Andon is a multi-genre artist out of Maui/Seattle. Born into the magical blend of island music and community where he was raised, his unique writing style and engaging performance sets the tone for his own genre. 

 

Since birth, Andon listened to his songbird “Auntie Margie” as she soothed him with Hawaiian jazz styles and would often sit on his fathers lap, listening as he played and sang songs. His grandmother and grandfather were singers as well, with roots in Seattle, and had an influence on little “keiki” Andon.

 

At the age of 9, Andon sat with West Australian Aboriginal shamans to learn how to have “real breath” required to learn the ancient practice and languages of the Didgeridoo. To this day, he still uses this training to meditate musically.

 

At 12 years old, Andon was the 1st chair drummer and percussionist for a community orchestra. 

Shortly after, he picked up a guitar after hearing his dad play “free falling” and it set the tone for the rest of his musical career.

 

During his teen years, Andon met with music gurus, where he sat in council with and studied Kakilambe African rhythm and dance. He learned how to persevere through the discipline of believing in oneself.  This perseverance to understand music and rhythm became one of his life focuses. The pocket became a part of him. 

 

After touring as a multi-instrumentalist and back-up singer through his late teens and twenties, Andon has become a professional on the global circuit.  He played closely around mega stars such as The Moody Blues and Dave Mason. These star encounters happened well before the global circuit though. Andon’s father, being an inspiring, well connected, and well traveled man himself, introduced Andon to many of these successful musicians (like country superstar Willie Nelson and the Marley family) before he was 14 years old!

 

Today, as a true natural to music, and having a disciplined approach to listening and focus, he learns to experiment with sounds and rhythms. This peculiar blend of roots, history, and experimentation make for an eclectic genre of fusion. His experimental and inclusive approach to music inspires and draws in musicians around him as well as those who come to know him on or off stage.

 

His training, life struggles, and loss of family all give him a true sense of what it means to find community, to truly connect, and to beckon others into his heart and his music. One of the hallmarks of Andon and his music is the impact it has on those around him. Those who see and hear him live feel connected and have a warm friendship with Andon. As he engages the audience, a warm energy often exists that stays with those who attend.