Taimane Gardner


Taimane Tauiliili Bobby Gardner is an American ukulele virtuoso and composer.

Early life

Taimane was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and is of Samoan, German, Irish, French, and Swedish descent. Her name translates to diamond in Samoan language. Taimane began playing the ukulele at the age of 5. She was discovered by legendary musician Don Ho at age 13 and also studied under Jake Shimabukuro as a teenager. She graduated from the Honolulu Waldorf School before attending Kapiolani Community College.

Career

Taimane became a popular local musician on the Waikiki performance circuit as a teenager. In 2005, she released her first album Loco Princess. Her album Life – The Art & Beauty of Being Human was released in 2008. Other released solo projects include Ukulele Dance in 2012, We Are Made of Stars in 2015, and Elemental in 2018.
Taimane has performed internationally in Japan and Hong Kong. Her album We Are Made of Stars was nominated for Ukulele Album of the Year at the 2016 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Taimane has also been recognized for her cover medley performances including a spot on the Guitar World Magazine Top 10 Ukulele Moments list.

Personal life

In 2011 Taimane Gardner, then aged 22, crashed into a patrol car on Kuhio Avenue near Nohonani Street in Honolulu early in the morning of Sunday June 26th. A 36-year-old female officer was transported to the hospital, but was later released. Taimane was released on $500 bail and scheduled to appear in court in July 2011. She pleaded no contest to a DUI charge.

Discography

Albums