5 Honolulu Concerts You Can’t Miss in January 2019

Start your year with music from the past and present, from the best of the ’80s with Lionel Richie to club hits from Rae Sremmurd.

Kyle

Jan. 13

Photo: Courtesy of Kyle

 

California rapper Kyle brings his funky beats and distinctive nasal rapping style to Honolulu. The quirky artist started on SoundCloud and grew to partner with established artists such as Wiz Khalifa and Kehlani on his tracks. Catch Kyle performing his newest pieces “iSpy” and “Playinwitme” as well as some of his greatest hits.

$32–$37, 8 p.m., The Republik, 1349 Kapiʻolani Blvd., #30, jointherepublik.com.

 

Sister Nancy

Jan. 18

Photo: Courtesy of Sister Nancy

 

Sister Nancy has made a name for herself as the queen of Jamaican dancehall music with her roaring yet effortless sound. Her 1982 song “Bam Bam”—which has been called an anthem for reggae—has been sampled by giants including Kanye West and Jay-Z. The timeless artist will perform two shows in Honolulu.

$25–$45, 6:30 and 9 p.m., Blue Note Hawaiʻi, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotehawaii.com.

 

State Champs

Jan. 25

Photo: Courtesy of State Champs

 

Punk boy band State Champs will be bringing its upbeat, head-banging music to Honolulu for one night. The band formed in 2010 in Albany and since then has opened for pop punk bands All Time Low and 5 Seconds of Summer. Famous for the songs “Secrets” and “If I’m Lucky,” State Champs will also be featuring songs from its newest album, Living Proof.

$22–$27, 8 p.m., The Republik, 1349 Kapiʻolani Blvd., #30, jointherepublik.com.

 

 

Rae Sremmurd

Jan. 24

Photo: Courtesy of Rae Sremmurd

 

The Atlanta-based brother act Rae Sremmurd will bring high-energy trap music to The Republik stage. From the more recent hits “Black Beatles” and “Powerglide” to the club hits that made them famous—“Come Get Her” and “No Type”—these young brothers have come a long way from their humble beginnings rapping in abandoned buildings and house parties.

$40–$45, 8 p.m., The Republik, 1349 Kapiʻolani Blvd., #30, jointherepublik.com.

 

Lionel Richie

Jan. 25–26

Photo: Courtesy of Lionel Richie

 

Get ready to dance “All Night Long” with Lionel Richie as the Grammy-Award winning artist appears in his first show in Honolulu in 10 years. The iconic artist who became a household name in the ’80s has had a lasting career with hits including “Endless Love” and “Easy.” The concert, “Lionel Richie: All The Hits,” will undoubtedly leave fans dancing on the ceiling.

$55 and up, 8 p.m., Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., blaisdellcenter.com.