Willie K News

Irvine Barclay Theatre has announced more shows for its 2023-24 season. One of the most popular performing arts venues in Orange County, Irvine Barclay Theatre presents renowned artists in a wide range of genres, from jazz, classical, country, Motown, and global music, to comedy, dance, theater, captivating speakers, and more.

Blue Note Hawaii, the state's premier venue for the world's most celebrated artists, announces three epic concert series with Sérgio Mendes, Taj Mahal  featuring special guest Willie K and Kool & the Gang. Tickets are on sale now at www.bluenotehawaii.com.

October's Blue Note Hawaii lineup has a little something for everyone including two comic powerhouses with Todd Barry and Donnell Rawlings continuing the Blue Note Hawaii Comedy Series. Eighties pop sensation Tiffany gets things rolling and Jane Monheit, one of today's best jazz vocalists makes her Hawaii debut. October brings some of Hawaii's most iconic local artists including Paula Fuga in a tribute to Aretha Franklin, Henry Kapono presenting his Artist 2 Artist Concert Series featuring Jerry Santos, the return of Willie K and “Musical Crossroads” with Johnny Valentine and The Honolulu Chamber Choir. Josh Kaye will present a tribute to Chet Baker featuring Frank Tabata and Kalapana will perform together as a remembrance of Malani Bilyeu. The Hawaii News Now Jazz Legends Series features Harvey Mason, a legendary, multi-GRAMMY® nominated session drummer, producer, composer and recording artist. The Island 98.5 Rocksteady Reggae Series is back with Toronto-based Magic! in an unplugged performance. In partnership with the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, EFFEN Vodka Presents Drag Appetit, a drag queen brunch you won't want to miss. Erhu virtuoso Tsun-Hui Hung, two-time GRAMMY® Award-nominee slack key guitarist Jeff Peterson, steel-guitarist Greg Sardinha and bassist Wade Cambern wrap up the month in Across the Sea: An Evening of World Fusion.

September brings some of music's most iconic female performers including Motown stars Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Lady of Soul Oleta Adams and '80s icon Jody Watley. Local artists include the Honolulu Jazz Quartet, Henry Kapono presenting his Artist 2 Artist Concert Series featuring Blayne Asing, Elijah Sky and Mike Lewis's 2nd Annual Tribute to the Great City of New York. The Blue Note Comedy Series continues with comedian Esther Ku and '90s Alternative super group 10,000 Maniacs makes their Blue Note debut. We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Eddie Ortiz & Son Caribe and Yvette Moore presents a tribute to Gloria Estefan. Stef Mariani's invites you to her album release celebration of 'Highway of Love' and local favorites Good Foot Hawaii! take the stage. The Hawaii News Now Jazz Legends Series continues with Keiko Matsui and Lightnin' Larry Dupio presents an eclectic night of traditional and original Big Island blues. Willie K returns, electric blues guitar powerhouse Robben Ford takes the stage and the month rounds out with singer-songwriter Jon McLaughlin.

With nearly 10 years of "great shows, up close," the Harris Center provides not one, but three stages for artists from all over the world - from as far away as Australia, India and the Ukraine, and as nearby as downtown Folsom. It is the breadth of presentations, from world-class to great-for-the-kids that makes the Harris Center unique in the capital region.

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.

April is filled with huge names at Blue Note Hawaii, bringing some of entertainment's most recognizable artists to Hawaii's premier live music venue. The month kicks off with the best and brightest of the local music scene, including Henry Kapono's Artist 2 Artist Series featuring Amy Hānaiali'i, singer-songwriter Kimié Miner and Ginai performing the music of Anita Baker, Toni Braxton and Roberta Flack. Music legend George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic  performs for the first and last time in Hawaii in four shows only, followed by Doolin Rakes who share their own brand of lively Irish and Celtic tunes. Andy Bumatai's Comic to Comic Series continues with rising local comedian Tumua Tuinei. Eighties and nineties pop superstar Taylor Dayne will have you dancing, as will Hawaiian Swing Big Band Kahulanui. Next up, singer--songwriter and multi-talented instrumentalist Elijah Sky brings his reggae style to the stage and Hawaii's own Gypsy 808 plays sets inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt and the Quintette du Hot Club de France. Local favorite Kristian Lei performs the best of Broadway for one night only and the incomparable Jake Shimabukuro returns from his world tour to celebrate with us. The month also highlights four shows by movie star Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra,  where he will take your questions, ask you trivia questions and play classic jazz with his band. Gypsy jazz continues with the Hotclub of Hulafrisco, featuring Hawaii favorites Sonny Silva and Duane Padilla alongside some of the world's most respected players in the genre – Paul Mehling, Isabelle Fontaine and special guest Simon Planting. Lastly, an evening with Willie K puts the cherry on top of an incredible month of diverse music and entertainment.

Described as dazzling by the New York Times, Makana is an internationally acclaimed guitarist, singer, composer and activist who is widely known for lending his musical talent for social change. He has been a TEDx talk presenter, and his guitar playing has been featured on three Grammy-nominated albums, including the soundtrack of the Academy-Award winning film The Descendants.

Blue Note Hawaii is kicking off 2019 with some of music and comedy's biggest names. G. Love will get you in the partying mood, followed by two rounds of comedy with Patton Oswalt and Gary Owen. Swing kings Big Bad Voodoo Daddy return, Anthony David performs the music of Bill Withers and guitar phenom Jonny Lang performs for four nights. Singer-songwriter Joshua Radin makes his Blue Note debut. The Beach Boys' Al Jardine is sure to please crowds, '90s R&B supergroup All-4-One perform for three nights and John Sebastian from the Lovin' Spoonful will take you down memory lane. Local artists include Tim Rose in his "Aloha for Now" show, the incomparable Willie K, reggae artist Sister Nancy, the exciting Dae Han Quintet, local favorites Good Foot Hawaii and Punahou alum Willy Falk.

Manoa Valley Theatre continues its momentous 50th anniversary season with the expansion of its Studio Series with the Island Treasure Music and Comedy Series. Adding on to the already popular regular appearances by the Hotclub of Hulaville, the next of which are January 28 and 29, the theatre will present some of Hawaii's favorite entertainers in a six-part subscription series beginning in November with the incomparable Shari Lynn and running through August of 2019.

The month kicks off with local songstress Melveen Leed and the return of the Honolulu Jazz Quartet presenting a Tribute to Bird & Dizzy: The Birth of Bebop. Good music runs in the Artis family, so don't miss PraiseJesus Artis in her Blue Note debut. Jazz talent Abe Lagrimas Jr. is up next, followed by the Na Hoku “Female Vocalist of the Year” Kimié Miner. Paula Fuga returns with a tribute to Aretha Franklin and soul-singer DeAndre Brackensick is back with Shawn Pimental. We welcome Willie K back to the stage following a successful mainland tour and present the Blue Note debut of Kamuela Kahoano. The youngest of the family, Rodney Cazimero joins us later in the month followed by local giants Kumuhau,Brother Noland & John Cruz and Kuana Torres Kahele presenting 'Kakuhihewa, his tribute to O'ahu.

July is back to back action with a parade of local and national acts at Blue Note Hawaii. The "Concert King of the Philippines" Martin Nievera returns by popular demand for a three-night series, legendary folk artist Bruce Cockburn performs for two nights only and the Blue Note Comedy series explodes with superstar Marlon Wayans for two shows only. Other national acts include Alex Bugnon and Karla Bonoff.

Summer is upon us and we're getting in the mood with the band of reggae legend Bob Marley, The Wailers, kicking off the month of June at Blue Note Hawaii. Another reggae icon, Maxi Priest, returns to the stage by popular demand and six-time GRAMMY(R)-winning jazz bassist Christian McBride makes his Blue Note Hawaii debut. Comedy takes center stage with the return of comedian Rita Rudner and the hilarious wellRED Comedy Tour: From Dixie With Love Featuring: Trae Crowder, Drew Morgan & Corey Ryan Forrester.

Summer is upon us and we're getting in the mood with the band of reggae legend Bob Marley, The Wailers, kicking off the month of June at Blue Note Hawaii. Another reggae icon, Maxi Priest, returns to the stage by popular demand and six-time GRAMMY(R)-winning jazz bassist Christian McBride makes his Blue Note Hawaii debut. Comedy takes center stage with the return of comedian Rita Rudner and the hilarious wellRED Comedy Tour: From Dixie With Love Featuring: Trae Crowder, Drew Morgan & Corey Ryan Forrester.

Art lovers of all kinds gathered this evening at Montalvo Arts Center's historic Villa to hear the Silicon Valley venue announce its 2018-2019 Carriage House Theatre Concert Series launching in October. The offerings span from music to theatre to comedy and more; among the exciting headliners announced were Grammy Awards nominees and winners performing jazz, bluegrass, pop, rock, classical, new age, folk, and Hawaiian music, as well as top comedy productions, theatre events and others. For more information or to purchase tickets the public can visit montalvoarts.org or call 408-961-5858.

It's a month of legends at Blue Note Hawaii with the Godfather of British Blues John Mayall, one of the most celebrated vocalists of our time, Dionne Warwick, and the band of reggae legend Bob Marley, The Wailers, all gracing the stage this May at Blue Note Hawaii. Local favorite Leipono kick us off on May Day, followed by Kuana Torres Kahele in his tribute to the island of Maui featuring Amy Hanaiali'i. Mike Lewis & Friends promise to bring the house down in a tribute to the music of Prince featuring sultry songstress Ginai. There's a night of Hawaii Jazz All Stars with Josh Kaye and Mike Lewis, welcoming some of the island's best jazz musicians. The Island 98.5 Rocksteady Reggae Series continues this month with the formidable Wailing Souls and The Wailers. Celebrate Mother's Day weekend with ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro, and the incomparable Willie K returns to the stage. Musical tributes this month from Mike Lewis & Friends include Thelonious Monk, Chuck Mangione, Chet Baker and Sade and Josh Kaye & Friends will pay homage to the great Aretha Franklin featuring vocalist Sherry Graham. The Honolulu Jazz Quartet will present a tribute to Broadway Classics with a jazz twist

It's a month of legends at Blue Note Hawaii with the Godfather of British Blues John Mayall, one of the most celebrated vocalists of our time, Dionne Warwick, and the band of reggae legend Bob Marley, The Wailers, all gracing the stage this May at Blue Note Hawaii.

The award-winning film KULEANA enters its fourth week on Regal Cinema's island screens, including Pearl Highlands on Oahu, Maui Mall Megaplex in Kahului, and Keauhou Stadium 10 in Kona. Despite being the first Hawaii feature in almost a decade to make it to the big screen statewide, KULEANA has proven itself a mainstream competitor to other Hollywood blockbuster films currently in theaters.

The award-winning film KULEANA announced today that its opening weekend saw near sell out audiences statewide and will be held over in Hawaii and Guam and will add screens at Regal Cinemas on Oahu including Windward, Kapolei Commons and Pearl Highlands. KULEANA has proven itself a mainstream competitor to other Hollywood films in theaters now. Produced entirely in Hawaii, KULEANA has received the Audience Choice Award in the Santa Cruz Film Festival, the Maui Film Festival, and the San Antonio Film Festival, as well as “Best of Fest” in the Guam International Film Festival. Mainland residents can sign up to host/attend a screening in their city at www.hawaiicinema.com via Gathr, a technology-based Theatrical On Demand® service.