Waikiki Niteclub Reunion Halloween Dance Party (10-31-2014)

Trick or Treat on Halloween Night at the Ala Moana Hotel Ballroom for 'THRILLER', The Waikiki Nightclub Reunion!  What an array of Halloween costumes and of course Live Music!  We saw a few tricks here tonight, but the rest of it was purely a treat!  Reminisce of the 60s, 70s & 80s Nightclub Days in Waikiki, this multi-band event kept you at the edge of your seat rocking to the beat, or dancing on the dance floor past the midnight hour.

Check out these captured Golden Moments:



Act One: GREENWOOD, celebrating the release of their first CD. Congratulations!



Act Two: LEVEL 3 with THE ELEMENTS and the GENESIS II horn section; and a special appearance by pop/jazz saxophonist MICHAEL PAULO.





Act Three: THE NEW EXPERIENCE



Act Four: HONOLULU the Band, in their 1st reunion performance.





Congrats to Mike Nacapuy and his team on putting together another successful event.
Mahalo to all the bands for a fabulous night of music.
Until next time, Don't Stop The Music!

Star-Studded Evening of Jazz and Gospel - Hawaii State Art Museum 8/1/2014

We could not wait to return to this beautiful courtyard under the stars for more Jazz.  This year the Hawaii State Art Museum included in their program, some Gospel music and poetry reading.  We arrived early to get good seats.  Al Harrington again was the Emcee.  The entertainment line up included: Returning Jazz vocalists Ginai and Starr Kalahiki, the Chuck James Trio Band, new guests Sherry Graham and Chris Vandercook, and poetry by Kathryn Takara.

The Chuck James Trio Band played 'Take the A Train' and 'Cantaloupe Island'.  Members of the band included:  Chuck James - drums, Aaron Aranita - keyboards and saxophone, and John Kolivas - standup bass. Chris Vandercook joined them on this guitar and sang 'Feels Like Rain' and 'Shoe On The Other Foot'.

Ginai opened with a 1950s song by Horace Silva called 'Doodling'.  This was the first time we ever heard the words to one of our favorite the songs called 'A Song For My Father'

Starr opened with 'Its A New Day' in her sparkling dress, she also sang 'Star Dust' a song she learned when she was age 11.

Kathryn recited original poetry from her book 'New & Collective' call 'Your Sax' and 'Life's Not So Great', and 'Talking Hips".

Sherry a native of Mobile Alabama and a 2014 Na Hoku Hano Hano finalist sang 'All Of Me', and At Last'.  She closed the evening with everyone singing along to 'Amazing Grace'.

Also spotted in the crowd:  Media columnist John Berger, Local Artist John Nichols, Charmaine of Red Eye Connections, and avid ballroom dancers Richard and Sara.

Congratulations to Hawaii State Art Museum for another successful Jazz & Gospel festival.  Mahalo to all the entertainers and hands that put this event together.   We'll be back for the next one.  Till then --- Don't Stop The Music!







Chuck James Trio



Ginai Hill

 


Chris Vandercook



Starr Kalahiki




Cherry Graham

 

Streetlight Cadence live at Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu on (8-30-2014)

We've have been following this band on Facebook enjoying the many pictures of their travels on the mainland.  On this night we were fortunate to make it out to Waikiki and visit with them at Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu. STREETLIGHT CADENCE is Hawaii’s own alternative folk pop band. They are inspired by bands like Mumfort & Son, and The Killers to name a few.

What a treat to watch and listen to these four talented young men that won the 2013 The Republik's Bacardi Oakheart Iron Battle of the Bands, and the 2014 Honolulu Hard Rock Rising Battle of the Bands. This band has alot of personality and good stage presence. They also took 13th place at the 2014 Global Hard Rock Rising Battle of the Bands.  (Congrats Guys!)  We have never seen a band like this before, and were quickly engrossed into their tunes with everyone else in the room..  How does one sing and play the cello standing up?  How does one play the arcordian, cajon with their foot and sing at the same time?  We also enjoyed the many original songs they wrote. At the end of the evening we just had to purchase one of their CDs to add to our collection.

Please check out these captured golden moments below:






STREETLIGHT CADENCE Band members:
Jonathon Franklin - violin
Brian Webb - cello
Jesse Shiroma - accordion and percussion
Chaz Umamoto - guitar

Please check out their website: http://www.streetlightcadence.com/
Mahalo STREETLIGHT CADENCE! Until next time, Don’t Stop The Music!

Wasabi Live at Dot's in Wahiawa (6-20-2014)

When we think of the word WASABI - we automatically think HOT!  Like the Japanese plant with thick green root that tastes like strong horseradish and is used in cooking, especially in a power or paste form as an accompaniment to raw fish or sushi.

Well this WASABI has nothing to do with food, but they surely know their music.  Maybe that's why this Group is the coined Hawaii's HOTTEST Oldies Rock Band.  We enjoy listening to them. Ballroom, Line, and Free-form dancers love the wide variety of songs they play.  We also like the way Rodney matches his shirt and shoes in head to toe green black colors.  They're a happy bunch! Sit ins tonight include Kevin Hirabara and Dennis Matsukawa.   Check out these captured Golden Moments below:





Wasabi General Manager:  Milton Kubo at Wasabi@wasabioldies.com

Website:  http://www.wasabioldies.com/


Mahalo Wasabi! Till next time---Don't Stop The Music!

"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: