Eight Hours Of Aloha For Janell
Del.icio.us
|
Aloha Tower Marketplace was brimming with radio personalities, comedians and musicians last week Sunday at the Ohana Concert Fundraiser for Janell Araki, owner of Precision Sounds. You could just feel the aloha not only for Janell, but the aloha that Janell and her family have bestowed on the Hawaii community.
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces including Shannon Scott of 100.3, Bruddah Wade from Hawaiian 105 KINE, Bruddah Bryan from 100.3, Rodney Villanueva and Kaleo Pilanca from 102.7, Billy V of Hawaiian 105 KINE and KGMB9, Kelly Boy DeLima of Kapena, Alan Yamamoto of Cox Radio, Devon Nekoba of KUMU 94.7, Kutmaster Spaz of Dis-N-Dat, Lei Melket of Keahiwai, Jenn Wright and Tiki Suan of Mighty J, Tony Solis of Eh U Da Kine, Ah? and Bobby Moderow of Maunalua - and these are just the ones I saw during my three hours there.
The eight-hour-long event hosted an unbelievable amount of talent - so much that no hana hous were allowed so they could squeeze in all the musicians who came out to support Janell and her fight against the rare, life-threatening kidney disease calciphylaxis. Check out this lineup: Kupaoa, Vaihi, Maunalua, Gregg Hammer Band, City Side, Weldon Kekauoha, Kapena with Kalei Gamiao, Kawao, Keahi Conjugacion, John Cruz, Natural Vibrations and Na Leo.
|
I was thrilled to have caught Vaihi and Kutmaster Spaz’s awesome performance of an unnamed song that was requested by someone in the audience as the Itsy Bitsy Spider song. For anyone who’s ever heard it, you know what song I’m talking about. And props to Kutmaster Spaz for his great robotic/hip-hop hula performance! Loved it.
But it was the kind words about Janell and her husband Darren that really made it a day to remember. Each entertainer and emcee who graced the stage spoke about the Arakis’ generosity and giving hearts - most had their own personal story.
“Janell feels very overwhelmed and touched by not only the support from her family and friends, but by the entertainment industry that came out without any boundaries,” says Darren.
And I hear there may be another fundraiser in the works. Don’t quote me on this, but the word on the street (aka Darren) is it may be happening May 22 at Chai’s Island Bistro featuring Makaha Sons and Jake Shimabukuro. Tune in next week for details ...
One-year-old band Amitystreet just released its debut album last week, ... here nor there. On lead vocals and rhythm guitar is Jason Everett, on lead guitar is John Gonzalez Del Solar, on bass is Jhon Lynch and on drums and backup vocals is Eli Oguma. Together they have created the six-track EP that takes on rather heavy topics. As Everett explains, “Chameleon is about losing one’s individuality;
|
Benediction Road is about being careful to not cast judgment; Sekai no tame ni (for the good of the world) is about how current events and nature are impacted by our choices; Celsius is about global warming and what we leave for future generations; Betterman is about regretting past decisions, yet striving to move forward; and The Setting Sun is a somber track about how fleeting love can be.”
The group describes their sound as indie rock with influences by Radiohead, The Strokes, Kings of Leon, The Beatles, The Kooks, Oasis, U2 and more. You can catch them live at Anna Bannana’s this week Saturday and again May 30.
“Our goal is to create good music that will provoke both thought and pleasure for our listeners,” says Everett. “We hope that we can be a door through which people will see there is more to the Hawaii music scene than reggae and Jawaiian. There are some incredibly talented indie bands here that deserved to be noticed.” ...
Here in Hawaii, there’s a summertime party happening Friday from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Pipeline Cafe that promotes partying for a good cause. A portion of the monies raised from this 18-and-over, all-night rager will benefit Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii.
The five entertainment acts cover a range of musical genres, including R&B, neo-soul, alternative rock, funk, indie, hip-hop, reggae and ska. They include Shining Star and Annette Oasay, Fusion, HI Tribe, Smitz, and Also Known As (AKA). Pre-sale tickets are $5 or $10 at the door. VIP tickets are $20.
And for those who enjoy a good silent auction, items from McDonald’s, Big City Diner, Hawaii Tents and Events, Lappert’s Hawaii, Side Street Inn and Maui Divers will be up for bid ...
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS Comments (0) |
Most Recent Comment(s):
