LIHU‘E — Seven Kaua‘i musicians from all walks of life have joined forces in a new band that’s sure to get those hips swinging. “This band is a live extension of my radio program on KKCR, ‘The Mardi Gras Soul
LIHU‘E — Seven Kaua‘i musicians from all walks of life have joined forces in a new band that’s sure to get those hips swinging.
“This band is a live extension of my radio program on KKCR, ‘The Mardi Gras Soul Revue,” said Kevin “Swampdaddy” Rogers, lead man of the newly-formed Kaua‘i Rhythm Kings. “A little New Orleans funk, Memphis soul, Chicago blues and East/West coast swing. In other words, rhythm and blues.”
Following a “soft debut” at Tree’s Lounge in Kapa‘a on Mardi Gras, Rogers said the full, seven-man group will perform for the first time Saturday during a “Cinco de Mayo Dance Party” at Joe’s on the Green in Po‘ipu. Music will run from 6 to 10 p.m.
Rogers said the band was built out of “some of the top players on the island” and that they are appealing themselves to the local dance scene.
“I come from a band like this in Chicago,” he said. “I’ve been here for 15 years, and this was something I started thinking about a year ago.”
Tackling everything from Ray Charles to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Joe Cocker to Leon Russell, Rogers said the group sticks with what’s “upbeat” and “funky”
“Definitely stuff nobody else is playing on the island,” he said.
In addition to Rogers, who has been playing harp and singing for over 30 years, the band includes a group of guys as diverse as the instruments they bring to the stage.
A carpenter by day, drummer Conrad Mathews has been playing music on Kaua‘i for over 30 years. Bassist and vocalist Edd Cook — who is also not afraid of picking up the saxophone — works as a special education teacher and has been performing for over 40 years. David Braun is the band director at Waimea Canyon Middle School and offers his talent on trumpet.
Keyboardist Jim Winkler has been a medical professional for over 20 years and played with a number jazz, blues and rock luminaries. Originally from New York, guitarist Don Kelly has been playing blues with Rogers on Kaua‘i for the last 15 years. And finally, saxophonist David Yukimura, a native Kauaian, has worked as a band director/teacher at a number of local schools and is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music.
“It’s good to have that kind of talent,” Rogers said. “It makes it easy for me to do my part.”
There will be a $10 cover for the “Cinco de Mayo Dance Party” and food and drink specials will be available. Joe’s on the Green is at the Kiahuna Golf Club, 2545 Kiahuna Plantation Dr., in Po‘ipu..
Information: www.joesonthegreen.com.
• Chris D’Angelo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-0441 or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.
