Aloha mai!
Summertime, and the concerts are a comin'! Hawaiian musicians are almost circling the globe to spread the joy of Hawaiian music. It's heartwarming to see how many people plan to fit Hawaiian music in to their trips to Hawai'i, or even plan their entire vacation around a bug Hawaiian music event. I get a fair number of emails from folks asking who will be playing on Maui during this time period, or Honolulu during that one. I usually post everything that I know -- no hidden treats! -- but I make no claim to being exhasutive, because not all Hawaiian music promoters and record companies see the value in regularly communicating this information to online -- or any other -- sources. So if you know of a Hawaiian music concert in your area, and you don't see it listed here, please do the Hawaiian music lovers in your neighborhood a favor and spread the word to me, so I can help pass that information on.
And speaking of far-flung concerts, check out the schedule below! Everything from Willie K and Amy in Texas and Japan, to Led Kaapana in Massachuseets, to Led Kaapana and Keola Beamer in Germany!
Recordings
'Ale'a, Take Me Home. I felt rewarded when I was finally able to sit down and listen to this debut CD. 'Ale'a displays a fine grasp of musicianship, with solid instrumentals and sweet harmonies reminscent of Ho'okena. The lead singer, Kala'i Stern, previously released a CD, and his quality has improved and matured since then. This is not to say that 'Ale'a is a one man show -- the other membersmore than ably hold their own. Their "Pua Tuberose" is one of the finest songs on the CD and a real chickenskin number. While 'Ale'a throws in the obligatory pop remakes and does a creditable job, they really shine on their Hawaiian numbers. They have the harmonies, and more, importantly, the heart and soul of the music down. A very impressive debut. Songs include "Hapa Haole Girl of My Dream," "Kawohikukapulani," "Cowboy Medley," "Dueling Banjos," "You and Me and the Bottle Makes Three Tonight," "Ka Punahou," and "Holo Wa'apa.".
Pu'uwai, Keopu (Simply Hawaiian Records SHR 1250) This CD reminds me of the Valley Boys' CD of a few years ago - high praise indeed, as I thought that that duo added their own flavor to the traditional Hawaiian music sound. This group has the same energy and great vocal quality. I just wish that that duo added their own flavor to the traditional Hawaiian music sound. This group has the same energy and great vocal quality. I just wish that they would do more Hawaiian material and not feel the need to drag in so many remakes. We have to suffer through songs like the overly-echoing "When Will I See You Again" and "Too Much Heaven," (ye gods - a BeeGees songs! With synthesizers to complete the plastic 80s mood). The Temptations medley works better because the guys are really good at harmony, but I still (and forever) wonder about the lemming-like urge of local bands to remake moldy oldies. Oh well. Just program around them and you'll be able to hear some very good Hawaiian music by a group that has the sound down pat.
Songs include "Na Ka Pueo," "Pua Lilia," "Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua," "Satin Sheets," When Will I See You Again," "Temptations Medley: Just My Imagination/My Girl," and "Purple Raindrops."
Island Riddim Band, The New Voyage (South Bay Records IRB001). Island Riddim Band is a California-based band with strong ties to Hawaii. I have heard about them for years and was delighted to receive a copy of their CD in the mail from a friend of mine who is a long-standing fan of theirs (mahalo, Paulette!). I must say that the band lives up to their hype. The recording, produced by Hawaiian Style Band's Bryan Kessler, was clean and well-done, the vocals assured, and the style relaxed. The band does a number of Hawaiian standards, such as "Na Ka Pueo," "Laupahoehoe Hula," and "Ka'aahi Kahului," and Frank DeLima's "Flying," and puts their own stamp on them. I particularly like "Ka'aahi Kahului," as they successfully put their own stamp on a song that is so closely associated with another artist, Palani Vaughn. The originals vary between with purely contemporary and the Hawaiian mode, includign originals such as "Maika'i no o Waimanalo," "Ki Ho'alu Music," and "Tne New Voyage." The other songs include a sassy "Hot Stuff" and a rather light-weight version of U2's "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." Additional musicians include local musicians George Kuo, Bobby Ingano, Mike Ka'awa, and Bryan Kessler. A well done CD!
Concerts
(all concerts in Honolulu unless otherwise stated)June
June 21: Ka'au Crater Boys at the Honolulu Zoo, 7 p.m. Admission $1.
June 23: Herb Ohta Jr. at Borders Ware Center at 9 p.m. Free!
June 24: A Backyard Summer Bash, a benefit for DJ Willie Moku, from 3 - 9 p.m. on the Diamondhead end of the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Performers include Ka'au Crater Boys (Ernie, Shawn, and Jon), Henry Kapono, Pure Heart, Weldon Keauoka, Ka'ala Boys, Natural Vibrations, Ten Feet, The Krush, Forte, Na Kane Nui, Honolulu, Jonathan Ho'omanawahanui, Moke Boy, Backstage Band, Carole Kai, Ehukai, Koa'Uka, and Jeff Apaka. Ticket $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Available at Tower, Harry's Musicm Hungry Ear, Sheraton Waikiki dining desk. Info: 922-4422.
June 29: Ke Kani O Ke Kai at the Waikiki Aquarium, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6). $18 admission, $13 for members, children 12 and under free. Info: 923-9741.
June 29: Amy and Willie and the Waikiki Aquarium, 7 p.m. Tickets $18, children under 12 free. Info 923-9741.
July
July 2 (Germany): Keola Beamer at Expo 2000, Christus Pavilion, Hannover, 8 p.m.
July 3 (Texas): Willie K at Hilltop, Texas, with Willie Nelson.
July 4 (Texas): Willie K at Luchanbach, Texas, wirh Wille Nelson.
July 7 -9 (Germany): Keola Beamer at Rudolstadt at the Tanz and Folk Festival, 8 p.m.
July 7 (California): Willie K and Amy at the Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, 7 :30 p.m. Info: 949-496-8930.
July 15 (Maui) Willie K and Willie Nelson at the Maui Culture and Arts Center. Info (808) 242-SHOW
July 16 (Hawai'i): 11th Annual Big Island Slack Key Guitar Festival,Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, Hilo. 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm. Lineup includes Owana Salazar, Brother Noland, John Keawe, Pam Garza w/Walter Carvalho, Ledward Kaapana, Dennis and David Kamakahi, Jon Yamasato, Mike Kaawa, and Ocean Kaowili.
July 19-20 (California): 19 Broadway Proudly Presents: The Makaha Sons - Moon, John, and Jerome, 7 & 9:30 PM shows nightly, Fairfax. Advance reservations: $18.00, at door: $20.00 For tickets, call: 415-485-0375, Email: nineteenbroadway@yahoo.com, or Fax: 415-459-0630.
July 29 KCCN-FM100 Birthday Bash, Waikiki Shell, Honolulu. Performers include Keali'i Reichel.
July 29-30 (Massachusetts): Led Kaapana will be performing solo four different times at this summer'sLowell Massachusetts Folk Festival.
Check out the festival site for more details and ticket information. http://www.lowellfolkfestival.org/
- July 29 @12:45 PM at Saint Anne's Stage
- July 29 @ 8:30 PM at Boarding House Park Stage
- July 30 @ 12:00 Noon at Market Street Stage
- July 30 @ 3:00 PM at Market Mills Courtyard
July 30 (Kaua'i): Lihue Slack Key Festival, noon. Performers TBA.
August
August 17 & 18 (Germany): George Kahumoku, Led Kaapana, Cyril Pahinui, Daniel Ho, and Alika Odum will be performing at 9PM at Hall 11 on the expo grounds / Theatre stage in Hannover Germany.
August 18: Willie K and Amy at the Sheraton Waikiki. Info TBA.
August 19, 20 - Keali'i Reichel in Japan (details TBA)
August 26 (Japan): Willie K and Amy in Mito.
August 27 (Japan): Willie K and Amy in Mita-Kai.
August 28 (Japan): Willie K and Amy in Kamakura.
August 29 (Japan): Willie K and Amy in Yokohama at Thumb's-Up. Info: 011-81-354740223
September
September 17 (Hawai'i) Keali'i Reichel at the Sam Choy Poke Festival, Hapuna Beach Hotel. Details TBA
October
October 7 Alana Dung Fundraiser, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu. Performers include Keali'i Reichel.
October 14 (Hawai'i) Hamakua Music Festival, Honoka`a. Performers include Keali'i Reichel.
October 20: Willie K and Amy at the Hawaii Theatre.
December
December 2 (Maui): Willie K and Amy at the Maui Cultural and Arts Center.
December 16 (Las Vegas): Willie K and Amy at the Roxy Theatre, Fiesta Hotel. See you in early July!
--Susan
susanj@lava.net
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