ABOUT

JACOB AKANA

Jacob Akana is a Hawaiian multi-instrumentalist and sound engineer from Northern California.

He was introduced to music in the 4th grade where he learned to play violin in the Redding School District. Akana began performing live at the age of 10 with the California State Old Time Fiddlers Association (C.S.O.T.F.A). Akana taught himself to play guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, piano, dobro, and ukulele. He is also a 5x State Flatpicking Champion and a 4x Western Open Flatpicking Champion. Akana performs in and runs sound for several bands and venues including his own project: The Jacob Akana Band.

He is an active community member, and works at the Cascade Theatre and Viva Downtown. Akana gives guitar lessons through a grant funded program at the Shasta County Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility. He is also a Board Member and Event Coordinator of the Redding Roots Revival Music Festival. All are Non-Profit 501.c(3) organizations.

Curriculum Vitae:

Jacob Akana - jacobakana99@gmail.com | 530.710.4440

Americana Musician | Sound Engineer | Event Coordinator – Redding, CA

 

Professional Summary

Multi-disciplinary artist and community leader with 15 years of experience in the North State arts landscape. A 9-time award-winning flatpick guitarist and professional sound engineer dedicated to community-centric art and arts education. Proven track record in large-scale event production, nonprofit collaboration, and music instruction for underserved populations.

 

Selected Musical Milestones & Performance

  • AJ Lee & Blue Summit (Opener) | Historic Cascade Theatre | Nov 2025

  • Lead Vocalist/Guitarist: Jacob Akana Band | 2022–Present

  • Featured Artist: Carr Fire Benefit Concert | Redding Rodeo Grounds| 2018

    • Performed for an audience of 2,000+ community members and victims to support regional fire relief efforts.

 

Awards & Recognition

  • 5-Time Champion: California State Fiddle & Picking Championships (Open Picking Division)

  • 4-Time Champion: Western Open Fiddle & Picking Championships (Open Picking Division)

 

Arts Education & Community Impact

Guitar Instructor | Shasta County Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility | Nov 2025–Present

  • Lead weekly three-hour instructional workshops for youth residents through a grant-funded program by the Shasta County Arts Council.

Local Musician | Northern California | 2018–Present

  • Frequent performances at local venues and establishments: The Dip, Market Street Blade and Barrel, Cheesecakes Unlimited, Temple Music, The IOOF Hall, Mosaic, Whistlestop Park, The Redding Public Market, Anderson Riverpark.

 

Sound Engineering & Technical Production

  • Staff Sound Engineer | Historic Cascade Theatre | Current

  • Regional Live Sound Engineer | Redding, CA | 2016–Present

    • Provide expert sound reinforcement and technical services for the IOOF Hall, Axiom Repertory Theatre, and the Shasta County Arts Council.

 

Arts Administration & Event Coordination

Event Coordinator | Viva Downtown | 2017–Present

  • Redding Beer & Wine Festival: Oversight of large-scale logistics, vendor management, and entertainment programming (2017–2025).

  • Hops and Shops: Managed downtown retail and craft beer community events (2017–Present).

Board Member/ Event Coordinator | Redding Roots Revival | 2023–Present

·       Redding Roots Revival: Multi-day Americana festival focused on community engagement

 

Selected Press