Players show pluck at ukulele contest

Five talented performers — Jonah Domingo, Taiga Benito, Kyle Oyas­ato, Izaya Delos Santos and Jodie Kiyo­kawa — went home winners in the Eighth Annual Duke’s Ukes Contest on Oct. 19 at Duke’s Waikiki in the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel. 

There were separate categories for instrumental performances by kids, teens and adults; an “ukulele and vocals” category; and an award for showmanship.

Finalists qualified for the competition by participating in auditions held at Duke’s during the previous month. The winners in the instrumental categories received a new Kamaka ukulele. The second- and third-place finishers received Duke’s Waikiki merchandise, gift certificates and other prizes.

>> Instrumental (13 and under): First, Jonah Domingo; second, Ryan Naka­gawa; third, Kody Kiyo­kawa

>> Instrumental (ages 14-16): First, Taiga Benito; second, Kotaro Fuku­sato; third, Yassim Quon

>> Instrumental (adult): First, Kyle Oya­sato; second, Bert Weekes; third, Jo Goddard

>> Ukulele and vocals: First, Izaya Delos Santos; second, Karlie Goya; third, Jodie Kiyo­kawa

>> Showmanship: Jodie Kiyo­kawa