About Us
The Band
Glenda D. Monzon
Glenda is the lead vocals, plays the ukelele, and is the sound engineer for Akua Pono. She has experience singing to many different genres including, but not limited to, Classic Rock, R&B, Hawaiian Pop Rock, Island Reggae & Dance Top 40. In addition, to the ukelele, Monzon, can also play the keyboard/piano. She has performed with High Priority Band and Southbay Band. Monzon expresses her desire as being able to perform different music genres to the best of her abilities and achieve this through planned practice sessions and constant dedicationice sessions and constant dedication.
Del Tulao
Del is the lead and background vocalist for Akua Pono. He plays the drums/percussion and keyboards. His main experience comes from the time he spent performing with the following groups Devotion (1978) Breezin (1980) and has done freelance work with local artists Keni Yarbro, Michael “Gonzo” Gonzalez and Keahi. He is versed in various musical genres Hawaiian, Jazz, Classic/Soft Rock, Reggae and Old School and at times can be found sitting in with these artists at various venues around town. He is one of the original members of the Akua Pono band.
John Academia
Academia is the lead and background vocalist as well as the keyboardist/musical director for Akua Pono. He also plays bass, guitar, and drums. His musical career began in the '70s, where he performed with various groups starting with Devotion, Flash, Zzajj, Bogart, Family, The Jazz Kats, Portland Makai, Breezin', Flip Side & Blood, Masama, and Stage 4. John’s musical influences are Hawaiian Contemporary, Jazz, R&B, Rock, Pop, and Reggae and he teaches full-time at Eastlake Middle School.
Ecky Napolean
Ecky Napoleon is the newest member of the band. He sings lead and background vocals and is well versed in lead and rhythm guitar. His musical experience comes from the time performed with the Devotion Band in the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s. Most recently he has played with “DaMac” band and other musicians in San Diego. His style of play is inspired by Hawaiian, Jazz, Classic/Soft Rock, Reggae, and Old School genres. Ecky is a local San Diego product.