A pair of two major music events, sidelined and postponed because of the two-years-plus Coronavirus pandemic, are gearing up to welcome performers and fans alike.
The first is “Home in the Islands,” Henry Kapono’s mammoth assembly of Hawaii’s top music-makers, is revving up for its four-hour spectacle from 6 to 10 p.m. June 18 at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, a stone’s throw from Diamond Head. (Ticketholders for the original Sept. 25 date still may utilize their tickets). More than 20 iconic island recording and concert stars – who are credited with creating and sharing hit songs and cultural mele that constitute the soundtrack of Hawaii over the past decades –are expected to grace the stage, including:
* Henry Kapono.
* Kalapana.
* Keola Beamer.
* Jerry Santos.
* Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom.
* Kapena.
* Ledward Kaapana.
* The Mākaha Sons.
* Brother Noland.
* Robi Kahakalau.
Tickets: $151, VIP pool (VIP includes early entry, via special gate); $66, terrace;
$36, lawn. Each admission includes $1 that will benefit the Henry Kapono Foundation. Visit: www.ticketmaster.com or call (808) 768-5252. …
The second is the 9th Annual Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival, unfolding from 5 to 9 p.m. June 4 oceanfront at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii Island. Organizer Ken Martinez Burgmaeir is corralling artists in jazz, blues, rock, Zydeco, Cajun and soul, in a diverse concert of national and international entertainers.
Among the acts scheduled :
- Saxophonist Donald Harrison, acknowledged as the Big Chief of Congo Square in the Afro-New Orleans culture.
- Wayne Toups, legendary Cajun-Zydeco legend.
- Skip Martin of Kool and the Gang, with his Dazz Band.
- Dale Spalding, Canned Heat master of the harmonica.
- Eric Marienthal, saxophone wizard.
- The Iguanas, famous for the blend of blues, rock, Tejano and World Music.
- John Keawe, slack key guitar master exhibiting his new SLAZZ artistry fusing ki ho’alu and traditional jazz.
- Sarah Bethany, jazz vocalist.
- Benny Uyetake, ukulele and guitarist, with the Jazz Alley TV Trio.
- Javon Jackson, jazz tenor saxophonist.
The Mauna Kea gig is the centerpiece of the festival, which also includes a couple of smaller, pre-concert gatherings in a restaurant and cafe on the Big Island.
Tickets: www.bigislandjazzandbluesfestival.com
Mars is soaring
A belated shaka to local boy Bruno Mars, who, with Silk Sonic partner Anderson . Paak, picked up to Grammy trophies last Sunday (April 3) night in the televised proceedings on CBS.
He made history being the only artist to snap up three song and record of the year laurels for Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open.” Mars’ earlier triumphs were 2018’s “24 K Magic” and 2016’s Uptown Funk,” the duet with Mark Ronson.
Mars tied Paul Simon of Simon and Garfunkel, the only other three-timer thus far.
His lit cigarette stirred some controversy – brah, no need to smoke when you pick up your trophy – but otherwise looked suave and superstarry in retro costumes, first with the bejeweled Elvis Presley-inspired jumpsuit minus a cape, and the more ‘70s-flavored outfit in line with his Hooligan garb for the concert circuit.
Silk Sonic has earned four Grammys so far, prompting the bewigged .Paak to comment on the Grammy show, “We are really trying our hardest to remain humble at this point. But in the industry, we call that a clean sweep.” …
Once over lightly…
Postponed: That Shari Lynn/Kip Wilborn concert, set for 7 p.m. April 15 at Manoa Valley Theatre, has been postponed, reason unknown. A rescheduled date is expected soon…
Ticket launch: New Kids on the Block will return to Hawaii for two shows, at 8 p.m. Aug. 5 and 6, at the Blaisdell Arena. TLC will be the opening act. Hawaii residents get first dibs at tickets, at 7 a.m. Saturday (April 9) at the Blaisdell box office; visit: www.ticketmaster.com; public sales begin at10 a.m. Sunday April 10. …
And that’s Show Biz. …