About This Event
Bill Keale is a Hawaiian-American singer-songwriter renowned for his soulful interpretations of Hawaiian music, slack key guitar, pop, and folk genres. Born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii, he draws from deep family musical roots, including his uncle Moe Keale and cousin Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (known as Bruddah Iz), both legendary figures in Hawaiian music.
Keale's career spans decades, beginning with early influences from his mother's ukulele playing and singing, which immersed him in island traditions from a young age. In the early 1990s, he relocated to Bend, or. where he balanced a 30-year career at St. Charles Medical Center—starting in housekeeping and advancing to EKG technician—with performances at local venues, festivals, and coffee shops. His smooth, melodious vocals and unique slack key guitar style have earned him acclaim, including awards for Best Musician and Best Singer-Songwriter from The Source Weekly. as well as sold-out shows at places like Sunriver Resort and Broken Top .
Keale has released several albums showcasing his blend of Hawaiian standards, original compositions, and instrumentals, such as Yesterday, By Request, With Aloha, What a Wonderful World, and After the Rain. His repertoire often features relaxing, heartfelt covers like "What a Wonderful World" and "Hallelujah," alongside tracks reflecting his island heritage, such as "Ea Mai Ka Honu."
In September 2025, after retiring from his day job—marked by a farewell gift of a custom Breedlove guitar from colleagues—Keale announced his return to Hawaii, planning to settle on Maui with his wife, where he intends to continue performing and reconnecting with his roots. This move follows decades in Bend, which he considers a second home where he married and raised his family.
Meet the Organizer
,
