Streetlight Cadence, the folk-rock/alt-rock band born on the streets of Honolulu, continues to amaze and evolve.
In a sorta reunion concert last night (Dec. 13) at the Hawaii Theatre, the current core members of SLC – Jon Andrew Franklin on electric violin and lead vocals, Ben Chai on banjo, and Clara Stegall on guitar and infrequent vocals—assembled with other members with ties to group, as well as with a couple of newbies
A flashy light show was a surprise element, with bolting rays of dancing lights and alternating hues of red and blue and yellow keyed to thumping, expressive musicianship. It was a language of Wow! and Now! and yes, even Pow!
At the end of two hours, this much was certain:
- Franklin, the group’s emcee and principal lead voice and composer, has a lot of energy and creativity but also a lot of anxiety and angst linked to the rise and fall of SLC. He also is the key composer and his music is autobiographical, dealing with a traumatic Los Angeles experience and the ongoing quest of finding and shaping elusive success. His lyrics suggest he’s hurt, he’s hungry but he’s healing a skosh. He describes himself as “the haole boy from Texas,” but he’s blended with locals with his HPU classes here.
- The group nearly folded a few times but survived internal friction. One of the pioneering members, Brian Webb on electric cello, has moved on, escaping the quest of fame and those Will Sing for Food campaigns.
- The group still has a loyal Hawaii following; though the concert was not a sellout, many fans showed up, many bearing gifts, with a lot of seniors or near-seniors and flock of family members.
- Couldn’t tell, from my seat, who returned for the reunion, but most of the following appeared: Evan Arashiro on drums, Chaz Umamoto on guitar, Jesse Shiroma on accordion and foot percussionist and Matt Mariconda on guitar. Maia Wolf on cello was listed as a returnee, too.
SLC possesses showmanship and flair, but the group should self-examine and consider pacing frustration with triumph, seeking a bit of positive to balance the negative. Streetlight Cadence, hopefully, will earn and discover the joys of success, but for now, they’re still a work in progress.
Perhaps these images from the concert reflect where the band is now…
And that’s Show Biz…