It seems the words “high maintenance” do not exist in Solomon King’s world. The Los Angeles-based blues musician has been taking it easy on Kauai’s sandy beaches since 1983. “It’s a real magical place for me,” said King, who is
It seems the words “high maintenance” do not exist in Solomon King’s world.
The Los Angeles-based blues musician has been taking it easy on Kauai’s sandy beaches since 1983.
“It’s a real magical place for me,” said King, who is getting ready for two upcoming concerts.
He will be performing Saturday 9 p.m. at Trees Lounge in Kapaa. He also performs 9:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at the TR Grill at Tortilla Republic, in Poipu.
“Because the venues are smaller, I can get really personal and involved with the audience,” King said. “Plus, I get to use local musicians.”
And that intimate connection with his fans is not bound to the stage. He is happy to meet with fans he runs into on the beach, while swimming or roaming around town.
In fact, he said he will take up any invitation that involves getting out onto the water.
“If anyone is fishing ahi and wants to take me along, anyone with a skiff and wants to go swimming with the dolphins, contact me,” he said, laughing.
While King criss-crosses the globe performing his music — favorite locations include Australia, New York City and Chicago — he often comes to Hawaii to perform (his last performance on Kauai was four months ago), thanks to a serendipitous meeting with local promoter Kat Kling.
“I met her one day on the beach, and that’s how it all kind of got started.”
It isn’t surprising that King, a Grammy Award nominee, finds inspiration for his music on the Islands. The up-tempo track “Country Song” was inspired by Robin Rogers, who owns a surf shack at Aliomanu Beach.
“I tend to write quite a bit while I’m in Hawaii,” King said. “It’s such a magical place … I love to swim, but I can only swim for so long. So when I’m done, I barbecue fish and island beef, and when I’m done with that, I pick up a guitar and start singing and writing songs.”
King said he is certain his upcoming Kauai concerts will feature songs from his new album, “Train,” but “I never know what I’m playing until I’m playing. I draw 80 percent of my material from one of my albums, and 20 percent is blues cover songs.”
Like many musicians, King’s fans are what keep him going.
“That’s the whole reason I play,” he said. “It’s all about creating an energy together.”
Fans will have a chance to see King before he “kicks things up” in the fall — the blues musician expects to embark on a tour in support of the new album.
Until then, he’s counting down the days until he’s on island.
“I can’t wait to be back,” King said. “There’s no place like Kauai in the whole world, and I’ve traveled the world.”
Admission is free to both shows, and there is a promotion on King’s website: Contact King and receive 50 percent off his CD.
Visit www.solomonkingmusic.com for details.
