PRINCEVILLE — Bill Kreutzmann doesn’t need an introduction. As one of the two drummers for the Grateful Dead, he helped redefine music for an entire generation. Lucky for Kaua‘i, this island resident enjoys playing at home whenever he gets a
PRINCEVILLE — Bill Kreutzmann doesn’t need an introduction. As one of the two drummers for the Grateful Dead, he helped redefine music for an entire generation.
Lucky for Kaua‘i, this island resident enjoys playing at home whenever he gets a chance.
His latest project, 7 Walkers, will be performing today at Church of the Pacific in Princeville. Tickets are $35 per person, and kids 14 and under are free.
“I have played with other bands on the island, and the audience is always great,” Kreutzmann said.
Malcolm “Papa Mali” Welbourne, Matt Hubbard and Brad Houser round out 7 Walkers, and for today’s concert, audience members can expect “funky dance music” mixed in with a smatter of Grateful Dead covers.
“Each band I’ve played in has its own personality,” Kreutzmann said. “The difference is we play more of the New Orleans feeling. It’s funkier, it’s more dance music. This album (7 Walkers) is my most favorite recent album.”
The 7 Walkers formed in 2009, after Kreutzmann met guitarist Mali at the Oregon Country Fair. They instantly clicked, and found themselves jamming into the early morning. Hubbard and George Porter, Jr. (who won’t be at today’s concert) were brought into the equation.
They recorded their self-titled album in Austin, Texas in 2010. Their title track “7 Walkers,” was penned by Robert Hunter, who wrote many of The Grateful Dead’s most recognizable songs
“We were sitting around, and thought ‘7 Walkers, that’s a cool name. Why don’t we name the band that?’ It was unanimous right there.”
The band offers an electric hybrid of rock and Southern funk, which Kreutzman calls “swampadelic.”
Fans can expect a lot of from the 7 Walkers in the coming months. Next week, Kreutzmann embarks on a two-month tour on the mainland headlining various music festivals. The band also plans on recording a follow-up to its 2010 debut.
For now, Kreutzmann, who has lived on Kaua‘i for 17 years, said he would like to stay home “a lot more.”
“Musicians love to come here,” he said. “It will be a nice to play and have a theater to hold 2,000 people.”
As for retirement, fans shouldn’t expect Kreutzmann to slow down anytime soon.
“I guess I’ll retire when I can’t play the drums decently anymore.”
See 7 Walkers 6 to 11 p.m. today at Church of the Pacific in Princeville. Kanekoa with Vince Esquire open, plus entertainment by Kalalea Fire and the Gypsy Rose Belly Dancers. Today’s show is an all ages show.
Visit www.dovepresents.com or call 635-5556 for more information.
