War has been declared: The timeless band is set to rock this evening at Kilohana Plantation. Singer/songwriter/keyboardist Lonnie Jordan took time this week to answer some questions about where the group is now, a look back at War’s evolution and
War has been declared: The timeless band is set to rock this evening at Kilohana Plantation.
Singer/songwriter/keyboardist Lonnie Jordan took time this week to answer some questions about where the group is now, a look back at War’s evolution and advice for Kaua‘i’s aspiring musicians.
The streets and worldly events continue to shape their music and its message.
“I want the same things today as I wanted back in the day: peace,” Jordan said. “We chose the name WAR, which was very controversial, because we wanted to fight for peace with instruments and music as our weapons. I guess our music became popular and remained relevant because it was always representative of the people. There was Vietnam back then and Afghanistan today.”
With classics including “Why Can’t We Be Friends” and “Low Rider,” War’s songs jive with the current generation like they did the last.
“I want to be known for my music,” Jordan said. “I consider myself to be a doctor and music is my treatment. I am on call 24/7 and nothing beats healing the people.”
He said some of his songs were written to pick himself up at low points in his life, particularly “Don’t Let No One Get You Down.”
“The whole band wrote it, but I originally came up with the idea of the song. I was pretty down about a lot of things that were going on and I looked to music to lift my spirits,” Jordan said. “I originally played the song as a ballad on the piano and sang ‘Don’t let no one get ME down.’ When I brought it to the studio, the guys thought it would be cool to change it to ‘don’t let no one get YOU down.’”
Band members walk their talk by performing for charities and helping nonprofits.
“I recently have given back to the community by performing on the Jerry Lewis Telethon to raise money for muscular dystrophy,” Jordan said. “I also help PBS stations across the country raise money to fund the network and keep family programming free on PBS.”
When asked how long he has been doing his thing and where it began, Jordan said he learned how to play piano at age 6 and started performing at church.
“Eventually, I started playing with different people outside of the church and it led to one of my early bands called Night Shift,” he said. “One night we were playing at a club as a backup band for Deacon Jones; he played football for the Rams. In the crowd, which I did not know, were Eric Burdon and Jerry Goldstein. They liked the free style in which we played and thought we would be a good band for Eric. The rest is history.”
Jordan said his favorite type of music depends on “whatever feels good.”
“Sometimes that is funk, sometimes that is rock; it can be any kind of music really,” he said. “It just depends on what is going on around me or on the streets.”
When asked if he had any advice to give to Kaua‘i’s aspiring artists, Jordan said, “If music is what you want to do then try to learn and absorb as much as you can.
“Listen and expose yourself to as much music as possible,” he added. “Most importantly, stick with it.”
After decades of success, War stays humble.
“For me music is meant for people. We just played what felt good to us and what we thought people would like to listen to,” Jordan said. “I never thought that so many people would want to listen to us and I am so grateful for the fans. They are my only motivation.”
Aside from performing, the band was excited to arrive in the Isles and sample some local grinds.
“I love fish and sushi,” Jordan said. “I know that very fresh seafood is served on the islands and I can’t wait to have some.”
Where: Kilohana Plantation
When: Today
Doors: 6 p.m.
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Prices: $40 in advance, $45 at the door
Available: Scotty’s Music, Hanalei Surf, Nukumoi Surf, ProgressiveExpressions, KMART, Lifestyles, and Harley Davidson. Also availableonline at www.HonoluluBoxOffice.com and by calling808-550-8457.
Opening act: Revival
