Jonah Cummings began to play music in the third grade. His first band was a ‘ukulele band at school, and from there he has gone on to become one of Kaua‘i’s most proficient guitarists. He actually is self-taught and considers
Jonah Cummings began to play music in the third grade. His first band was a ‘ukulele band at school, and from there he has gone on to become one of Kaua‘i’s most proficient guitarists. He actually is self-taught and considers himself a bassist, although his masterful guitar work is enviable. He has studied music theory and says one of his inspirations was Steely Dan.
At Shutter’s Lounge at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort, Jonah entertains tourists and locals with his fine voice and guitar renditions of favorites, as well as his own interpretation of Hawaiian songs.
In fact, everything that Jonah plays has his own spin. His interest in jazz guitar comes through as he improvises the classics and covers in a way that he says never quite come out the same way twice. It makes for an exciting performance.
Jonah gives a great show, featuring four solid hours of requests and covers every Saturday night, from the likes of James Taylor, The Doors, Eric Clapton and others. His repertoire is amazing. Jonah has the technology covered, as well, as he weaves musical loops and accompaniments into his one-man show. He literally can sing backup for himself.
Jonah has played at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort for the past five years. He has seen it though the times it has been Gilligan’s and the Radisson. He had been in Honolulu for 15 years after Iniki hit Kaua‘i, having first gone there to help raise money and supplies to assist in Kaua‘i’s recovery. He played 36 charity shows and went on the radio for hours to raise awareness and collect goods for Kaua‘i’s hurricane-struck inhabitants.
While on O‘ahu he played at the Shell, The Blazedell and Andrews Amphitheater. Jonah was born in Honolulu but moved here as a child and has nine children. Five live here on Kaua‘i, and four live in Honolulu.
Jonah has one solo CD and has collaborated on dozens of other artists’ albums over the years. He is part owner of a recording company in Honolulu. Come on out any Saturday night and see this talented performer in action.
