Blood Sweat & Tears, Roseanne Barr, Miles Electric Band and More Coming Up This April at Blue Note Hawaii
By: BWW News Desk Mar. 29, 2017
Blue Note Hawaii welcomes Shing02 & the Chee-Hoos, followed by the David Bromberg Band, the transformative Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Taylor McFerrin and the legendary Miles Electric Band.
Other fantastic shows include a Tribute to Amy Winehouse with Mike Lewis and Friends, Hawaii's own Touch of Gold, the Hot Club of Hulaville with a Tribute to Chuck Berry and the incomparable Willie K. Comedian NEMR continues the Blue Note Comedy Series and the month rounds out with the amazing Kimié Miner.
A 15% kama'aina discount is available to residents for most shows. This is available online with code MAHALO15, as well as in person at the box office. Parking is validated at the OHANA East Hotel for $6 for four hours.
The full April Blue Note Hawaii lineup includes:
Blood Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice & Dylan Elise
Dates: March 30 - April 2
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $55, $45, $35
It's been five decades since drummer/producer Bobby Colomby and friends assembled the first group to successfully blend rock and jazz into a genre-crossing sound and style. So successfully in fact, that the band's second album, Blood, Sweat & Tears, topped the Billboard charts for many weeks and beat out the Beatles' Abbey Road for the prestigious Album of the Year Grammy award. That album produced three major hit singles: "You Made me so Very Happy," "Spinning Wheel," and "And When I Die." But now Colomby is looking for much more as he develops Blood Sweat & Tears into a contemporary voice, one that reaches beyond a single, nostalgic audience. "I no longer want to target just one generation. That would be a mistake. With this updated version, I want this band to gain recognition with a wider audience. I want people of all ages to experience what this music has to offer."
Date: April 3 - 5
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $45, $35, $25
Known for his energetic strumming on the ukulele, Jake's performance incorporates elements of thoughtful, sophisticated arrangements to spontaneous, improvised passages. In addition to his original compositions, his repertoire includes Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," Schubert's "Ave Maria" and Cohen's "Hallelujah." In the years since the airing of the YouTube clip that launched his career, Jake has collaborated with an array of artists that include Yo-Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffett, Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper, Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Dave Koz, Michael McDonald, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Tommy Emmanuel, and Lyle Lovett - as well as orchestras around the world. He's sold out world-class venues, played at Bonnaroo, SXSW, the Playboy Jazz Festival, Fuji Rock Festival, the influential TED conference, and even performed for Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Variety Performance in Blackpool, England.
Jake's Blue Note performances April 3-5 will feature Hawaii Symphony Orchestra cellist, Josh Nakazawa. The duo will perform cello and ukulele arrangements of tracks from Jake's 2016 album, "Nashville Sessions" and other favorites.
Devon Allman Band
Dates: April 6 and 7
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $35, $25, $15
The dirty blond hair is the same, the body posture is also the same, and there are touches in the voice that have a similar genetic connection, but Devon Allman has toiled long and hard to establish his own musical identity, separate from his legendary dad, Gregg Allman. Allman grew up in Texas, took up the guitar on his own, and did not meet his father until he was 16 years old. This young Allman did not come on the music scene riding the coattails of a famous parent and has been living his own musical life for decades. After playing in local bands and working in Guitar Center in St. Louis, Allman formed Honeytribe in 1999. One part blues, one part rock, and one part jam, Honeytribe was named the 1999 Jam Band of the Year in St. Louis. Then, in 2011, his musical fate changed. Royal Southern Brotherhood was formed during JazzFest in New Orleans. This unique quintet combines the vocal and musical talents of Devon, Mike Zito, and the legendary Cyril Neville with the veteran rhythm section of Charlie Wooton and Yonrico Scott. Their debut self-titled release in 2012 caught fire the moment it hit the streets simultaneously catapulting them as major new attraction on the music scene. But probably the crowning moment of the band's career thus far, was this past May, in Memphis, TN, where they picked up a Blues Award for their live DVD/CD, Songs From The Road. After touring the world as a fiery guitarist and soulful vocalist in Royal Southern Brotherhood, Devon is still committed to performing dates with his own band, with a renewed intensity.
Blue Note Comedy Series: Roseanne Barr
Dates: April 8 and 9
Showtime: 8pm
Doors: 6pm
Tickets: $55, $45
Comedy superstar, award-winning actress, best-selling author, 2012 presidential candidate and the original domestic goddess Roseanne Barr continues to amaze. After 9 years, 224 episodes, 4 Emmy Awards, and countless other accolades, you couldn't blame Roseanne if she wanted to quietly slip away, able to take solace in the fact she single-handedly re-landscaped the medium of situational comedy forever. Her creation and stark portrayal of "Roseanne Conner" and the Conner family on ABC's Roseanne has been hailed as "the most ground breaking kitchen-sink sitcom since All in the Family, (Entertainment Weekly) adding, "She's the funniest disturber of peace that we have." The role earned Barr an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, the prestigious Peabody Award, Kids Choice and multiple American Comedy Awards. A titan in the world of stand-up comedy, Roseanne returned to her love for live performance, touring select cities around the country and abroad. In addition to making people laugh, Roseanne continues to be a "voice for the voiceless." Whether it be fighting the BDS movement in Israel, thwarting GMO efforts on the Big Island in Hawaii, aiding the native American families of Pine Ridge, or advocating for the legalization of marijuana, Roseanne's activism is unwavering. Fans can find Roseanne more information and frequently updated content on her website - roseanneworld.com, on Twitter - @TheRealRoseanne, and Instagram - @OfficialRoseanneBarr
Shing02 & the Chee-Hoos
Dates: April 11
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $35, $25, $15
Born in Japan and raised in Tanzania, England, Japan, then California, the innovative Bay Area hip-hop scene of the mid-90s shaped Shing02 musical sensibilities. For the past 22 years, he has recorded numerous albums in English and Japanese, and actively toured the world as an MC, producer, and activist. Currently based in Hawaii, Shing02 performs with The Chee-Hoos, an eclectic session band which re-interprets hip-hop classics such as the Luv(sic) series that recorded with late-producer Nujabees.
Lazar Bear presents David Bromberg Band
Dates: April 12 and 13
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $48, $38, $28
For Americana godfather David Bromberg, it all began with the blues. His incredible journey spans five-and-a-half decades, and includes - but is not limited to - adventures with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jerry Garcia, and music and life lessons from seminal blues guitarist Reverend Gary Davis, who claimed the young Bromberg as a son. A musician's musician, Bromberg's mastery of several stringed instruments (guitar, fiddle, Dobro, mandolin), and multiple styles is legendary, leading Dr. John to declare him an American icon. In producing John Hartford's hugely influential Aereo-Plain LP, Bromberg even co-invented a genre: Newgrass. Now, with The Blues, the Whole Blues, and Nothing But the Blues, his first release for Red House Records, Bromberg and multi-Grammy-winning producer/accompanist Larry Campbell (Dylan, Levon Helm, Paul Simon) focus on the music David discovered in high school, when, circa late 50s, he was introduced to a friend's dad's collection of blues 78s.
Dates: April 14 - 16
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $55, $45, $35
"It isn't merely the grace and power of their dancing or the beauty of their singing that rivets the attention, but the sheer joy and love that emanates from their being." -Paul Simon. For over 50 years, South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo has warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with their uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves and charming onstage banter. With a deep respect for both their cultural and personal history, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is ever-evolving with an eye toward their long musical legacy. Over the years, the original members have welcomed a younger generation in their mission, passing along the tradition of storytelling and spreading their message of peace, love, and harmony to millions of people. The newer members, in turn, have infused the group with their youthful energy and the promise of a bright future. Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala looks to these young men to carry on his dream to "keep South Africa alive in people's hearts" for years to come.
Touch of Gold
Dates: April 17
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $35, $25, $15
Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners "A Touch of Gold" is one of Hawaii's premiere entertainment and unique musical groups. Using a dazzling display of dancing and singing, "A Touch of Gold" makes its audience reminisce about the good times of yester-year. They create a fun environment that will entertain audiences. Singing songs such as "Just My Imagination" and "My Girl," "A Touch of Gold" mesmerizes its listeners and mixes the thrill of the golden classics and R&B to simply make you want to clap your hands, snap your fingers, and stomp your feet. With its special interpretations of Classic Motown music as well as other standards and its own originals, "A Touch of Gold" performs like no other group in the State of Hawaii. Their performances have been likened to shows you would see in Las Vegas or Atlantic City where they blend the Spirit of Aloha, with the sweetness of Rhythm and Blues, to create the unique sound of "Motown Hawaiian Style."
Taylor McFerrin
Date: April 18
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $25 GENERAL ADMISSION
Taylor McFerrin is an American DJ, music producer, keyboardist and beatboxer based in Brooklyn, NY. He is the oldest son of popular vocalist and classical conductor Bobby McFerrin. McFerrin released his breakthrough record "Early Riser" three years ago, a collection of electronic soul weaving elements of hip-hop, R&B, beatbox and voice into vast, ethereal soundscapes reminiscent of the jazz fusion era.
Miles Electric Band
Date: April 20 - 22
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $38, $28, $20
Featuring Keyon Harrold, Vince Wilburn Jr., Munyunge Jackson, Blackbyrd McKnight, DJ Logic, Robert Irving III, Greg Spero, Antoine Roney, Darryl Jones & Debasish Chaudhauri, the Miles Electric Band is a ten-member ensemble of world-class talents featuring performances from a unique roster of players. The band revisits the repertoire from Davis' electric period as a framework for modern jazz innovation. The band is led by one of the most sought-after young trumpeters on the scene, Keyon Harrold. Keyon has toured and recorded with or produced for some of the world's best artists and ensembles like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Common, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill to name a few. He also has had numerous musical placements in film and TV including the MiLes Davis Biopic "Miles Ahead" directed by Don Cheadle where he is featured as the trumpet sound of Don Cheadle playing MiLes Davis.
MiLes Davis alums include on piano Grammy nominee Robert Irving III, legendary P-funk guitarist and MD Blackbyrd McKnight, noted percussionist Munyungo Jackson, Grammy winner Vince Wilburn, Jr., Davis' nephew on drums and bassist Darryl Jones, recognized for his recordings with Sting and decades long tour duty on bass for the Rolling Stones. Also filling essential roles in the cast, Antoine Roney on saxophone who has toured the world with jazz veterans Freddie Hubbard and Elvin Jones, pianist Greg Spero, one of the most promising table players from India Debasish Chaudhuri and rounded out by the electronic flourishes of hip-hop turntablist DJ Logic.
A Tribute to Amy Winehouse with Mike Lewis & Friends
Date: April 23
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $35, $25, $15
Mike Lewis and friends pay tribute to Amy Winehouse, an English singer and songwriter, known for her deep expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres. Winehouse's debut album, Frank (2003), was a critical success in the UK and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Her follow-up album, Back to Black (2006), led to five 2008 GRAMMY Awards, tying the then record for the most wins by a female artist in a single night, and made her the first British woman to win five GRAMMYS, including three of the General Field "Big Four" GRAMMY Awards: Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
A native New Yorker who has spent substantial time performing in Polynesia, Mike Lewis has recently moved back to Hawaii from the Pacific Northwest. He is the creator and band leader of Big Band Monday at Jazz Minds Honolulu and the Jazz Band Director at University of Hawaii.
Hot Club of Hulaville: A Tribute to Chuck Berry
Dates: April 24
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $35, $25, $15
Not only a Django Reinhardt cover band, the Hotclub of Hulaville explores links of Django's influence on guitarists from all over the world and the reciprocal contributions of Hawaiian musicians. As a result of the cross-pollinations between Hawaiian and jazz/blues/rock artists of the mainland, the Hawaiian Jump Swing style was born, becoming an vital contribution to world music, and a jumping point for the Hot Club of Hulaville.
Chuck Berry is the godfather of rock and roll. With songs such as "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven" (1956), "Rock and Roll Music" (1957) and "Johnny B. Goode" (1958), Berry refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive. Writing lyrics that focused on teen life and consumerism and developing a music style that included guitar solos and showmanship, Berry was a major influence on artists of all genres to this day.
Dates: April 25
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $45, $35, $25
Raised on Maui, Willie Kahaiali`i (a.k.a. Willie K) has been entertaining audiences with his music since the age of 10. He has evolved into an eclectic and charismatic singer, songwriter, entertainer, and now actor. One of Hawaii's most versatile talents, Willie performs a myriad of musical genres, including Hawaiian, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Rock, Country Western, and even Opera.
Blue Note Comedy Series: NEMR
Presented by Deep Promotions
Dates: April 26
Showtimes: 7pm & 9m
Doors: 5:30pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $38, $424
Nemr is a Lebanese/American Stand-Up Comedian who is credited with establishing and pioneering the stand-up comedy scene throughout the Middle East where he performs in English. Nemr grew up in San Diego and then moved back with his family to Lebanon. He went on to break down barriers and unite people in a region where bombing on stage can have a completely different meaning. As an accomplished comic with seven full feature specials, it's no wonder Nemr's latest tour was met with unprecedented success, selling out prestigious venues such as Caroline's in New York, the Wilbur Theatre in Boston and the Novo (formerly Club Nokia) in Los Angeles making his international tour the first global comedy event to successfully stretch from the US to the Middle East, with continued sell outs in Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington DC, Michigan, Cleveland, Oman, Qatar, Dubai, Jordan, and Lebanon where he set a new crowd record with 5,000 people in one night. Nemr has numerous television credits from major networks in the Middle East, has been seen on CNN and recently appeared on "The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore." He has also released two feature specials as cinematic experiences and his own prime time TV show. In May of 2014 he was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine (Middle East) solidifying Nemr's legacy as the biggest name in stand up in the Middle East.
Kimié Miner
Dates: April 27 - 29
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $35, $25, $15
Singer-songwriter Kimié Miner creates an inimitable musical style that dresses the listener in a flowing mu'umu'u at sunset on a cool, Hawaiian beach. Growing up on an island, surrounded by the ocean is a formative experience which can be heard throughout her work; giving her songs a loose, down-to-earth feel, and imbuing her lyrics with natural imagery. Her parents, of Hawaiian and Portuguese decent, noticed her affinity for music at a very young age - in Kimié's words, "It is my mother, my brother, my best friend, and my first love. No matter where I am in my life, I know I can always turn to music." Inspired by jazz and R&B-influenced individualists like India Arie, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu, Kimié taught herself guitar at age 14, and began writing songs as a form of self-expression that also taps into themes which transcend ethnicity, gender, and age.
Located in the former Society of Seven showroom inside Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Blue Note Hawaii will feature a year-round lineup of musical entertainment - from local talent to international sensations - for limited engagements. As a part of Outrigger's ongoing commitment to the musical arts, the performance venue has undergone an extensive, multi-million-dollar revitalization, creating a brand new venue in the heart of Hawaii's most famed beach resort destination. Blue Note Hawaii features completely new décor and a state-of-the-art sound and light system.
The 9,000 square-foot facility was designed by local architecture and interior design firm InForm Design, and seats over 300 patrons, showcasing two performances nightly in an intimate setting - seven days a week, 365 days a year. A contemporary gift shop is part of the plan, including a dedicated location for musical acts to hold autograph sessions following each show. Guest will have the opportunity to dine at the venue, where a full-service restaurant and bar will highlight the culinary talents of Chef Rodney Uyehara. Talent buying and programming will be handled out of Blue Note Entertainment Group's New York office. Additionally, the venue will be available for private event bookings.
Blue Note Entertainment Group, founded in 1981 by Danny Bensusan, is a multi-faceted entertainment company that owns and operates New York's Blue Note Jazz Club, B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, Highline Ballroom, Subrosa, and Lucille's Grill; The Howard Theatre (Washington D.C.); and Blue Note Jazz Clubs Worldwide (Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan, Milan, Italy, Beijing, China, and Napa, California). The company also programs the Regattabar Jazz Club (Cambridge, MA). Blue Note Entertainment Group presents shows outside of its club network. The annual Blue Note Jazz Festival was established in 2011 and has since grown to become the largest jazz festival in New York City each June. Subsidiaries of Blue Note Entertainment Group include the GRAMMY-nominated record label Half Note Records, whose catalogue includes over fifty titles recorded live at New York's Blue Note Jazz Club, as well as Blue Note Travel, Management Group and Media Group.
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