For The Love of Prince, June “7” Slack Key Lounge, HB Social Club

In 2018, I did a tribute to Prince at Blue Note Hawaii in Waikiki. The show sold well but not great, and not enough to impress the owner from NYC. Nothing I did impressed that guy. That's another story. Regardless, I was not as happy with the presentation and wanted it to be better for next time. 

Fast forward to now. Slack Key Lounge (located inside HB Social Club or better known as Hawaiian Brian's) asked me if I was ready last year on Prince's birthday but for me it was too soon. I was still trying to figure out how to recoup my losses from doing 25 shows at Blue Note with no vote of confidence from neither of the two guys who run it. But Glenn at HB loves my work, and after a few successful shows at his venue (The Music of Sade and The Music of Stevie Wonder,) I was finally ready. June "7" here we come!

Clayton Apilando is a wild man on guitar. He plays left handed upside down! Who does that? I have always loved and admired his unique style and on-stage energy. His burning leads will honor the Prince legacy rocking it Hawaiian style! 

Lester Gantan grew up learning, loving, and playing this music. His love of the Purple One will be understood when you hear the keyboard sounds replicated as being pretty dang close if not exactly like what you know and love about the iconic 80's pop/funk/dance style.

George Coppedge popularly known as "G" in Hawaii music circles always plays bass with a charming expression on his face. His smile is heartwarming. But his time is way solid and his feel is so very feel-good. Just what the doctor ordered!

Stew Sherman is a heavy hitting beat pounding madman on the drums. He hails from the East coast and knows this funk feel by heart. You will feel him pick you up and drop you on the dance floor!

Jason Gay is as dedicated to his saxophone as a man is to his wife. Anyone listening to him play will agree. It takes devotion and in Jason's playing, you hear it. His passion. His sense of playing between the moments. When you add tall and handsome, look out!

Koko Charlie is a young and very talented vocalist who is tackling the world of background vocalist full on! I have often commented how this is not for all singers. Being able to sing parts and blend them is an art and Koko can paint! Look out for this one. She is on her way! I am proud to have her with me.

Brant Swigart is a singer songwriter who will bless us with an appearance. On bass or guitar, this man is one of the hardest working cats on the solo scene here in Hawai'i and can claim bragging rights anywhere and anytime. His voice is commanding and his playing is confident. His songs are poetic and earthy, reminiscent of James Taylor meets John Mayr. 

Alan Okuye, musical director, is no slouch on piano / keyboards. He is also an arranger and recording artist, but in this case, the glue behind the scenes. His resume is too lengthy to repeat here. But my favorites he has worked with are Bobby Blue Bland and Rikki Lee Jones!

This come-back performance of Prince's music means so much to me. It is my final act of breaking away from the over-priced venues in Waikiki that think very little of us local artists, and taking charge of my own destiny moving forward. To the stars and beyond! If he were here, he would tell me "Ginai, I wrote the song "7" for us, me and others like you." (Chorus lyrics below)

"All Seven and we'll watch them fall.

They stand in the way of love

And we will smoke them all

With an intellect and a savoir-faire

No one in the whole universe

Will ever compare

I am yours now and u are mine

And together we'll love through

All space and time, so don't cry

One day all 7 will die"

 

I hope to have time to add another blog before the show! Stay tuned, y'all!