You and Me

You and Me is a twin duo consisting of guitarists and vocalists Fred Kekino Yuen (Braddah Fred) and Joseph Ka’apuni Yuen (Braddah Joe). Although we now reside in Honolulu, we were raised in Waialua, Hawaii and consider ourselves to be true North Shore Boys.

 

Growing up, we were involved with singing in Redemption Academy and the Honolulu Boys Choir. Once in high school we began to play the ukulele and guitar. Besides learning from each other we have been fortunate to have one of the best guitarists on the island, Keith Jaden Jumawan, as a mentor and friend.

 While attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa, we got together with Dennis Kauwe (Ukulele/Vocalist), Aaron Kanemaru (Bass), and Matt Nakamoto (Keyboard/Vocalist) and formed a band called Hawaiian Country. We were Hawaiians from the countryside playing reggae, island and pop music mainly, at a popular place, known as Liquid Surf Den.

 As the members of Hawaiian Country progressed in their lives, we formed You and Me and began entertaining locals and tourists in beautiful Waikiki. Our name You and Me was given to us by family; the words are a play on our last name Yuen (locally pronounced /yoo-wen/), and the fact that we are identical twins. In true Hawaiian Country fashion, we continue to play reggae, island and pop music, but have expanded our repertoire to include country, classic rock, alternative, Motown, and more, all with an island-feel.

 Our first gig as a duo was at the Shore Bird Restaurant and Beach Bar in the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. There we played the dinner set every Thursday and Friday night from 4:30pm to 8:30pm. After staying at the Shore Bird for 4-years, we went on to play, beachside, at the Barefoot Bar on the outskirts of the Hale Koa Hotel. Although the hotel is reserved for military use only, the Barefoot Bar is open to the public.

 Aside from playing in Waikiki, we also do private parties such as weddings, birthdays, dinners, graduations, and so on. You and Me continues to have a great relationship with the members of Hawaiian Country and is available to play in a trio, foursome and big band style when needed.