Hawaiian Music & Island Vibes: The Little Grass Shack

Discover the story of The Green, one of Hawaii’s defining modern island reggae bands. On this special Little Grass Shack artist spotlight, Island Emory traces The Green from their formation on Oahu in 2009 through their breakthrough albums, evolving sound, collaborations, and commitment to Hawaii’s community and culture.

Blending Hawaiian music, roots reggae, island reggae, rock and pop, The Green built a sound that traveled far beyond the islands while keeping aloha, ohana, resilience and local identity at the center of their music. Emory explores the group’s self-titled 2010 debut, its extended run on Billboard’s reggae albums chart, fan favorites including “Love I,” “All I Need” and “Wake Up,” and later projects including Black & White and Brand New Eyes.

The episode also looks beyond the music at The Green’s connection to Hawaii: their support of the Hawaii People’s Fund, mentorship of aspiring musicians, and the themes of family, unity, positivity and stewardship that have helped define the band’s identity.

Along the way, enjoy nearly two hours of Hawaiian and island music curated by Island Emory and the Little Grass Shack on 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV—the Ninth Island’s home for the spirit of aloha.

In this episode:

• The Green’s formation on Oahu, Hawaii
• The rise of modern Hawaiian island reggae
• The Green’s 2010 self-titled debut album
• Billboard reggae chart success
• “Love I,” “All I Need” and “Wake Up”
• Black & White and Brand New Eyes
• The band’s roots reggae, rock, pop and Hawaiian influences
• Family, ohana and community in The Green’s music
• Giving back to Hawaii and mentoring musicians
• Classic and contemporary Hawaiian and island music

The Little Grass Shack brings Hawaiian music, island vibes and the spirit of aloha from Las Vegas to listeners around the world.

Island Emory sits down with Las Vegas entrepreneur and philanthropist Justin Wu for a wide-ranging conversation about technology, community, Hawaii, and the evolution of Las Vegas. Wu traces his journey from the early days of the internet and building websites for major brands to moving to Las Vegas and using business success to support the community. The conversation explores Vegas Helps and the Vegas Justice League, including efforts to fund DNA testing that helps law enforcement investigate long-unsolved cold cases. Wu also discusses his Hawaii family connections, spending part of the COVID shutdown on the Big Island, receiving recognition for the Vegas Justice League, Fortune Events and Formula 1 in Las Vegas, and his early role bringing Southern California nightlife crowds to Las Vegas. Justin and Island Emory also look at how Las Vegas has changed, the growth of entertainment and professional sports, and the opportunities and responsibilities surrounding artificial intelligence. The Little Grass Shack blends Hawaiian music, island culture, community stories and the spirit of aloha with host Island Emory on KUNV 91.5 Jazz & More. Original air date: September 27th, 2026.

This week on Little Grass Shack, Island Emory spotlights Common Kings, the Orange County band whose Samoan and Tongan roots helped shape a modern blend of island reggae, R&B, pop and soulful West Coast grooves.

Hear the story behind the group’s rise, their Polynesian identity, live-show energy, touring success and the cultural values of family, respect, humility and community that continue to define their music. Along the way, Emory explores how Common Kings helped bring island-rooted reggae to a wider global audience while staying connected to the Pacific communities that inspired them.

Featuring island music, Hawaiian favorites and the spirit of aloha from 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV in Las Vegas.

Island Emory takes The Little Grass Shack to Kauai for a journey through the island’s historic irrigation tunnels—remarkable structures carved through volcanic rock that helped transform agriculture and life on the Garden Isle.

Learn why plantation-era irrigation systems were needed, how thousands of workers—including Native Hawaiians and immigrants from Japan, China, the Philippines and Portugal—helped build them, and how engineers used gravity, precise angles, ditches, flumes and tunnels to move water across Kauai’s rugged terrain.

Emory also shares his own experience tubing through the tunnels and explores how these once-essential agricultural lifelines have become historic landmarks and visitor destinations. Along the way, the conversation turns to preservation, safety, cultural respect and the importance of remembering the labor and sacrifice behind the places visitors enjoy today.

Plus, enjoy nearly two hours of Hawaiian music, island favorites and the spirit of aloha from 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV.

The Little Grass Shack — your source for island stories, island music and the spirit that connects generations.

Grammy-nominated Hawaiian and Polynesian singer-songwriter Josh Tatofi joins Island Emory on The Little Grass Shack for a conversation about the music, family, faith, and island roots behind one of contemporary Hawaiian music’s most recognizable voices.

Tatofi shares how growing up in Hawaii, singing in church, and watching his father perform with Kapena helped shape a sound that blends traditional Hawaiian music with R&B, soul, reggae, and country influences. He talks about musical inspirations ranging from Motown and Luther Vandross to Teddy Pendergrass, his connection to Hawaiian music wherever he travels, and why family remains at the center of his journey.

The conversation also looks ahead to Tatofi’s return to Las Vegas and his performance at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, along with his upcoming album Paniolo Country. Recorded in Nashville, the project explores the connection between Hawaiian paniolo culture and country music. Tatofi also discusses recording “Baby Blue,” a song his father recorded 25 years earlier, and performing it at the Grand Ole Opry.

Plus, enjoy the Hawaiian music, island sounds, and aloha spirit that have made The Little Grass Shack a longtime home for Hawaii and the Pacific on KUNV 91.5 Jazz & More in Las Vegas.

Hosted by Island Emory.

Explore Mauna Kea, one of Hawaii’s most sacred and remarkable places, on this episode of The Little Grass Shack with Island Emory.

Discover the cultural and spiritual significance of Mauna Kea, its incredible height from the ocean floor, unique alpine environment, connection to Native Hawaiian traditions, and its importance to modern astronomy. Island Emory also explores the continuing conversation surrounding stewardship, preservation, science, and respect for this sacred place.

Along the way, enjoy the Hawaiian, island and reggae music that makes The Little Grass Shack your source of aloha.

The Little Grass Shack celebrates Hawaiian culture, island music, reggae, the people of Hawaii and stories from across the Pacific.

Listen to The Little Grass Shack on 91.5 KUNV Jazz & More in Las Vegas.

Set a course across one of Hawaii’s most demanding stretches of open ocean as Island Emory explores the history, tradition, preparation, and meaning behind the Molokai to Oahu canoe race on this edition of The Little Grass Shack.

The journey crosses approximately 41 miles of the Kaʻiwi Channel, where strong currents, shifting winds, powerful swells, and rapidly changing conditions challenge even experienced paddlers. Emory looks at the race’s roots in Hawaiian open-ocean navigation and inter-island travel, as well as the teamwork, discipline, endurance, and respect for the ocean required to make the crossing.

Learn how six-person outrigger canoe crews prepare for the challenge, the importance of timing and crew chemistry, the critical role of steersmen, and the months of physical and mental preparation that take place before race day. The episode also examines safety, escort boats, communication, hydration, and the cultural responsibility that accompanies crossing these historic waters.

For Emory, the story also carries a personal connection, with his mother from Molokai and his father from Oahu. The race becomes more than an athletic competition—it represents perseverance, unity, trust, tradition, and the connection between Hawaii’s past and present.

Along the way, enjoy the island music and Spirit of Aloha that make The Little Grass Shack your destination for Hawaiian culture, music, tradition, and a stress-free world.

The Little Grass Shack with Island Emory airs on 91.5 KUNV Jazz & More, the Ninth Island.

Original air date: August 16, 2026.

Originally aired August 9, 2026, this episode of Little Grass Shack with Island Emory explores the remarkable history of the ukulele, tracing its journey from Portuguese immigrants arriving in Hawaiʻi aboard the Ravenscrag in 1879 to becoming one of the world's most recognizable symbols of Hawaiian culture. Along the way, listeners discover the pioneering instrument makers, the support of King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani, the innovations of early Hawaiian musicians, and how the ukulele grew into a global musical phenomenon while remaining deeply rooted in the spirit of aloha. 

Complementing the educational features is a vibrant soundtrack of contemporary and classic island music celebrating Hawaiian culture, community, and the enduring spirit of aloha. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Hawaiian music or discovering the ukulele's rich heritage for the first time, this episode offers an inspiring journey through one of Hawaiʻi's most treasured cultural icons.

Originally Aired: August 9, 2026

Little Grass Shack with Island Emory
Broadcast on KUNV 91.5 Jazz & More – Las Vegas, Nevada

 Join Island Emory on this episode of Little Grass Shack as he explores the delicious history of Leonard's Bakery and the iconic Hawaiian malasada. Discover how Portuguese immigrants introduced malasadas to Hawaii, how Leonard's Bakery transformed the sweet treat into a worldwide sensation, and why these sugar-coated pastries have become a beloved symbol of aloha, family, and island culture. Along the way, enjoy the best in Hawaiian and island music while celebrating Hawaii's rich multicultural heritage. Whether you're planning your next trip to Oahu, reminiscing about the islands, or simply love Hawaiian food and music, this episode brings the spirit of aloha straight to you. New episodes of Little Grass Shack air Sundays on KUNV 91.5 Jazz & More and are available as a podcast 

 Join Island Emory on The Little Grass Shack as we explore the rich history and lasting legacy of Suisan Fish Market, one of Hawaii's most iconic seafood destinations. From its founding in 1907 by Japanese immigrant fishermen to surviving devastating tsunamis and becoming one of the state's premier seafood distributors, discover how Suisan has shaped Hawaii's fishing industry and local culture. Learn about the famous poke counter, support for local fishermen, sustainable seafood traditions, and why Suisan remains a must-visit destination on the Big Island. Plus, enjoy the best in island music, Hawaiian culture, and the spirit of aloha on KUNV 91.5 Jazz & More