Experience two of rock ‘n roll history’s most iconic legends performing their classic rock hits on Kauai.
The Edgar Winter Group and The Rick Derringer Band are coming to Kauai during their four-island concert tour. This double-billed show features the Rock &Roll Hall of Famers in “Still Alive And Well” — A Tribute to Johnny Winter Hawaii Tour 2018.
“Music is a lot more than just the beauty of harmony and rhythm and melody,” Edgar Winter said. “It is a positive force that can transcend boundaries and reach out and really bring people together.”
The concert is tonight at Kauai Beach Resort’s Jasmine Ballroom. Doors open at 6 and show begins at 7.
Rick Derringer has played with both Johnny and Edgar Winter many times, producing every gold and platinum record they’ve put out.
“I’ve enjoyed producing Edgar’s records and playing with him over the years,” Derringer said. “It’s going to be great, once again a reunion for four shows in Hawaii.”
Legendary musician Winter is best known for his million-selling hit singles “Frankenstein”and “Free Ride” featured on “They Only Come Out at Night” album, certified gold in April 1973 and double platinum in November 1986.
Winter invented the keyboard body strap that allows freedom to move around on stage during his multi-instrument high-energy performances. He was also the first artist to feature a synthesizer as the main instrument in a song, opening a world of possibilities with experimentation and sound.
His music has encompassed many genres of music, including rock, jazz, blues and pop. With over 20 albums and numerous collaborative efforts to his credit, he (along with his late brother Johnny) was one of the most popular recording artists of the ‘70s.
“I enjoyed figuring out all the arrangements of the songs and showing everybody what to play,” Winter said. “I thought of myself as a serious musician; thankfully I’ve gotten over that.”
Winter’s live music is always evolving, stretching his skill and imagination to remain on the cutting edge. Joining him on this tour is fellow rock legend Derringer, who started playing guitar when he was 9 years old.
“And for a couple of years before that I used an acoustic guitar as a toy just to hit my brother over the head with it,” he said.
As a member of The McCoys, Derringer had the number one 1965 hit “Hang On Sloopy,” which knocked the Beatles out of their number one spot on billboard that year. His solo smashes were “Rock And Roll Hootchie Koo,” “Still Alive And Well” and “Teenage Love Affair.” The McCoys had enjoyed four years of successful touring, when Derringer merged his talents with Johnny Winter in 1969.
“What I enjoy most is going out and playing in front of people doing live concerts, and that’s what we’re looking forward to in Hawaii,” Derringer said. “During the concerts we like to tell all the people about where the songs came from and people I’ve played with.”
“A lot of people work and go to their jobs everyday, saying they can’t wait to retire. In my case, I go to my job, and it happens to be something I love to do. So I do not look forward to retiring, and I will do this as long as I can.”
Guitarist/songwriter Derringer is a rock/blues icon who also produces records for mega stars including Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, Meat Loaf, Kiss and Bette Midler. Derringer appeared on numerous albums with artists Alice Cooper, Richie Havens, Todd Rundgren and Steely Dan.
“I want people to have a good time, that’s the message I share,” Derringer said. “People have problems and troubles and illnesses; people have all kinds of things going on in their lives. Here’s the opportunity to come out and see a concert like this and forget about all that stuff and just enjoy yourself and let your troubles go and have a great night out.”
“It’s meant the world to us to do what we most love and to see you all rocking and having a great time,” Winter said. “So get ready to rock and roll!”
General admission is $48, and Gold Circle Tables cost $75. Tickets outlets include Kauai Music &Sound in Kapaa, Hanalei Music &Strings in Hanalei, Progressive Expressions in Koloa, Scotty’s Music in Lihue and Jacqueline On Kauai in Hanapepe.
“Music is a second language, you don’t even need to speak it,” Derringer added. “People can understand it in every country, whether you can understand their language or not.”
Info and online tickets: (808) 896-4845, www.bluesbearhawaii.com
