As we enter the first couple days of summer, I can already tell you it’s going to be a musical one. While it’s no secret that most of the headlining acts that stop by Kaua‘i are (on average) 30 years
As we enter the first couple days of summer, I can already tell you it’s going to be a musical one.
While it’s no secret that most of the headlining acts that stop by Kaua‘i are (on average) 30 years past their prime, it’s the homegrown musicians from Kaua‘i who offer some of our best concerts.
As Ambrose Smith told me during an interview at his Kekeha home, “A lot of tourists come here, and they come to listen to the Hawaiian music, so I give them that.”
At 90 years old, Smith, along with three other musicians, perform every Thursday evening at the Grove Cafe in Waimea.
While Smith performs Hawaiian tunes on his 39-year-old ‘ukulele, there is an infinite amount of musicians throughout the islands playing an infinite amount of musical genres.
Last Saturday at Shutter’s Lounge, about a dozen teenagers took to the stage to debut original songs as part of the Kaua‘i Music Festival.
These high school students showed no fear as they performed songs ranging from folk to rock to pop to techno (yes, techno).
And, boy, these young musicians can craft a song and sing. Their talent deserved much more than the dozen or so people who came out to support them.
The Kaua‘i Music Festival continues to host free concerts at Shutter’s Lounge at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort every Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. through July 9.
Then, on July 15 and July 16, the festival hosts two concerts — Friday’s performance features visiting mainland talent and Saturday’s concert features Hawai‘i’s homegrown musicians.
Among the musicians performing include rocker Robert Schwartzman, pop singer BC Jean, Hawaiian singer Makana, Na Hoku Hanohano award-winner John Cruz, Kaua‘i’s own Kepa Kruse and more.
If jazz is more your thing, don’t miss Saturday’s Red Clay Jazz Festival at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club.
The jazz festival not only places a spotlight on Hawai‘i’s jazz musicians (Maui’s Phil and Angela Benoit perform along with Kaua‘i’s own Ne‘ena Jazz Quartet), but they worked to bring talent from the mainland: the Hailey Niswanger Quarter and Hubert Laws.
Over on the Westside, the West Kaua‘i Business & Professional Association presents Music in the Park. From 2 to 6 p.m. very other Saturday, a different artist hosts a free concert at Hoffgard Park.
The feature performer for June 25 is Kirby Keough, Poncho Graham and Westside Smitty.
And let’s not forget to mention Doug and Sandy McMaster, who perform at 4 p.m. every Friday and 3 p.m. every Sunday at the Hanalei Family Community Center.
Their gentle slack key concerts takes audience members back to a different time, giving people a glimpse of this Hawaiian tradition.
Next time you start complaining about how there’s no live music on the island, just remember to take a closer look. I know I will.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@ thegardenisland.com.
