World renowned skateboarder Danny Way has teamed up with Slightly Stoopid and other top-notch musicians for a series of concerts to raise money for skate parks in Hawaii. And it wouldn’t be Way’s way to forget about the island of
World renowned skateboarder Danny Way has teamed up with Slightly Stoopid and other top-notch musicians for a series of concerts to raise money for skate parks in Hawaii.
And it wouldn’t be Way’s way to forget about the island of Kauai, his home away from home.
The all-ages Kauai event begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at an outdoor stage at Rob’s Good Times Grill in Lihue. Special guests include reggae vocalist Barrington Levy, Oahu big wave surfer and musician Makua Rothman and reggae artist Don Carlos.
Slightly Stoopid drummer Ryan “RyMo” Moran — who is also a longtime skateboarder — said the band has had a close relationship with Way for several years.
“We’re stoked to be a part of it,” RyMo said of the three-show Hawaiian tour. “It’s kind of a win-win for us.”
Every year, Slightly Stoopid tries to participate in a handful of benefit concerts, according to RyMo. The timing of Way’s invitation — as well as the cause it will raise money for — proved to be perfect for the band that is slowing down on touring for the next few months.
Although he does not skateboard as much as he used to, RyMo said the sport changed his life when he was young.
“My outlet was skateboarding, and then it was surfing and it eventually became music as well,” he said. “If I could do one of those three every single day, I’d be happy.”
RyMo said he and the rest of Slightly Stoopid are all for children finding an outlet that keeps them active and allows them to express themselves.
And that’s where Way’s new charity and the fundraising concerts come in.
Net proceeds will benefit The Danny Way Foundation, a new non-profit organization working to raise money to support local communities building and maintaining public access skate parks.
“I believe that through skateboarding and other sports, a kid can stay fit, hang out with friends in a positive environment, discover that hard work and dedication pay off, and find strength and talents within themselves they may never have known about,” Way wrote in a release announcing his new foundation.
Saturday marks the second time Slightly Stoopid has performed on Kauai in as many years. Last year, the group out of Ocean Beach, Calif., brought its high-energy sound to Kilohana Plantation, performing along with Ooklah the Moc.
RyMo said Kauai fans can expect both original material and cover songs, with a couple of special guests.
“We always just try to bring a good, fun show — high energy,” he said. “We’re going to play some reggae music, some funky punk-rock.”
Tickets cost $35 in advance and can be purchased online at www.groovetickets.com or select island retailers, including Deja Vu Surf, Rainbow Gas and Mini Mark, Pono Market, City Liquor, Progressive Expressions, Rob’s Good Times Grill and Hanalei Surf Company.
For more information about the Danny Way Foundation, visit www.dannywayfoundation.org.
