Michael Barretto

Known for his humorous approach, storytelling in song, and his dynamic performances, Songwriter/Composer - Player Michael Barretto was born in 1954 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He got his first guitar (a Kalamazoo) at the age of six from his father, a country musician in and around Honolulu. The range of musical influence in Hawaii from Blues, Country, Rock, Hawaiian, Calypso, and Salsa worked to form his unique style. His first "performance" at 6 years old sparked a love for music that still burns deep.

Michael plays several instruments; guitar, ukulele, banjo, bass... He has played professionally since 1972 performed Hawaiian music, Country, Blues, Pop, a bit of Salsa, and all of the rich variety of cultural music growing up in Hawaii offered. He performs in several countries solo, and with different combos in those places. Different country, different vibe.

Michael met Bluesman Taj Mahal in 1980. The Hula Blues Band was formed soon after, and the eight piece now tours about twice a year playing Taj's and the band's music and the blues as it has since 1994. That band has recorded twice; "Sacred Island" released in 1998, and "Hanapepe Dream" released in March 2001.

Michael plays hearty crowd-pleasing sets filled with smooth rhythms, swampy backbeats, and thoughtful lyrics taking you to an island you never knew existed. Island Blues with an Urban Veneer. "Heat with Hawaiian Style."