Blue Note Hawaii to Showcase Local Artists

Blue Note Hawaii, the state's premier venue for the world's most celebrated artists, is honored to shine the spotlight on local, Hawaii-based artists this spring with upcoming shows featuring award-winning artists such as Kalapana, Robert Cazimero, Willie K, and The Rough Riders. Expanding its commitment to showcase local artists and stars of the Hawaii music industry, Blue Note Hawaii begins a series of one-night only performances featuring Ginai on April 11, Natalie Ai Kamauu on April 18, the incomparable Willie K on April 19, trumpeter Mike Lewis on May 2 and Hiroshima-known for their unique East Meets West contemporary jazz sound-from April 26 to May 1.

Located in the former Society of Seven showroom inside Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Blue Note Hawaii is the perfect venue to experience these beloved artists of the local music scene in an up-close-and-personal setting. Kalapana leads the local music showcase from March 28 to 30, followed by The Rough Riders- Hawaii music icons Henry Kapono, John Cruz and Brother Noland-from March 31 to April 2. On May 6, Robert Cazimero will share a beautiful evening of mele and hula with Robert Cazimero and Friends. Tickets for all shows and showtimes are now on sale.

Leading the charge on this new series is Suzanne Koga, brought on by Blue Note Entertainment Group President Steven Bensusan, to book artists and create a collaborative space for Hawaii's musicians to perform. "Being in the heart of Waikiki, Steven Bensusan immediately saw the importance of including Hawaii-based talent that haven't had a beautiful world class venue to perform at on a regular basis. We are creating a rich lineup of entertainment, making the Blue Note a destination for local audiences and tourists alike. Blue Note is truly a unique venue that is invested in Hawaii's music and culture, simultaneously bringing the world's best headliners into Waikiki," offers Suzanne Koga.

Additional outreach to locals is the 15% kama'aina discount available to residents for all shows at all price levels. This is available online with code MAHALO15, as well as in person at the box office. Parking is validated at the Ohana East Hotel for $6 for four hours.

Kalapana
March 28, 29 and 30, 2016
Showtimes: 6:30 pm (Doors open 5 pm) & 9 pm (Doors open 8:30 pm)
Tickets: $35, $25, $20
Kalapana emerged as one of the most popular bands on the Hawaiian music scene in the 70s, producing a steady stream of hits. Their eponymous 1975 debut album has been hailed as one of the best of the mid-70s Hawaiian renaissance with their trademark vocal harmonies, laid-back grooves, and popular originals. Kalapana has recorded 17 albums since their first release in 1975, and practically every album has become an island classic. 25th and 30th Anniversary performances (in 1999 & 2004, respectively) have equally recaptured the magic of yesteryear, drawing capacity crowds.

The Rough Riders
March 31, April 1 and April 2
Showtimes: 6:30 pm (Doors open 5 pm) & 9 pm (Doors open 8:30 pm)
Tickets: $45, $35, $25
Hawaii Music icons and award winning artists, Henry Kapono, John Cruz and Brother Noland bring to the stage the well-honed craft and power of three inspiring songwriters, three distinctive voices and the perfect blending of guitars to create an exceptional musical style. The "Rough Riders" name is inspired by the 1908 Hawaiian Rough Riders (Ikua Purdy, Archie Ka'aua & Jack Low), three Paniolo (cowboys) who combined their skills, determination & style and became World Rodeo Champions. Today's Rough Riders, Henry, John & Brother Noland, have come together to create an exceptional musical style. From their vast catalog of original hits to some of Hawaii's treasured classics to their new sound and provocative collaborations, the "Rough Riders" offer an intoxicating experience of music & legacy.

Ginai

April 11

Showtimes: 6:30 pm (Doors open 5 pm) & 9 pm (Doors open 8:30 pm)

Tickets: $35, $25, $15

Three time Hawaiian Music Awards winner and the winner of two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for the magnetic albums, "Hot Club of Hulaville" and "Django Would Go," Ginai has proven to be a compelling surge of dynamism that continues to shock your mind, body and soul with her charismatic, hypnotic voice and welcoming stage presence. When you hear her voice and see her perform, you can't help but be captivated. She is an exciting and riveting internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter who has worked many years to become one of the worlds most accomplished performers with eight CD releases in Japan.

Natalie Ai Kamauu
April 18
Showtimes: 6:30 pm (Doors open 5 pm) & 9 pm (Doors open 8:30 pm)

Tickets: $35, $25, $15
With a voice of an angel, Natalie Ai Kamauu, is Hawaii's best kept secret no longer. And it's not just her voice, it's her heart that is heard in every note and lyric. Captivating audiences internationally, Natalie's voice has the ability to shake your soul. Her three solo releases (`E, `I, `A) have garnered her three nods by The Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts for Female Vocalist of The Year. Her release of Eia, an anthology, is an accumulation of the mele (songs) she has penned speckled with her favorite old time tunes. In 2015, she released her fifth solo release, La La La. Natalie?s compositions tell of her family, a bloodline thick with tradition. Born and raised by kumu hula parents, Howard and Olana Ai, Natalie is also a Miss Aloha Hula, hula's top title. When she sings, she's dancing and when she dances, she's singing.

Willie K
April 19
Showtimes: 6:30 pm (Doors open 5 pm) & 9 pm (Doors open 8:30 pm)
Tickets: $45, $35, $25
Raised on Maui, Willie Kahaiali`i (a.k.a. Willie K) has been entertaining audiences with his music since the age of 10. He has evolved into an eclectic and charismatic singer, songwriter, entertainer, and now actor. One of Hawaii's most versatile talents, Willie performs a myriad of musical genres, including Hawaiian, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Rock, Country Western, and even Opera. He has played with or opened for musical giants, such as B.B. King, Santana, Al DiMeola, Willie Nelson, Prince, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Elvin Bishop, Bonnie Rait, Jackson Browne, Mick Fleetwood, George Benson, Jimmy Buffett and more.

Hiroshima
April 26 thru May 1
Showtimes: 6:30 pm (Doors open 5 pm) & 9 pm (Doors open 8:30 pm)
Tickets: $45, $35, $25
Named to the 2014 Top 20 CD charts by Smooth Jazz.com Hiroshima continues to be a force in the industry and continues to top the charts. With a musical career spanning 3 decades, gold records and 4 million in sales worldwide, Hiroshima continues to make their unique mix of East meets West - their signature sound. Hiroshima's latest project #20, "Songs With Words" features two amazing guest artists Terry Steele and Yvette Nii, the vocalists who performed on the 2010 Grammy-nominated "Legacy." Vibrant, eclectic and truly original, the 2010 Grammy-nominated Hiroshima creates a musical world all its own. Featuring the luscious sound of June Kuramoto's koto, and the interwoven fabrics of Jazz, Japan, Salsa and more, their CD, "journeys to the heart of their musical soul."

Mike Lewis

May 2

Showtimes: 6:30 pm (Doors open 5 pm) and 9 pm (Doors open 8:30 pm)

Tickets: $35, $25, $15

A native New Yorker who has spent substantial time performing in Polynesia and the tri-state New York area, Mike Lewis has recently moved back to Hawaii from the Pacific Northwest. Fluent in jazz trumpet, lead trumpet, and recording projects, his resume includes touring and recording with Buddy Rich, Sarah Vaughn, Sammy Davis, Wynton Marsalis, Sonny and Cher, Billy Joel, Natalie Cole, Rosemary Clooney, The Temptations, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, and Bruno Mars. Teaching highlights include Jazz in the Schools Hawaii, Christ Church Polytech Jazz School, Friends Academy New York, and Washington Middle School Seattle.

Robert Cazimero and Friends
May 6
Showtimes: 6:30 pm (Doors open 5 pm) & 9 pm (Doors open 8:30 pm)
Tickets: $45, $35, $25
Robert's passion and talent have played a huge role in taking Hawaiian music and dance to diverse stages from Carnegie Hall, Wolftrap, Tokyo, and the Hollywood Bowl; his voice has graced the orchestras of the New York Pops, the LA Philharmonic, the Boston Pops and of course, the Honolulu Symphony. Hula is always an integral part of these shows as it is in all performances large and small of the Brothers Cazimero and whenever he performs a solo engagement. Robert's elegant voice is so distinctive that whether he performs on piano or with his brother Roland as the Brothers Cazimero, he is instantly recognized and people are compelled to listen. Recording music has also played a vital part of Robert's life journey. During that journey he has been a part of close to 40 full album projects; many considered classics in the history of Hawaiian music. The popular success of the music he has made and participated in is recognized through dozens of awards, performances on the world's most prestigious stages and the millions of albums that have been bought by people around the world.

About Blue Note Entertainment Group

Blue Note Entertainment Group, founded in 1981 by Danny Bensusan, is a multi-faceted entertainment company that owns and operates New York's Blue Note Jazz Club, B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, Highline Ballroom, Subrosa, and Lucille's Grill; The Howard Theatre (Washington D.C.); and Blue Note Jazz Clubs Worldwide (Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan and Milan, Italy). The company also programs the Regattabar Jazz Club (Cambridge, MA). Blue Note Entertainment Group presents shows outside of its club network. The annual Blue Note Jazz Festival was established in 2011 and has since grown to become the largest jazz festival in New York City each June. Subsidiaries of Blue Note Entertainment Group include the GRAMMY-nominated record label Half Note Records, whose catalogue includes over fifty titles recorded live at New York's Blue Note Jazz Club, as well as Blue Note Travel, Management Group and Media Group.

About Suzanne Koga

Suzanne, raised in Kaimuki and a graduate of Punahou, followed her passion for music to Smith College in Massachusetts where she minored in vocal jazz. After graduation, she returned to Hawaii to help run the family Ritz Store, where she discovered retail was not her forte. Suzanne began performing with Melveen Leed in the heyday of Waikiki showrooms. Frequently sitting in with some of the most legendary Hawaiian musicians like Jimmy Borges and Betty Loo Taylor, her interest in music only grew.

After a short stint in financial management in San Francisco and moonlighting at night as a jazz vocalist, Suzanne became Roberta Flack's manager, still working for her to this day. She subsequently received her MBA from Columbia and was recruited by SONY Music in San Francisco. She still lives there, booking the local artists for the Blue Note Hawaii with a lifetime of knowledge and experience in Hawaiian music. Working with local maven Cha Thompson as an advisor, the pair bring a unique perspective to the legendary jazz club.

 

---

Join Team BroadwayWorld

Are you an avid theatergoer? We're looking for people like you to share your thoughts and insights with our readers. Team BroadwayWorld members get access to shows to review, conduct interviews with artists, and the opportunity to meet and network with fellow theatre lovers and arts workers.

Interested? Learn more here.

---