Revisiting IZ via Makaha and Raiatea
Chicken skin. That is what this week's concert is all about. Bruddah IZ's musical legacy lives on, and we celebrate his gift this weekend with the sweet and lovely Raiatea Helm and the incomparable Makaha Sons.
Symphony Pops
In concert: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall
Tickets: $25 to $70
Call: 792-2000 or Ticketmaster, 877-750-4400
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One of our favorite things is to showcase the incredible talents of local musicians, and we have two of the best performing with us Friday and Saturday. I have written new arrangements for some of the Sons' most beloved songs and want to share them with you. We will even be visited by the gentle giant on a huge video screen.
Helm will be making her pops debut as the first-half artist in our celebration of the music of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Raised on Molokai but now a Maui resident, Raiatea is visiting Oahu to bless us with her smooth and sweet voice. She is a local star on the rise who will be touring the mainland soon. Lucky us to snag her before she really hits the big time!
When we decided to produce this "Tribute to IZ" concert, there was really no other choice for the band but the Makaha Sons. IZ's constant companions, the Sons lived the legacy and will give a special glimpse into that magical time in Hawaiian music.
The Sons are sought after for performances throughout Japan and the mainland and will be performing with the symphony for the first time in years. Before I was conductor, IZ performed with the pops orchestra at the Waikiki Shell. The musicians still talk about how lucky they were to be part of such a genuinely soulful musical experience.
Tickets are going fast for the next two pops concerts -- trumpeter Chris Botti and the Brothers Cazimeros' Christmas concert. Botti has a new CD out and is appearing everywhere -- from the World Series to the "Oprah Winfrey Show" to CNN, not to mention every morning show on earth! He will make special appearances in Honolulu throughout the week of his concerts, so keep an eye out for these announcements.
I told you all recently about my thrilling Hollywood debut in George Clooney's new film, "Good Night and Good Luck." The movie was just released in Honolulu, and I'd love for you all to see it. I arranged the music, which the Symphony Pops will perform in the first half of the Botti concerts.
The Christmas show is quickly becoming an island tradition, but we will add some new elements this year. I am writing new arrangements for the Brothers Cazimero -- so look out for some special surprises. Due to high demand, we have added a third matinee on Dec. 11 -- a Sunday concert for the whole family! This is always a sold-out series, so don't wait to get your tickets. I'll see you at the hall!