Harris Center Welcomes RAIN: A Tribute To The Beatles
Their final concert tour of the Beatles was in 1966, long before the release of classic albums such as "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," "The White Album" and "Abbey Road." "The next best thing to seeing the Beatles" (Associated Press), RAIN has been celebrating the Beatles note for note since the 1990s, and have performed for nearly 2 million people worldwide. The Harris Center welcomes them back with a new show: a tribute to "Abbey Road"-nearly 50 years after the album's release - plus an exceptional selection of Beatle favorites across their fabled career.
Dionne Warwick, Dave Koz, Spyro Gyra Head to Blue Note Hawaii This May
National and international recording artists abound this month at Blue Note Hawaii, bringing some of entertainment's most recognizable names to Hawaii's premier live music venue. The month kicks off with an exclusive pairing of two of the most innovative artists in the local music scene, Taimane and Tavana, in a Lei Day celebration, that is not to be missed. The incomparable Dionne Warwick is back by popular demand sharing hit after hit from her legendary career. Vocalist Ginai returns to Blue Note Hawaii presenting a showcase of young local talent, Erisan Awaya and Rachel Javier, in a tribute to Whitney Houston. Henry Kapono shares the next installment of his Artist 2 Artist Series with The Songs of C&K, featuring Kalani Pe'a, Josh Tatofi, Alx Kawakami, Blayne Asing, Paula Fuga, Starr Kalahiki, Tavana, Mike Love and Kimié Miner. Jazz saxophonist Dave Koz returns alongside guitarist Adam Hawley and bassist Chris Walker. Bringing everything that New Orleans and Louisiana music stands for, Davell Crawford and Charmaine Neville of the iconic Neville family grace the stage for one night only. A Bowie Celebration features alumni band members Mike Garson, Gerry Leonard, Mark Plati and Carmine Rojas along with vocalist Corey Glover and drummer Lee John, performing a mix of Bowie's hits and deep-cuts. Jazz fusion icons Spyro Gyra are back and local power couple Imua and Tiffa Garza share their unique blend of island music. J-Pop superstar turned jazz pianist Senri Oe performs with his trio featuring Henry Cole and Matt Clohesy live for one night only. Next up is 2018 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominees for Most Promising Artists Beat-Lele, followed by Canadian singer-songwriter Gino Vannelli. Hawaiian Music 105 KINE presents Willie K and crossing genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop, Pink Martini triumphantly returns to the Blue Note stage. Be transformed by the amazing vocals of Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton for two shows only and the month rounds out with the very popular local band The Mana'o Company.
BWW Review: RAIN: 50 YEARS OF SGT. PEPPERS, London Palladium
Fifty years ago, The Beatles changed the face of pop music when they released the iconic Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. Billed by many as the first concept album, it marked a shift in focus to the recording studio from the live performance arena, as the frustrated band simply wanted their music to be heard. This, of course, meant that they would never perform these songs live - something that Rain have decided to put right.
BWW Review: RAIN Brings the Music and Magic of The Beatles LIVE to the Pantages!
RAIN performs the full range of The Beatles' discography live onstage, a total of 36 songs on the night I attended. It's quite a treat going from The Beatles appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show through 'Let it Be' and 'Hey Jude,' two of the last songs the group recorded together, with each album time shift accompanied by costume and physical appearance changes by the group as well as many historical films/videos reflecting what was going on in the world at the time, from Vietnam to protests at home, their meditation trip to India, and the overall madness of screaming fans at Shea Stadium on 8-15-65.