Aloha mai! It's summer, and concerts are bustin' out all over! I've made an exception to my usual rule and am posting many of the summer concerts, even if they're later in the summer, just because there are sooo many! Lots of new events this time around-- look for performances by BB Shawn, Hapa, slack key in Japan, and more.Last page I shared the news of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's passing with you. Israel's indelible mark on Hawaiian music was noted by young and old. Services were held at the State Capitol, where his body lay in state -- an honor heretofore reserved to former Governor John Burns and former United States Senator Spark Matsunaga -- and thousands of people from all walks of life came by that night to bid his adieu and share some fond memories. Thousands more joined the family out at Makua Beach this past Saturday, where his passing was marked by a convoy of 183 truck rigs that paraded out to Makua Beach and a farewell led by the Polynesian voyaging canoes E 'Ala and Hokule'a. There are some touching write-ups about this on the newsgroup alt.music.hawaiian, and photos and stories can be found in back issues of the Honolulu Star Bulletin at www.starbulletin.com
On July 15, the Ka'au Crater Boys, Ernie Cruz Jr. and Troy Fernandez, announced that they would be splitting up to pursue other musical ventures. Ernie plans to work on a project with his brother, John Cruz, winner of the most promising artist at this year's Na Hoku Hanohano awards, and Troy wants to work with his other band, Palolo (new CD review below). The breakup is said to be amiable. Ka'au will do one last round of concerts together in July and August: appearances include the July 26 KCCN Birthday Bash (details below) and the July 27 Ukulele Festival (details below), as well as a late August appearance at the Waikiki Aquarium on August 27 (details TBA). Gigs include the Pier Bar at Aloha Tower Marketplace on July 18 (9:30 p.m.) and August 19 (TBA). A statewide tour is planned for August and there will be a final farewell concert at Lady Luck in Las Vegas. Ka'au is finishing their last CD, which is projected to be available in September.
Recordings
Palolo, Kaliuwa'a (Roy Sakuma Productions, Inc. RSCD 1094) This is a nice, solid recording by Palolo, Troy Fernandes' other group. Troy's trademark 'uke and voice are there, but the song selection and presentation puts a little more distinction between Palolo and Ka'au Crater Boys. I usually don't care for CDs with a lot of variation between song styles -- it often comes off as jarring and somewhat desperate. However, Palolo has a nice blend of traditional Hawaiian -- Wai Hui O Ke Ani Ani, Hi'ilawe -- contemporary Hawaiian -- O Akua, which has been getting most of the airplay here, and Kaliuwa'a (which reminds us that that's the real name for Sacred Falls), Jawaiian -- Sweat, and a straaaange version of Johnny B. Goode, and some oldies but goodies like their Teddy Bear/Hound Dog medley. I'm betting this will be quite popular, although I still have reservations about the Johnny B. Goode. [g]
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