Songwriter and recording artist Howard Shapiro, of Volcano on the island of Hawai`i, released his fifth album Ka `Aina (The Land) on February 15,2003 Ka 'Aina incorporates the talents of more than 20 island musicians and singers. The eclectic arrangements are influenced by folk, rock, and contemporary Hawaiian styles. We Remember Them, which was written shortly after September 11th, was included on the CD as a tribute to all those whose lives were taken in the terrorist attacks.
In 1975, Shapiro began writing songs about the struggle of the Native Hawaiian people for their land and cultural rights. Later, he was inspired to write about human rights, world hunger, and protecting our fragile environment. He joined with local songwriter Michael Joao as `Aina (Land), and in 1978 they released their first recording, Greenpeace: To Save the Whales/A Shift in the Wind, a benefit record for Greenpeace and The Hunger Project. `Aina performed in support of many nonprofit organizations and grassroots causes at various concerts, festivals, and fundraisers. Eventually, `Aina returned to the recording studio to produce their first album Lead Me to the Garden. This album expressed our collective need to live in peace with one another and the earth.
In 1981, Shapiro produced and recorded two single solo releases in support of the Hale Naua III Society of Hawaiian Artists and the Hawaii Council of American Indian Nations. In 1986 shapiro created the Performing and Fine Artists for World Peace. As executive director of this organization, Shapiro has been invited to perform at numerous conferences, festivals, and cultural exchanges in cities across the United States as well as internationally in Canada, Russia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and New Zealand.
A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Ka 'Aina will support the Earth-Friendly Schools Hawai`i-International Program. For the past 10 years, thousands of students in Hawai`i, the continental United States, and other countries have participated in this hands-on environmental education service learning program.
Shapiro continues to record music addressing social and environmental issues. He recently released Listen to the Forest, a CD celebrating the Year of the Hawaiian Forest. He is currently in the process of recording Your Heart Will Lead You Home to support families who are struggling with "ICE"( Crystal Meth) addiction.
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