Revival, Kaua‘i’s homegrown reggae band, cast a spell of aloha and warmth during their first unplugged show Feb. 10 at Kalapaki Joe’s in Lihu‘e. This tight-knit group of talented and passionate musicians offered a soulful mix of original and classic
Revival, Kaua‘i’s homegrown reggae band, cast a spell of aloha and warmth during their first unplugged show Feb. 10 at Kalapaki Joe’s in Lihu‘e.
This tight-knit group of talented and passionate musicians offered a soulful mix of original and classic reggae music. Stripped down to acoustic guitars, ‘ukulele, percussion instruments, and stunning a capella moments, Revival gave new meaning to performing from the heart.
Revival consists of band members Kana Pikini, bass and lead vocals, Ola Akau, guitar and lead vocals, Evan Gibson, drummer, Randall Boyer, lead guitar, D.J. Yaris, backup vocals and keyboards, Alika Simpson, percussion and vocals, Tyrus Manintin, lead vocals and percussion, and Keoni Kaneholani, percussion and lead vocals.
Revival’s first Mainland tour with full band sound opened Feb. 17 at San Francisco’s Rocket Room, and then heads to perform at Long Beach’s Mai Tai Bar tonight, The Sandbar in Santa Barbara Tuesday and Winston’s in Ocean Beach, San Diego on Wednesday. The band will take its first lengthy road trip and head to Las Vegas to perform at the Cadillac Ranch and Mango’s. Closing show is Feb. 28 at Daddy Mac’s in Henderson, Nev.
Highly motivated and ready to take their music to the next level by touring outside of Hawai‘i, Revival made contacts on the Mainland to organize the booking of shows and cinching locations.
Revival has toured within the state of Hawai‘i on Maui, Molokai, O‘ahu and the Big Island.
Revival is “100 percent stoked for the opportunity to do what we love. For every one of us, music is our passion. Reggae is always part of our inspiration. It drives us to want to play,” said Pikini.
Amplification was not necessary for the soulful show at Kalapaki Joe’s. Vocals were adequately projected while beautiful harmonies blended for moments of magic. Simpson added flare as he threw out lyrics in a rhythmic, ragga-style.
A sentiment of time, Akau performed with his high school ukulele, adding nostalgia to the already sweet and rootsy experience. Akau and Pikini grew up together during high school. “He played that same ukulele when we were jammin’ in high school,” Pikini said.
Original band members include Akau, Pikini and Gibson. Timmy ‘B’ Baliaris, featured on ‘Roots Natty,’ and now in the navy, continues to be part of the Revival’s extended ohana when he comes home to Kaua‘i to visit.
KaHaONaOpio, an aspiring Kaua‘i reggae band, under Jonah ‘Boy’ Cummings, is featured with Revival during many of its shows.
Revival created a truly ohana spirited experience, especially when Pikini’s niece, Kaya, hugged each of the musicians after the band dedicated Bob Marley’s song ‘Kaya’ to her. It was a sweet moment attesting the band’s inherent sense of family.
Revival would like to extend a big mahalo to their wives and families for continuous support throughout their musical journey. The band is especially thankful for family support during their Mainland tour because this is the first time they’re away from home for so long.
Mainland venues are undoubtedly in for a lasting impression as Revival plugs in for full sound during its maiden west coast tour. Check out Revival on their Facebook page.
Follow Revival during their Mainland tour by going to theirFacebook page. Revival’s recent 2010 CD, titled ‘Garden Isle,’ isavailable at Border’s and The Hawaiian Music Store.
For more information email Revival at: revival808@hotmail.com.
