PENI TAVUTONIVALU is an experienced musician who has played mostly in dance bands in his native Fiji. His extensive repertoire includes many old standards, rock and roll tunes as well as the beautiful music indigenous to the South Pacific. Peni has added Celtic and other folk music to his repertoire since teaming up with Maureen Campbell, creating interpretations which are fresh and interesting. His light lyrical voice and engaging personality, as well as his strong musicality have endeared him to those lucky enough to catch one of his performances.

MAUREEN CAMPBELL's musical background is classical. She has performed in numerous choral groups and is currently a member of the Victoria Gaelic Choir. Her love for folk music is also a strong force in her life. In addition to many solo appearances, Maureen has sung with various bands ranging from sea shanty groups to a Celtic band and most recently with"Bill Gallaher and Harmony Road." Although Scottish music is her first love, Fijian songs are fast becoming a close second, and learning the South Pacific repertoire has been a real pleasure. She is a versatile singer who adores a good melody and can silence a crowd with her a capella singing.

NOA MOLIA hails from Rotuma in Fiji and shares Peni's background of growing up with music as an integral part of his culture. There is always a guitar or 'ukulele around when people get together in Fiji. Noa has performed mostly with his church group here and in Fiji, and in social occasions whenever he gets the chance. He is a solid instrumentalist with a great love for the music of the South Pacific.

 

JOE FUAILEFAU adds the Samoan influence to "Tradewinds" and provides a strong rhythmic presence. Joe not only plays a mean 'ukulele but is also a fine songwriter, writing in both Samoan and English. He has been playing 'ukulele since he was 12, learning from his mother, and the joy with which he plays his instrument is infectious. To Joe, South Pacific music embodies the very heart of the people and their cultures.

 

ALAN LAW is a native-born resident of Victoria BC, and has been a player in the local acoustic music scene since the 1970's. He has appeared with a broad variety of folk, bluegrass and old-time ensembles, performing everything from parlour songs to Calypso. At a music camp in the 1980's,  he encountered both the dobro and the Hawaiian steel guitar, and has dabbled at them ever since. With Tradewinds, he plays a National 6-string lap steel Empire State model, tuned to open G (like a dobro). He also leads the bluegrass band Clover Point Drifters.