room #212 - I'm jazzed to offer my workshop showing how a little knowledge of jazz harmony enriches playing folk music. - more info: http://www.sffolkfest.org/2012/performers_and_workshops/ws_jazz_harmony_folkies.shtml
Jul 15, 2012 Sunday	7:30 PM	Red Poppy Arthouse	San Francisco, CA, US
A unique event in an intimate space - a one time performance of the entire album - the only time I'll play all the songs in one sitting. The Any Distraction'll Do song-cycle: 12 folk-blues guitar pieces, with lyrics that weave themes playing on our modern pre-occupations. - short show, ends by 9

Date	Time	Venue	City
May 13, 2012 Sunday	12:00 PM	Critter Cafe, Canyon School, 187 Pinehurst Road	Canyon, CA, US
Special Mothers Day Brunch Show - Food served 9am-3pm - Mokai plays from Noon to 1pm - Expect amazing food, great music and a neighborly atmosphere. - The Critter Crew and CATSS (Canyon Association To Support the School) are teaming up to raise money to continue this treasured community event.
Apr 6, 2012 Friday	4:00 PM	Revolution Cafe San Francisco	San Francisco, CA, US
Special Happy Hour Set: Folk-Blues - Modern & Traditional, Fancy Fingerpicking & Guitar Goodness, Thirst Inducing Covers & Salty Originals.
Mar 14, 2012 Wednesday	9:00 PM	Sleeping Lady	Fairfax, CA, US
I'm playing 'In the Round' with fingerstyle guitarists Teja Gerken, and David Siegler at Teja's long running Showcase series. The Sleeping Lady has good food and good beer and wine.
Mar 8, 2012 Thursday	8:00 PM	Subterranean Arthouse	Berkeley, CA, US
Seattle legend Jim Page and I will share an evening of song and attitude. Nora Barrows Friedman will join us on Cello. Doors at 7:30, I open at 8PM.
Jan 12, 2012 Thursday	6:00 PM	Dad's Kitchen	Sacramento, CA, US
I'll be playing 2 sets of originals and traditionals until 9pm. Fun, casual times.
Nov 5, 2011 Saturday	6:00 PM	Revan Evan House Concert	Sacramento, CA, US
Fingerpicking my way through many of the songs off the new album, and more. Get the info and tix by emailing me at mokaimusic@gmail.com
Nov 3, 2011 Thursday	8:00 PM	Subterranean Arthouse	Berkeley, CA, US
CD release party for Mokai's new album, with Professor Burns and the Lilac Field
Oct 12, 2011 Wednesday	9:00 PM	Sleeping Lady	Fairfax, CA, US
Performing as part of Teja Gerken's Acoustic Guitar Showcase. With Giacomo Fiore.
Sep 18, 2011 Sunday	9:00 AM	American River Music Festival	Lotus, CA, US
I'm excited to give my Fingerstyle Guitar workshop at this very cool 3 day acoustic roots music festival. I'll cover the different styles of traditional folk fingerpicking. I'll be part of the Friday evening showcase as well.
Sep 16, 2011 Friday	7:00 PM	American River Music Festival	Lotus, CA, US
I'm excited and honored to be chosen as one of the performers in this acoustic roots music event. I'll be part of the Friday evening showcase at this very cool 3 day festival. Look for me jamming in the campground, and look for my Fingerstyle Guitar workshop on Sunday.
Aug 20, 2011 Saturday	7:30 PM	Bazaar Cafe	San Francisco, CA, US
Bazaar Cafe Guitar Showcase 10th Anniversary Show Teja Gerken celebrates his 10th anniversary at the Bazaar Cafe. The event starts at 3PM. Teja's series showcases many of the finest fingerstyle players–including me! I perform after 7:30PM, in a set with legendary guitarist Eric Schoenberg.
Aug 13, 2011 Saturday	9:00 PM	The Starry Plough	Berkeley, CA, US
THE FALL RISK, THE SECRET IDENTITIES, MOKAI I'm opening for the Secret Identities - soulful folk rock & vocal harmonies - and the Fall Risk, band of backup singer for the Dead, Jeff Pehrson, formerly of critically acclaimed duo Box Set. I'll be performing songs off my upcoming new album.
Aug 7, 2011 Sunday	8:00 PM	Yoshi's San Francisco Lounge	San Francisco, CA, US
Classy lounge with sushi and full bar, 3 great performers trading off short sets all evening.
Jun 8, 2011 Wednesday	9:00 PM	Sleeping Lady	Fairfax, CA, US
Playing a fingerstyle show with Teja Gerken.
Apr 23, 2011 Saturday	8:00 PM	Aroma Roasters Coffeehouse	Santa Rosa, CA, US
I always enjoy playing this warm, bustling coffee house. It's kind of a social crossroads in sleepy, bucolic (in a good way,) Santa Rosa. I set up my PA and do my thing and always make a few new friends. Good coffee, friendly staff, good vibes.
Mar 31, 2011 Thursday	6:00 PM	The Ugly Mug	Soquel, CA, US
4640 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA -- Fun, casual, intimate. Smokin' blues and good pickin'
Feb 20, 2011 Sunday	6:00 PM	Corralitos Cultural Center, 129 Hames Road	Watsonville, CA, US
Songwriters 'In-the-Round' with Mokai, my pal Michael Gather, and Michelle Chappel.
Feb 20, 2011 Sunday	1:00 PM	Radio Interview KZSC 88.1 fm	Santa Cruz, CA, US
I'll be performing a few songs on Chris Jong's 'Backroads' show, KZSC, 88.1 FM this Sunday afternoon.
Dec 5, 2008 Friday	7:00 PM	Dolores Park Cafe, 501 Dolores @18th	San Francisco, CA, US
with The fabulous Garrin Benfield Early show, I go first. Good food, great venue, killer music.
Sep 21, 2008 Sunday	6:00 PM	Bazaar Cafe, 5927 California St.	San Francisco, CA, US
This is Val Esway's 'Soup & Song' Series. Super cool event. Come for the soup; stay for the songs!
Aug 15, 2008 Friday	9:00 PM	1015 Folsom St.	San Francisco, CA, US
CONCOCTION! Entertainment, connection, & community. Live music, DJs, live art, chill space/salon. Dress Code: FORMAL (Dress to Impress) $20 pair/advance $30 door http://www.inticketing.com/evinfo.php?eventid=26358
Aug 9, 2008 Saturday	7:00 PM	Spuds 3290 Adeline St. @ Alcatraz	Berkeley, CA, US
SHOW CANCELLED
May 28, 2008 Wednesday	7:00 PM	Bazaar Cafe, 5927 California St.	San Francisco, CA, US
Teja Gerken's Acoustic Guitar Showcase
Mar 15, 2008 Saturday	7:00 PM	Bazaar Cafe, 5927 California St.	San Francisco, CA, US
Dec 1, 2007 Saturday	7:00 PM	Spuds, 290 Adeline @ Alcatraz	Berkeley, CA, US
w/ Sonya Hunter, Jesse Turner & Mario DeSio $7
Oct 21, 2007 Sunday	6:00 PM	Bazaar Cafe, 5927 California Street	San Francisco, CA, US
Oct 14, 2007 Sunday	6:00 PM	SF Center for Spiritual Living, 280 Claremont Blvd at Ulloa	San Francisco, CA, US
with fingerstyle guitarist, Goh Kurosawa from LA: http://www.happysad.org/goh/ and SF jazz Guitarist Bruno Pelletier-Bacquaert http://www.brunojazz.com/
Oct 13, 2007 Saturday	8:00 PM	Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave	Berkeley, CA, US
with fingerstyle guitarist, Goh Kurosawa from LA http://www.happysad.org/goh/
Oct 7, 2007 Sunday	12:00 AM	Veterans for Peace Fleet Week Event, in Washington Square Park, North Beach	San Francisco, CA, US
Unfortunately. the Veterans for Peace have cancelled their event.
Sep 7, 2007 Friday	6:00 PM	Panhandle Bandshell, Clayton St., Golden Gate Park	San Francisco, CA, US
Peace in the Panhandle, Pre Power to the Peaceful Party, with Bernadette, Jordan Feinstein, Kim Manning. Ride your bike to this event!
Jun 16, 2007 Saturday	1:00 PM	2007 San Francisco Free Folk Festival	San Francisco, CA, US
1PM sharp, North Gym, SF City College http://www.sffolkfest.org/2007/index.html
May 18, 2007 Friday	8:00 PM	Acoustic Cafe	SF, CA, US
with Locura! Cali Flamenco 201 Octavia Blvd. til after Midnite
May 4, 2007 Friday	7:00 PM	Bazaar Cafe,	SF, CA, US
with High Diving Horses 5927 California Street
Apr 22, 2007 Sunday	1:00 PM	Mclaren Park	San Francisco, CA, US
On the Jerry Garcia stage for an Earth Day gathering
Mar 23, 2007 Friday	8:00 PM	Acoustic Cafe, 200 Octavia @ Page	San Francisco, CA, US
An evening of Fingerstyle Guitar. Sharing the night with JP Cutler, we'll each do an early and a late set at this great new acoustic venue.
Dec 22, 2006 Friday	7:00 PM	Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck @ 65th st	Oakland,, CA, US
With David Gans Mario DeSio
Jun 23, 2006 Friday	8:00 PM	Epic Arts	Berkeley, CA, US
1923 Ashby Ave at MLK, with Cas Lucas, Bag of Toys
Jun 10, 2006 Saturday	12:00 AM	Harmony Festival	Santa Rosa, CA, US
This is a real Northern Cali love fest. I perform on Saturday morning at 11AM in the Earthdance Dome.
Jun 4, 2006 Sunday	3:00 PM	Benbow Summer Arts & Music Festival	Benbow, CA, US
3:30 PM & 5:30PM, $8 day - $15 weekend I love Humboldt and always enjoy playing this event, seeing old friends and checking out all the good music in a relaxed, low hype setting.
May 20, 2006 Saturday	6:00 PM	Buena Vista Social Club	Berkeley, CA, US
Judi Bari Day Celebration 7:30 PM, $10-$20 suggested donation Pot Luck 5:30 PM Limited Seating, Please RSVP Call 510-845-1912 or email: johnnyhorn@cs.com to reserve a spot This will be a very special show dedicated to the memory of activist Judi Bari.
Jan 18, 2006 Wednesday	8:30 PM	The Argus Lounge, 3187 Mission	San Francisco, CA, US
This is my 2006 kick-off show: A great venue and a great lineup. I've invited some of my great musician friends to sit-in and jam on my tunes. Garrin Benfield, Mia and Jonah, James Nash (Waybacks) and more. Flamencadelic duo Locura! open. More details at http://www.mokaimusic.com/shows.html
Jan 13, 2006 Friday	7:30 PM	Oddfellows Hall, 195 Nth. Main St.	Sebastopol, CA, US
Aphrodesia Vir & Evan of Hamsa Lila Mokai Aphrodesia has earned our respect for their powerful music and for their commitment to tour in a Bio- diesel bus. Help send the band to Africa to tour with The African Showboys. More details at http://www.mokaimusic.com/shows.html
Dec 17, 2005 Saturday	8:30 PM	The Independent, 628 DIVISADERO St.	San Francisco, CA, US
Garrin Benfield & Friends Four Year Bender Special Guests Include: James Nash (The Waybacks) Steve Adams (ALO) Jordan Feinstein (The Ritual) Corinne West (The Posse) Ryan Smith (Four Year Bender) JP Cutler Mokai Kenni
Sep 19, 2005 Monday	8:00 PM	Cafe Du Nord, 2170 Market Street	San Francisco, CA, US
CAUSE: CC's Acoustic Underground Showcase www.CAUSE-music.com Live Eclectic Acoustic Music Benefit for Glide Memorial Church Featuring Toshi Reagon (Righteous Babe) and Gail Muldrow (Sly & the Family Stone) 8PM $10 donation
Sep 16, 2005 Friday	12:00 AM	Earthdance World Music Festival	Laytonville, CA, US
Time TBA
Aug 20, 2005 Saturday	12:00 AM	10th Annual SolFest	Hopland, CA, US
August 20-21, 2005 10th Annual SolFest Solar Living Center Hopland, CA
Jul 22, 2005 Friday	8:00 PM	Aroma Roasters	Santa Rosa, CA, US
95 5th Street 707-576-7765 all ages
Jul 18, 2005 Monday	8:00 PM	Café Du Nord, 2170 Market Street	San Francisco, CA, US
CAUSE: CC's Acoustic Underground Showcase www.CAUSE-music.com Live Eclectic Acoustic Music Benefit HALFRODESIA http://www.aphrodesia.org ALEX DEGRASSI http://www.degrassi.com MOKAI http://www.mokaiMusic.com 8PM $7 donation
Jul 8, 2005 Friday	7:30 PM	Music That Cooks Concert Series	Oakland, CA, US
Friday, July 8 Music That Cooks Concert Series College College Avenue Presbyterian Church 5951 College Avenue, Oakland (Rockridge) 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Jun 25, 2005 Saturday	8:30 PM	EPIC Arts/1923 Tea House	Berkeley, CA, US
Saturday, June 25 EPIC Arts/1923 Tea House 1923 Ashby, Berkeley (by Ashby BART) 510.644.2204 8:30 PM
Jun 20, 2005 Monday	8:00 PM	Elbo Room, CC's Acoustic Underground	San Francisco, CA, US
647 Valencia St. @ 18th With Garrin Benfield, Kenni, & Joshua Zucker on Bass
Jun 19, 2005 Sunday	3:00 PM	San Francisco Free Folk Festival	San Francisco, CA, US
Roosevelt Middle School 460 Arguello (at Geary), SF http://www.sffolkfest.org for details (Café Cabaret)
Jun 12, 2005 Sunday	12:00 PM	Harmony Festival	Santa Rosa, CA, US
Sunday, June 12 Harmony Festival Sonoma County Fairgrounds NOON on the ECO STAGE
May 23, 2005 Monday	8:00 PM	Elbo Room 647 Valencia @ 18th	San Francisco, CA, US
Monday, May 23 CC’s Acoustic Underground A Benefit for the High Sierra Foundation Featuring Artists performing at this year's festival 8pm-12am $5 Free Peoples Mokai Samantha (Samantha & the Ritual) JP Cutler http://www.cause-music.com
Apr 30, 2005 Saturday	8:00 PM	McNally's Irish Pub	Oakland, CA, US
Apr 18, 2005 Monday	8:00 PM	Elbo Room	San Francisco, CA, US
CC's Acoustic Underground Showcase www.CAUSE-music.com 647 Valencia at 17th 415.552.7788 with essence, Joanne Rand, SOULSALAAM and more
Apr 17, 2005 Sunday	8:00 PM	12 Galaxies	San Francisco, CA, US
Benefit for "pepper spray 8" feat. David Nelson with the Flying Other Brothers, Pete Sears, Melvin Seals, Spring Lundberg. Masters of Ceremony: Chet Helms and Wavy Gravy
Apr 16, 2005 Saturday	8:00 PM	Aroma Roasters 95 5th Street	Santa Rosa, CA, US
CA
Apr 14, 2005 Thursday	7:00 PM	The Fillmore	San Francisco, CA, US
in the poster room between sets at the Johnny Lang show.
Apr 2, 2005 Saturday	7:00 PM	Harbin Hot Springs	Middletown, CA, US
CA
Mar 21, 2005 Monday	8:00 PM	Elbo Room 647 Valencia	SF, CA, US
Sunset Promotions Presents: CC's Acoustic Underground Showcase. Mokai performs Solo; Shelley Doty headlines.
Mar 6, 2005 Sunday	11:00 AM	San Gregorio General Store Hwy 84 and Stage Road	San Gregorio, CA, US
Settle in for some Sunday blues--Mokai style--at this rare gem of a store.
Mar 2, 2005 Wednesday	8:00 PM	Fillmore	San Francisco, CA, US
Opening for Sage Francis who the SJ Merc says "is a rapper whose politically charged, confessional style of hip-hop is the antithesis of everything popular in rap." Mokai performs in the poster room.
Feb 21, 2005 Monday	8:00 PM	Elbo Room 647 Valencia	SF, CA, US
Sunset Promotions Presents: CC's Acoustic Underground Showcase. Mokai performs with Upright Bassist Seth Ford Young; David Boyce of Brown Fellinis headlines.
Feb 16, 2005 Wednesday	8:00 PM	El Rio 3158 Mission St (@ Cesar Chavez)	SF, CA, US
Rock for Relief: Singers/Songwriters Unite for Unicef (all proceeds go to Emergency Fund) feat. Shelley Doty, Jackie from the Hail Mary's, Judea Eden

Mokai