Hawaii Bass Bash 2017 2.0 Featuring Ripp Current at The Studio, Hawaiian Brians (7-25-2017)

A special Hawaii Bass Bash 2017 2.0 featuring Ripp Current.  Secret - The members of the band are part of the band, The Rippington's.  Thank you Bob Hernandez for another awesome event!  Check out these golden moments!

Tapestry at the Honolulu Club (12-8-2016)

Please enjoy these golden moments..........




Please enjoy the audio recordings......

Gerardo Velez and Friends at the Blue Note Hawaii (7-31-2016)

Gerardo Velez is best known for playing with Jimi Hendrix, and Spyro Gyra!
On this evening at the Blue Note Hawaii, he played with local performers:

Ginai Hill-vocals
Jeanette Travias-keyboard
Marc Pearlman-guitar
Bob Hernandez-bass
Bonny Bonaparte-drums
Rocky Holmes-sax
Eddie Ortiz-trumpet
Mike Lewis-trumpet

Please enjoy these golden moments!

Sweet Sounds at The Honolulu Club (7-28-2016)

Please check out these golden moments!

SOUL PILOT at Monterey Bay Canners (4-23-2016)

Check out these golden moments !

SOUL PILOT at The Mixx (10-17-2015)

We visited with this band before and always enjoy their performance, but what a special treat to see them tonight!  On this night SOUL PILOT introduced their new female lead vocalist, Riya Davis. We're seen her perform before with her band called Adagio at Mezz 127.   This gal can sing!   We decided to postponed our plans for the rest of the evening and just spent it here at The Mixx.  We were not disappointed.  Thank you Russell for singing 'Gorgy Porgy', and Happy Birthday to Peter who was also celebrating his day tonight.

SOUL PILOT BAND:
Russell Shiroma - guitar, vocals and bandleader
Riya Davis - vocals
Mark Tanouye - bass guitar
Peter Factora - drums
Tony Travias - keyboards
Paul Stanley- saxaphone

Please check out these captured golden moments!





For more information on The Mixx go to their Facebook page here
Check out Our Calendar tab at the top of the page for Soul Pilot's next performance.

Pat "King" Koh Trio @ Cafe Julia (12-7-2014)

A Downtown secret....Tucked away inside the YWCA on Richards Strret is the beautiful Cafe Julia. named after its Architect (Julia Morgan) who was also the 1st Woman Architect to designed a public building in 1920; Cafe Julia is the place to be for exquisite dinning and live music - JAZZ music that is!  You can dine inside the Cafe or at the adjacent courtyard under the moon and stars.  Great place to impress a date. We even saw a couple solo slow dancing in the courtyard. Be sure to save room for one of their table side desserts - totally worth the wait and so delish!
(Cafe Julia's website: http://cafejuliahawaii.com/)

On this night we visited with the  Pat "King" Koh Trio.  With the anbience of this Cafe and high ceiling room, this venue suits this Trio well.   Their soothing music resonates through out the room and courtyard, and will take you back to a simpler time as you listen to all of your favorite Jazz standards.  You will not be disappointmented!  We plan to revist soon.

The Pat King Koh Trio Band:

Pat Koh -  vocals
Ernie Morikubo -  guitar
Bob Hasset - bass

Band contact: www.facebook.com/PatKingKoh

Mahalo Pat 'King' Koh Trio, for a great night of Jazz (and dinning).
Till next time, Don't Stop The Music!

Check out these captured golden moments below!

"Blame It On The Boogie" at Dot's in Wahiawa (5/30/2014)

 

With the closure of Ige's Restaurant in January 2014, Dot's in Wahiawa is now the place in Central Oahu to go for live music and dancing.  The community came out to support this event in full force. The room and dance floors were packed.  I guess you can say they "Blame It On the Boogie!"  Even the Line Dancers were given their own dance floor area.  Mahalo to Mike Nacapuy (a Leileihua High School Alumni, Owner of Big Mike's Pro Sound, and The Elements Bandleader & Bass Guitar player) for organizing these last Friday of the month events.  Once again we got to see many friends and family enjoying themselves.  Even one of the band members was celebrating her birthday tonight.  

Tonight's Line Up:  THE NEW EXPERIENCE II, HONUGRUV, and LEVEL III WITH THE ELEMENTS.  Jonathan Kaina of the former SOSLV joined in with Honugruv on guitar, sax and vocals. What a treat!  

Check out these captured golden moments below:

Ige's Restaurant & 19th Puka Food & Music Festival (1-18-2014)

This blog posting took a bit longer to prepare than we anticipated.  Why you ask?  We wanted it to be special because this was the last night we would see and hear music at Ige's Restaurant & 19th Puka in Aiea.

We arrived extra early (4 pm) to capture as many golden moments as possible.  This would be the very last time JonT Media Hawaii would be seated at our reserved table.  Our last chance to enjoy the delicious dishes we all became accustomed to over the last 10 consecutive years.  Tonight's special buffet line - the last supper.  Thank you Wayne for the yummy desserts and the beautiful decorated cake.

The place was packed, standing room only.  Even the local TV stations were present interviewing patrons and the restaurant management.  Thank you Manager Henry (also a former Point After manager) for remembering to change all the TV channels so everyone could watch themselves on the 10 PM news.

Tonight, non-stop entertainment. Mahalo Dean for setting up the line up:  Jazz Nene and Jon Basebase, Lance Orillo, Excite, King Pins, Pocket, and H20 & friends – The final jam session.  There were several birthday celebrations in the house as well. Also donning the stage was Comedian Rodney Villanueva, who incidentally at the end of the evening lead the remaining crowd to stand up and sing 'Hawaii Aloha'.  How appropriate!  We remained until the very last song was played, on to the wee morning hours (2 am) when all the chairs would finally be placed upside down on the tables, and the stage spot lights dimmed forever.

Special Mahalo to Ron Ige and his staff for creating this magical place that family & friends gathered weekly to eat, drink, talk story, laugh, dance and sing.  Mahalo to all the musicians, bands (and even magicians) for sharing your talents and keeping us entertained every night.  We're still baffled how Santos Kidd got those playing cards to stick on the high ceiling.  Guess we'll never know now.

We are so happy and honored to have shared on RockAndJazzHawaii.com, the many fine performances at this establishment.  Ige's Restaurant is gone, but the memories will remain.  Please enjoy these captured golden moments as much as we will enjoy them through the coming years ahead.  BTW, we've been hearing talk about an Ige's Restaurant & 19th Puka Reunion Dance Party. We don't know when or where, but if it does happen; you can be sure JonT Media Hawaii will be there.  Till then...See you on our next music carpet ride! Remember to Smile! and Don't Stop The Music!




PS: In case you didn't know, you can still get some of your favorite dishes at Ige's Lunchwagon and Catering.  Here is their website: http://www.igeslwcatering.com/

HONUGRUV Live at Ige's Restaurant & 19th Puka on (12-21-2013 & 1-11-2014)

HONUGRUV's 12-21-2013 performance







Check out these golden moments from 1-11-2014.



As you can see we're a wee bit behind in our postings. As the adage goes 'better late than never'.  This one had to be shared!

This posting is a double treat! Two (2) separate nights at Ige's.  HONUGRUV plays R&B, Smooth Jazz, and Contemporary music; with influences of EWF, Incognito, Alicia Keys, Chaka Kahn. Each singer is powerful and unique.  If you have not yet seen/heard this band, we highly recommend that you do.  Honugruv will get you Gruv'in in your seat and up to the dance floor in no time.  They recently sported a new horn section, making the complete package even more explosive.  We like!

Mahalo HONUGRUV! and Don't Stop The Music!

HONUGRUV:
Sam Hesch - Vocals
Devonne Guzman - Vocals
Alex Song - Vocals
Querida Song - Vocals
Greg Ravelo - keyboards, Vocals
Darren Sarajina - guitar
Jared Ballesteros - drums
Mark Flores - bass, bandleader

Band Contact: Mark Flores, at honugruv@gmail.com

Infiniti Pacific Rim Jazz Festival at the Hawaii Convention Center (11-2-2013)

Hana Hou!  We made it to our 2nd Pacific Rim Jazz Festival.  Ran into many friends there too. So proud to see our local talent sharing the stage with some big names.  Check out these golden moments below.



Unable to view the slide show....click on this LINK. You will also be able to "Like" or "Share" your favorite pictures to Facebook.

Local Talent:

The Bentos - A Neo soul jazz band that plays a mixture of classic and modern jazz, R & B, hip hop, and soul. http://the808life.com/music/the-bentos/ The Bentos: Jackson Helm - Vocals; Ethan Capone - Keyboard;; Ian O'Sullivan - Guitar; Mark Tanouye - Bass; Mark Lindberg - Drums; and Ambrose - Sax.

Rene Paulo - Known as Hawaii’s “King of the Keyboard”. A former graduate of the Julliard School of Music.  Rene is great showman and known for his unique piano playing style.  He is Michael's father - Musical talent runs in this family. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rene_Paulo

Ginai Hill - One of our favorite singers.  Ginai is both a talented singer and song writer.  She has CD releases in Japan and Hawaii, has won 3 Hawaiian Music Awards, and 2 Na Hoku Hanohano awards. She performs with Nueva Vida, Honolulu Jazz Quartet, and the Hot Club of Hulaville.  On this night she released her new EP entitled 'Conversations', and was backed up by Riya Davis of Adagio, and NJ of EightOEight. http://ginaimusic.com/artist/jazz/

Michael Paulo - The Festival Producer & Founder of the Kapolei Foundation Michael Paulo Music Scholarship.  Michael is a World renowned saxophonist.   He has played with Al Jarreau, James Inram, Rick Braun, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, and Herbie Hancock to name a few. http://www.michaelpaulo.net/ 
http://kapoleifoundation.org/foundation-scholarships-and-grants

Alvin 'Pops" Okami - A former musician from the Waikiki circuit with names like Linda Green, Kui Lee, Ohta-san and the Royal Hawaiian Ban.  The Founder of KoAloha making Ukuleles, who also release his first solo cd "Uke and Me".  Pop's donated a KoAloha Ukulele that sold at the festival's live auction for $1,200.  Proceeds benefited the Kapolei Foundation Michael Paulo Music Scholarship.
http://www.koaloha.com/Images/Gallery/GalleryMain.html





International talent:

Spencer Day - A vocalist, songwriter and pianist.  This was his 1st visit to Hawaii.  He sang 'Till You Come To Me', and 'The Mystery of You', (Sandy's favs). http://spencerday.com

Keiko Matsui - Japanese smooth jazz, jazz fusion, new age keyboardist. Keiko celebrates 25 years performing in the USA. http://www.keikomatsui.com/

Gregg Karukas - New age, smooth jazz, keyboardist. Grammy award winner.  http://www.karukas.com/

Mindi Abair - A spirited blonde saxophonist that has sold over a half million records as a solo artist. Mindi was featured on American Idol in 2011 & 2012. http://www.mindiabair.com/

Brian Simpson - A keyboardist that is the music director for Dave Koz.  Brian performed with many of the top smooth jazz artists. http://www.bsimpsonmusic.com/

Bobby Caldwell - Bobby is a R&B, jazz, smooth jazz artist, songwriter.  On this night he was backed up by local vocalist Riya Davis of Adagio. http://www.bobbycaldwell.com/

Sheila E - 'Everyone knows her! "The Glamorous Life" - Another one of our favs.  Sheila is a vocalist, percussionist, songwriter, arranger, producer, and drummer.  She has played for Natalie Cole, George Duke, Gloria Estefan, Diana Ross, to name a few. http://www.sheilae.com/

Again, thank you Michael Paulo for bringing the best local and international smooth jazz talent to Hawaii!   Mahalo to all the hands, musicians and singers that put this great event together.  We'll be back for more in 2014! Till then, Don't Stop The Music!

Don Tiki Live at the Doris Duke Theater (12-15-2012)

This was our 4th Don Tiki Show and certainly not our last.   We were turned on to Exotica Jazz in 2005.  What is Exotica Jazz?  Check out this website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exotica.

The first Don Tiki show we saw was held at the Hawaiian Hut-Ala Moana Hotel.   Beautiful dancers paraded the aisles in costumes with giant cocktail glasses on their heads.  One singer also balanced a large tiki on her head laugh singing the entire song.  The characters, the vibes, the percussions and the animal calls were so memorable, we couldn't wait to attend our next Don Tiki Show.  That next show was at the Turtle Bay Resort under the moon and stars (2006).   Willow Chang danced and sang.  The next was at the Aloha Tower Marketplace on Valentine's day (2010) featuring Star Kalahiki.   Each venue offered a different show filled with surprises and a sense of escapism. 

This Hot Lava Holiday show was held at the Doris Duke Theater at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. An indication of the energy in this room----a prelude of animal sounds and chanting by a restless audience (aka natives) precluded the show.  Entertainment all around us! How fun! This particular show was a tribute to the memory of Fritz Hassenpusch, former Don Tiki's 'Delmar deWilde'.   We're pretty sure he was there in spirit with the rest of the gang.

Mahalo Don Tiki! & Best wishes in Seattle (Benaroya Hall) and in Los Angeles (Walt Disney Concert Hall) Enjoy these captured golden moments.  Bravo DON TIKI! & Don't Stop The Music!

Pictures!

Don Tiki Band:

Kit "Perry Coma" Ebersbach - keyboards
Hai-Jung - bass guitar, vocalist
Lopaka Colon - percussionist, jungle & birds calls
Tim Mayer - reeds
Abe Lagrimas, Jr. - vibes and percussions
Jason Segler - drummer
Ryoko Oka - keyboards, t'rung (Vietnamese bamboo xylophone)
Violetta Beretta - dancer, vocalist
Charles Degala - vocalist
Tei Tatafu, Jr. - vocalist
Sherry Shaoling- vocalist, dancer, comedian

Check out their website at: http://www.dontiki.com/

Golden moment videos!

TRK Live at Gordon Biersch (12-14-2012)

Here's one Acronym you need to remember, 'TRK' for 'The Rhythm Klub'!   With only 4-5 band members, these guys can surely boost some good R&B, Classic Rock, Lite Jazz and Funk that gets your attention and your feet dancing.  Veteran musicians, it's not a surprise that every one sings and harmonize well together.  You can spot TRK at Terry's Place at the Chinese Cultural Center every Monday night from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, doing what they love to do - making music for all to enjoy!   

Please enjoy these captured golden moments.   Mahalo TRK! & Don't Stop The Music!

Video!


Pictures!

The TRK Band:
Adney G. Atabay - vocals, congas, trumpet, drums
Ricky Ricardo - saxophone, percussion, vocals
Eric D. Kutzen - bass guitar, vocals
Hemingway Jasmin - keyboards, vocals
* Ben Juan - drums, vocals


* Guest artist


Band contact: http://www.facebook.com/pages/TRK-The-Rhythm-Klub/158280870902148

3rd Annual Pacific Rim Jazz Festival @ The Hawaii Convention Center (11-3-2012)

Receiving tickets on Halloween for this event was certainly 'A Treat!' This was our 1st PRJF, and will certainly not be our last! We were proud to see and hear our local talent sharing the stage and spotlight with other first class guest artists from the mainland, who filled the the evening with new and old favorites that kept our feet tapping, fingers clicking and heads swaying. There were no bad seats in the house. Even the brave swing danced in the aisles and belted out choruses. In the audience we spotted legendary saxophonist Gabe Baltazar and his wife Rose, Jazz and R&B artist Ginai Hill, American Idol semi-finalist singer Jordan Sagundo, Jazz singer Melinda 'MeiLing' Redira and Drum artists Brad Choi and Peter Factora. The evening even featured a surprise group of ghost busters chasing a ghost in the audience during Ray Parker Jr's song, 'Ghost Busters'. Unsurprisingly, the event went into overtime. Perhaps justification this may become a 2 or 3 day festival in the near future? We like! Proceeds from this festival will benefit the Kapolei Foundation, whom have granted over 500 scholarships to deserving students in the Leeward Community, to include the Michael Paulo Music Scholarship Award. (http://kapoleifoundation.org/) What a great way to nurture our young aspiring artists, and to perpetuate this great gathering of Jazz enthusiasts! Mahalo to all the performers and organizers of this great event! Enjoy these captured golden moments &
Don't Stop The Music!

Pictures from the event:



Local artists featured in the festival: 

Michael Paulo - saxaphone, flute.
http://www.michaelpaulo.net/

Rene Paulo - piano, vocals.
http://www.surfside-hawaii.com/MSCD4010.asp 

DeShannon Higa - trumpet.
http://www.orangeappleentertainment.com/DeSahnnonBio.html 

Starr Kalahiki - vocalist.
http://www.starrkalahiki.com/

Jeremy Cheng - guitar, vocalist.
http://jeremychengmusic.com/ 

Phil Bennett & The Remnants - The Pre-Fest and Dinner Band.. Phil Bennett (drums), Todd Yukimoto (sax), Aron Nelson (guitar), Arex Ikehara (bass guitar), and Bailey Matsuda (keyboards).  

Al Waterson - The MC.
http://www.besthonoluluweddings.com/al-waterson-and-you-productions/2cc7256d95c91937-page1.html 

Visiting Artists from the mainland: 

Russ Freeman and The Rippingtons
http://www.smoothjazznotes.com/freeman_rippingtons0709.html

Deniece Williams - vocalist.
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/deniece-williams-mn0000816701 

Rick Braun - trumpet.
http://www.rickbraun.com/ 

Brian Simpson - keyboards.
http://www.bsimpsonmusic.com/bio.htm

Ray Parker Jr. - guitar, vocals.
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/ray-parker-jr-mn0000413601
 

Golden Moment Videos:

Video – Phil Bennett and The Remnants




Video - Star Kalahiki




Video - DeShannon Higa and Reggie Padilla




Video - Brian Simpson




Video - Deniece Williams




Video – Rick Braun and Michael Paulo




Video - Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons