By Kathy Hansberry
The sizzling summer just got hotter at Waikiki Beach Walk, as Outrigger Enterprises Group continues to sponsor the popular weekly Sunday Showcase music series. Hundreds of locals and visitors alike gather at Waikiki Beach Walk plaza every Sunday afternoon to be serenaded by various talented island musicians. Hosted by Jeff Apaka, the Sunday Showcase concert series offers scores of talented musicians from various genres, including Jazz, Hawaiian, Local Island Folk Songs, Contemporary/R & B. Weekly concerts are from 5 – 6 p.m. on the Plaza Stage at Waikiki Beach Walk.
JULY SUNDAY SHOWCASE
July 5 – Gordon Freitas & Local Folk (Hawaiian/Local Island Folk Songs)
Gordon Freitas
Gordon Freitas & Local Folk previously performed back in April and return to Waikiki Beach Walk for a hana hou performance. Gordon Freitas, originally from Holualoa, Kona, on the Big Island, is not only a proud native Hawaiian and a talented local songwriter, he is also a great storyteller and narrator through his ballads. His vivid and descriptive song lyrics paint portraits of island people and local culture. Gordon’s music reflects a sincere joy in the spirit of aloha and deep pleasure in sharing his island culture with the rest of the world. He can invariably be caught flying solo, in a duo, or with close musical friends in a group he calls Local Folk. Gordon swings from traditional Hawaiian to classic folk and rock, but he loves bluegrass and welcomes any opportunity to kanikapila (play music)!
July 12 – Shining Star The Band (Contemporary/R&B)
Shining Star is a high energy and entertainment showcase band whose repertoire includes top 40 and dance music, plus some show-stopping surprises. Shining Star performs regularly at various island venues, including Waikiki Beach Walk’s CW (Coconut Willy’s) Club & Restaurant. Their solid rhythm sets the groove of the music from Swing, Latin, R&B, and Disco, to the Top 40 hits of today.
July 19 – (Special Time at 4 p.m.) Roland Chang & Bernard Kalua w/ Hula by Kehaulani
Roland Chang, Bernard Kalua, and the lovely Kehaulani take a detour from their ongoing Hawaiian music gig at the Embassy Suites®-Waikiki Beach Walk’s® Grand Lanai to grace the Plaza Stage for their rendition of rich, fun, melodic traditional Hawaiian songs. Roland is part of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning group Kanilau, as well as one of the founders of Hālau Nā Mamo O Ka‘ala with Kumu Hula Tiare Noelani Chang. Musician/vocalist Bernard Kalua, a living treasure of Hawaiian music, brings years of experience, as he sings some of his favorite tunes. Hula dancer Kehaulani, Kumu of Hula Hālau O Kehaulani, will mesmerize you with her graceful hands and beautiful smile.
July 26 – (Special Time at 4 p.m.) Waipuna and the Waipuna Dancers (Hawaiian)
Another hana hou performance by Waipuna. Waipuna is an exciting collaboration of two talented individuals in Matt Sproat and Kale Hannahs. After many years on the Hawaiian music circuit, these two Kamehameha School graduates first performed together during a Japan tour in October 2007 with Kumu Hula Noelani Chang. Since then, they have performed together on many stages, ranging from Waikiki to Japan. Sproat and Hannahs’ eclectic musical background and similar taste in music has led to the development of a unique sound that draws comparisons to their name, Waipuna, or spring water. Just like a mountain spring, this talented duo provides a new and refreshing sound that fills the senses and captures the mind.
Valet parking for up to four hours is available for $6 at the Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk (201 Beachwalk) and the Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk (227 Lewers Street), with any same-day purchase from any Waikiki Beach Walk merchant.
