Meet the Band
Ia Orana ite Fareirei raa
TOMBOY
H.M. Pankowski
Featuring; Marsha & Michel Poroi
Rencontre avec l'Orchestre
'Hina & Friends'
EDGAR HEIFARA BREMOND,
Electric & Acoustic Guitar
Edgar started playing the ukulele at an early age but he switches over to the guitar at 12 yrs old. Although he initially planned to be an architect, he soon left his studies to devote himself to his passion of ‘guitar playing’!
His musical career started at the Sofitel Maeva Beach Hotel in 1985 and was quickly sought to play at other popular spots such as the Hotel Tahiti, Princess Heiata, Kahana night Club until 1988.
Edgar's performances brought him to many prestigious hotels like the Hotel Taharaa (once Hyatt Resort), the Beachcomber now an InterContinental Resort and the Sheraton, to name a few. He further lends his musical talent to recording studios such as; Studio Arevareva, Andy Tupaia, Jonas Ahutoru, Patrick Roche, and Pako Tumahai.
Edgar then becomes the lead guitar player in the Kona Moon Band performing from 1997 to 2009 at the Rubis Restaurant on a regular basis, making the Rubis his home base, and it is here at the Ruby's where he participates in a cultural and gastronomical exchange for Lan Chile.
As his popularity spreads, the band is invited to play onboard Air Tahiti Nui’s inaugural flight from Papeete to New York, with live music in the air.
Edgar never refuses to accompany artists’ or to leave on tours.
He was honored to be the main guitar player for the Tahitian star singer Gabilou for a concert at Toata place gathering thousands of people, then to tour with Gabilou throughout the Pacific reign to Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand.
The show also featured other star-artistes like ‘Teiva LC’, and ‘Bartheleemy’ but also the Moeata dance school...
By then, he tours even further to China and becomes the lead guitar player for star singer Hina in the "Hina & Friends Band'.
Their performance was a true success for the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of France at ‘Le Pavillion’ restaurant in collaboration with the Ambassador of France and his consulate in Beijing China.
While in Beijing, he performs with 'Hina' at the ‘Grand Mercure Hotel in Xidan’ Beijing in an Asia-Pacific promotion, as well as the beautiful ‘Crown Plaza Sun Palace’ in China for the GIE Tahiti Tourism promotion of Tahiti and her archipelagoes.
Aside from his guitar playing, Edgar also lends his voice with harmonious back-up vocals, but his deep masculine voice can stir-up excitement when he takes on lead vocals for a rock or a traditional Tamure. Here, nobody can resist but to jump out from their seats and hit the dance floor.
Regardless of his will to always answer present to musical performances, it is indeed a great pleasure to have him in the 'Hina & Friends Band' where his wide capacity in musical styles allows Hina to go from Tahitian music, to country, rock, reggae, jazz, pop and much more...
Tahitian 'Himene' Music Workshops
Joining in the new venture with Hina at the Tahiti Himene Music Workshop, Edgar hopes to meet you someday alongside Hina and Michel Poroi and to share his passion for music.
(group reservations only contact Hina.Tahiti.Music@gmail.com).
Edgar, pictured here at the beautiful 'Crown Plaza Sun Palace' in China, singing and accompagnying Hina who dances a Tahitian aparima.
KARL BRINCKFIELDT,
on drums
In Tahiti we call him by the Tahitian derivative of Karl which is none other than 'Kalu', and what a pleasure it is to work with such a talented and devoted drummer !
Karl's musical orientation was no surprise. Back in the 60's he grew up hearing the Tahitian and international repertoire of his father's band, which greatly contributed to his knowledge of the Tahitian music of that early era.
At 9 yrs of age, Karl started hitting on tin cans until his father invested in a real drum set, and that was the beginning of a musical pulsation leading Karl into his own band while he was just a teenager starting high school.
Towards the end of his high school years, Karl records the first hit song of Tapuarii Laughlin; 'Cool Morning', at that point he would make music his primary interest, as he furthers his studies at the Musicians Institute Technology in Hollywood, where he graduates with honors after 2 1/2 years as third of his graduating class amongst 200 students.
His interests goes furthers as he is invited by Guittou (Guy Roche) in a sound studio in the States and gets the opportunity to learn the latest mastering techniques in sound engineering.
This new knowledge opens a new domain in the music field for Karl, who at this point combines the engineering and musician identity wonderfully.
Upon his return to Tahiti, Karl joins the OTAC Theater team as sound engineer for 10 years.
By 1998 Karl decides to open his own business as director of 'KB Sound' and within the first 6 years Karl becomes a name in sound and special lighting effects rentals for big events such as;
the InterContinental Mini Heiva, the music festivals, gala soirées for the Lion Club fund raising concert 'Heart of Lion', to mention a just few...
He furthers his professional experience by overseeing the needs of professional entertainers such as the French star singers 'Lorie', 'Yannick Noa', or even the concert of the international singer 'James Blunt' amongst a few.
Karl's professional identity changes in 2010 as his company grows to become 'In Phase' directing a team of professionals in sound and lighting effects.
But the musician in him is always present and he is capable of running from the sound booth on stage, pop behind the drums and bring the house down! Thus, never neglecting the musician in him!
The 'Hina & Friends' band is privileged to share the stage experience with the energetic and knowledgeable man; 'Kalu', our talented and passionate drummer!
Kalu director of KB Sound pictured at the Lion's Club fund raiser 'Heart of Lion' concert.
FARIKI MAI,
on Bass Guitar
Fariki is the youngest member of the Band, and like Edgar, he takes every opportunity to lend a musical hand to many bands and artists in Tahiti.
His versatile style of bass playing regardless of his younger age does not put a halt to learning new styles of music, on the contrary Fariki is always ready, willing and able, when it comes to music.
Currently assisting 'Audio Est' between music sets, Fariki is also familiarizing himself with sound engineering for live concerts and special events, but also in musical recording sessions.
Fariki does not limit himseft to just one style of music, as he finds pleasure to accompany 'Jimmy Teriihoania' with religious songs as well.
His passion for music has allowed him to fill-in as a bass tplayer with numerous artists such as; Andy Tupaia, Moya, Da Road Side Boys, Acoutic Party, Pepena, Maruarii Ateni, Toa Ura and of course Hina & Friends.
He was noticed for his regular performances with local rock star 'Maruarii Ateni', where he played in the 'Orohena Sons' band from 2007 to 2010.
Then he joins Hina & Friends band in 2010, but also doubles up and with the 'Toa Ura' band from 2010 to this day.
Fariki constantly faces his own musical challenge by playing with two different bands of two different styles, but this diversifying work experience has allowed him to not only gain a large repertory, but to also to gain in musical technics and music trends.
His popularity as a bass player has allowed him to play at important events and even to tour overseas;
-New Caledonia in May 2011,
-The Festival of Guitar and Hinano Live Concert in 2012
-To Tour French Polynesia in 2013 with a new album promotion ‘O Tou Ia Hiroa’.
-And in September 2013 he travels further to Germany with the 'Toa Ura Band'
His numerous performances at prestigious hotels, venues, bars, live clubs all the while performing as the main bass player to 'Hina & Friends' Band for almost 5 yrs now has help him gain his reputation as a professional.
We hope you will have the opportunity to meet Fariki in Tahiti some day and to enjoy the talent of this young man !
Performing with 'Hina & Friends band at the Boussole restaurant Music Festival Night in Papeete.
MOANA ITURAGI
Keyboards, Piano
(Moana is picture here on the leftside with Hina & Friends & Band, private mini concert in the later part of 2014 in Pirae Tahiti)
Moana is the newcomer to the band and what a pleasure it is to receive a keyboard player with such an incredible music experience in Tahiti.
He starts his professional career in 1986 at the Royal Tahitian, and then he joins the ‘Tiare Hinano’ band in 1988-89. That same year he receives the invitation to join the ever so popular “Beachcombers” band in 1989-90.
From 1990 Moana moves on to a new challenge and joins 'Allo Les Isles' band which becomes a very popular dance band in Tahiti. Their performances gained such popularity that they were rewarded at the ‘Heiva Upa Rau', or Tahitian Annual Music Awards, “Best performing Band” of the year in 1992 and they also receives the same honors in 1993.
As busy as Moana may seem in ‘Allo Les Isles’ this doesn’t stop him to accompany star singer Willy K in a concert called ‘Hawaii Fun’ at the Royal Papeete in 1990.
Unfortunately the band splits but he is immediately sought out to join the ‘Maire Nui’ Band from 1997-98 with artists such as; Jo Garbutt, Chassagnol, Mala, Eric Teaotea, Germain, Teura, and Michel LAI.
The musicians perform throughout the islands and in many hot dancing spots in Papeete to become the ‘Maire Nui Band 2” with some different performers and band members.
Moana makes a more stable change and joins the ‘Here Nui’ band who is offered a job as in-house orchestra at the Tahiti Sheraton Hotel for 5 years (1998-2003). The hotel becomes the ‘rendez- vous’ spot for locals who loved Tahitian ballroom dancing. The hot afternoon sun wouldn’t stop music lovers from dancing in the afternoon into the late hours in the night.
After completion of the Sheraton contract, Moana gets a new offer with the “Hiti Band” for only a year, before finding a new musical homebase at the Plazza & Mandarin Restaurants owned by the same family (2005 to 2009).
Moana has accompanied so many musicians and singers in Tahiti. His calm and easy going character is very much appreciated by all. What a perfect choice musician to accompany amateurs & professionals in singing contests! Which happened to be the case for Moana as leading piano player at the ‘Himene Patitifa’ in 2005, 2006, and for the ‘Penu d’Or’ singing contest in 2007 & 2008..
Moana continues to perform with one more band called “Trio Surfing” at the Sofitel Maeva Beach in 2009-2010, before accepting to accompany Jimmy Mervin in a duo at the Daliah Restaurant til 2014.
His love of music also incited him to accept to share his music at fund raising events like 'Xmas Day for the needy children of Tahiti' organized by the Rotary Club, for four consecutive years (2010-2014, “Noël pour Tous”).
With over 30 years of music, Moana has gained much knowledge as a professional, which did not go un-noticed by “Hina & Friends” Band who was looking for a replacement piano player.
Hina, Karl, Edgar and Fariki are happy to welcome Moana into a new musical venture of, not only Tahitian music, but also into Hina’s wide international repertory which seems to be no challenge at all for Moana thanks to his professional experience gained over the years.
'
HINA
Lead Singer, Percussions, Ukulele
(Hina's timeline of achievements is featured
in 'Hina's Music Timeline CD's & Videos' header.)
Coming soon;
(Hina's Biography will be posted on page header 'Hina; Music and Dance Background'
as part of the short stories programmed. )
When Hina decided to record and performs her own compositions initially done for her dance group, never did she imagine the new release would allow her to be rewarded “Most Promising Singer of the year in 1990” and best album cover.
Her Title hit “Rohotu Noanoa” was N°1 on the top 20 of the Polynesian hit parade for the longest period of time (2 months strait) entering the hall of fame of popular Tahitian tunes voted by the public. This recognition allowed her to continue a musical career.
Since, she has recorded 4 solo albums and 2 mega mixes with a wide cast of stars on two variety albums.
Hina never hesitates to supports other singers in need of background vocals if needed, or to back up singers at concerts.
Manager of 'Hina & Friends' band, and professional MC for top events, Hina ws happy to release a CD celebrating 30 years of music in Tahiti. And hopes to continue the celebration with another Single CD in the future.
Travelling as far as New Zealand and to China for performances, Hina has also come back to her first love of Tahitian dancing as she teaches how to dance and sing to the song on her latest CD: Hina, 30th Music Celebration in Tahiti album, which she produced under her new publishing label "Hina Tahiti Music".
Hina became an active member of the SPACEM (Author/Composer society in Tahiti) and was on the "comité d'écoute" or hearing committee which approved new compositions until its closing in 2014.
She is Secretary General on the administrative board of the S.A.I.M.P. (Société des Artistes, Interprètes et Musiciens de Polynésie) for the protection of performing rights since 2005, and has entrusted ASCAP with her most recent recording as a member
(For more about Hina's music backgroud, see her achievements under the header 'Hina's Music Timeline CD's & Videos' )
Photo credits; all photos property of HM Pankowski
Newspaper clipping credits ; Les Nouvelles
Poster Hina & Les Beacombers printed SA & Polytram
Hina 30th Album cover shot courtesy of M. Pankowski