Willie K, Mike Lewis & More Coming to Blue Note Hawaii in May
By: Tyler Peterson Apr. 28, 2016
For Blue Note Hawaii, the state's premier venue for the world's most celebrated artists, May begins with a bang with a music legend - Queen of Funk Chaka Khan Mother's Day week, followed up with guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane and ground breaking acoustic guitarist Andy McKee in a series with local ukulele show openers Kalei Gamiao and Taimane Gardner, culminating with Christopher Cross. May also brings and a host of local talent including Willie K, Mike Lewis, Robert Cazimero, the Hawaii Jazz All-Stars, the Honolulu Jazz Quartet and a Mele Mei Celebration with Henry Kapono and Friends. Blue Note Hawaii also continues Gospel Brunch every Sunday with a 1:00 p.m. showtime, with doors opening at 11:00 a.m.
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.
The full May Blue Note Hawaii lineup includes:
Mike Lewis
Dates: May 2
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
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.
Dates: May 3
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
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.
Dates: May 4 and 5, 7 and 8
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Ticket prices: $125, $95, $75
Chaka Khan is one of the world's most gifted and celebrated musicians, with a rich musical legacy. A ten-time GRAMMY(R) Award-winner, she is looking forward to a celebration of a lifetime. A songwriter, actor, author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and activist, Chaka Khan has influenced generations of recording artists and has the rare ability to sing in seven music genres, including R&B, pop, rock, gospel, country, world music and classical. Affectionately known around the world as Chaka, she is revered by millions of fans, as well as her peers for her timeless, classic and incomparable signature music style and ability. The late, great Miles Davis often said, "She [Chaka] sings like my horn." And the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin says, "[Chaka] is a one- of- a -kind, premier vocalist."
Robert Cazimero & Friends
Date: May 6
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Ticket prices: $45, $35, $25
Robert Cazimero'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. 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. Today, Robert Cazimero is considered to be one of the most respected kumu hula of Hawaiian dance and the men of H?lau N? Kamalei O Lililehua and the ladies of the Royal Dance Company will perform with him on stage with many other special guest artists and musicians. This will be an evening featuring a wide selection of music from the American songbook.
Blue Note and Dancin' Dave Productions present The Hawaii Jazz All-Stars
Featuring:
DeShannon Higa, trumpet
Reggie Padilla, tenor sax
Ethan Capone, piano
Dean Taba, double bass
Darryl Pelligrini, drums
Date: May 9
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $45, $35, $25
An amalgamation of five of Hawaii's finest jazz musicians comes together for their Blue Note Hawaii. Popular trumpet/flugelhorn player DeShannon Higa, tenor saxophonist Reggie Padilla, pianist Ethan Capone, veteran bassist Dean Taba, and veteran drummer Darryl Pellegrini have been brought together by Dancin' Dave Productions as the "Hawaii Jazz All-Stars." These five players representing our finest local jazz musicians have played in various combinations over the last several years, but have never been brought together as a quintet. Three of the five are also composers and the group will be performing their original compositions along with modern takes on established hard-bop/contemporary tunes.
Stanley Jordan Trio
Dates: May 10 - 15
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $45, $35, $25
In a career that took flight in 1985 with commercial and critical acclaim, guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan has consistently displayed a chameleonic musical persona of openness, imagination, versatility and maverick daring. Be it bold reinventions of classical masterpieces or soulful explorations through pop-rock hits, to blazing straight ahead jazz forays and ultramodern improvisational works-solo or with a group-Jordan can always be counted on to take listeners on breathless journeys into the unexpected. To date Jordan has performed in over 60 countries on 6 continents and has received four GRAMMY(R) nominations. His most recent album "Friends" was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Los Angeles Times jazz critic Leonard Feather wrote, "Genius is a word often tossed around in musical circles, but it has been rightfully applied to Stanley Jordan."
Dates: May 16 - 21
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $45, $35, $25
Ravi Coltrane is a critically acclaimed GRAMMY(R) nominated saxophonist, bandleader, and composer. In the course of a twenty plus year career, Mr. Coltrane has worked as a sideman to many, recorded noteworthy albums for himself and others and founded a prominent independent record label, RKM. Born in Long Island, the second son of John Coltrane and Alice Coltrane, Ravi has released six albums as a leader. His latest, 'Spirit Fiction', was released in June of 2012 for the Blue Note label. Additional credits include performances as well as recordings with Elvin Jones, Terence Blanchard, Kenny Baron, Steve Coleman, McCoy Tyner, Jack DeJohnette, Matt Garrison, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Geri Allen, Joanne Brackeem, The Blue Note 7, among others. He is a co-leader of the Saxophone Summit with Joe Lovano and Dave Liebman.
Mele Mei Celebration with Henry Kapono & Friends
Date: May 22
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Ticket prices: $45, $35, $25
Hawaii music icon, Henry Kapono is an accomplished guitar player and prolific singer, songwriter. As one half of the legendary duo Cecilio & Kapono, "C&K" helped forged the sound of Hawaiian music in the 70's with their laid back contemporary rock that voiced the feelings of an entire generation in Hawaii. Today, as a Grammy-nominated and award-winning artist, Henry hosts an all-star & award winning line-up of Hawaii's most popular entertainers in a "Mele Mei" Hawaiian Music celebration! Joining Henry is 2016 Na Hoku Hano Hano nominees Amy Hanaiali'i, Sean Na'auao & The Rough Riders, along with Multiple Na Hoku Winners Robi Kahakalau, Ledward Kaapana, John Cruz and Brother Noland!
Andy McKee, with Kalei Gamiao opening
Dates: May 24, 25 & 28
Andy McKee, with Taimane Gardner opening
Dates: May 26, 27 & 29
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $45, $35, $25
Andy McKee is among the world's finest acoustic guitarists. His youthful energy and attention to song structure and melodic content elevates him above the rest. He entertains both the eye and the ear as he magically transforms the steel string guitar into a full orchestra via his use of altered tunings, tapping, partial capos, percussive hits and a signature two-handed technique. McKee's crossover success has helped him to achieve millions upon millions of YouTube viewers, underscoring his emergence as one of today's most unique and influential artists. He has been featured as a cover story in both Acoustic Guitar Magazine in the U.S. and Acoustic Magazine in the UK, and is also the figurehead of the unique Guitar Masters tours and has toured with legendary acts including Prince and Dream Theater.
Honolulu Jazz Quartet featuring John Kolivas
Date: May 30
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $35, $25, $15
The Honolulu Jazz Quartet (HJQ) will celebrate its 15th anniversary by performing at the Blue Note Hawaii. Comprised of bassist and group leader John Kolivas, saxophonist Tim Tsukiyama, drummer Von Baron, and keyboardist Dan Del Negro, the HJQ has been Hawaii's preeminent jazz quartet for a decade and a half. In his liner notes for the group's Tenacity CD, legendary jazz critic Nat Hentoff wrote:
"The Honolulu Jazz Quartet - through its' performances at the Hawaii International Jazz Festival, the Honolulu Symphony Pops, and jazz venues throughout Hawaii - is ready to be recognized in jazz scenes throughout the world, as is manifestly, invigoratingly evident in Sounds of the City (their first CD) and now Tenacity."
Dates: May 31 and June 1 - 5
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm
Doors: 5pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $75, $55, $35
Christopher Cross made history with his 1980 self-titled debut album, winning five GRAMMY(R) Awards, including-for the first time ever-the four most prestigious awards: Record of the Year (for the single "Sailing"), Album of the Year, Song of the Year (also for "Sailing"), and Best New Artist. Now, 30+ years after his extraordinary emergence into the music business, Cross continues his recording and performing career with a new album, Secret Ladder, that evokes the artistry of such great singer-songwriters as Joni Mitchell and Randy Newman while addressing contemporary concerns head-on - a combination which is sure to please his loyal fan base. "My passion and commitment to music haven't diminished a bit, and I make no apologies for exploring mature subjects," says the San Antonio native, now living in Austin after decades in Southern California.
Blue Note Gospel Brunch
Every Sunday
Tickets: $47 for the brunch and show. There is a 15% Kama'aina discount excluding gratuity.
Showtime: 1:00 p.m. (Doors open at 11 am)
The Blue Note Gospel Choir, an international cast of extraordinary vocalists and musicians, has united to create the most exciting gospel choir in the Pacific Rim. Guests will savor finger-licking good food from our award-winning chef while the uplifting music of The Blue Note Gospel Choir moves your spirit and your feet.
About Blue Note Hawaii
Located in the former Society of Seven showroom inside Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Blue Note Hawaii will feature a year-round lineup of musical entertainment - from local talent to international sensations - for limited engagements. As a part of Outrigger's ongoing commitment to the musical arts, the performance venue has undergone an extensive, multi-million-dollar revitalization, creating a brand new venue in the heart of Hawaii's most famed beach resort destination. Blue Note Hawaii features completely new décor and a state-of-the-art sound and light system.
The 9,000 square-foot facility was designed by local architecture and interior design firm InForm Design, and seats over 300 patrons, showcasing two performances nightly in an intimate setting - seven days a week, 365 days a year. A contemporary gift shop is part of the plan, including a dedicated location for musical acts to hold autograph sessions following each show. Guest will have the opportunity to dine at the venue, where a full-service restaurant and bar will highlight the culinary talents of Chef Rodney Uyehara. Talent buying and programming will be handled out of Blue Note Entertainment Group's New York office. Additionally, the venue will be available for private event bookings.
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