6 Can’t-Miss Honolulu Concerts to Check Out in May 2018
From rap to reggae to classical music, there are great shows to catch in town this month.
Dumbfoundead
May 5
Born in Argentina to Korean immigrant parents, Jonathan Edgar Park (stage name Dumbfoundead) moved to the U.S. and grew up in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. His own unique style of hip-hop/rap draws on his background and West Coast upbringing. His rap battle videos blew up on YouTube and he has even earned praise from Drake for his smooth beats and catchy songs.
$25 ($30 day of the show), 8 p.m., The Republik, 1349 Kapiʻolani Blvd., #30, (808) 941-7469, jointherepublik.com
The Wailing Souls
May 10
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Note Hawai‘i
Get a taste of some real roots reggae. These guys have been performing together since the ’60s, when they got together in Kingston, Jamaica. Their genuine Jamaican sound has earned them three Grammy nominations, and their songs were featured in the Disney film, Cool Runnings.
$25 to $45 (kama‘āina discounts available, minimum $10 food or drink purchase per person), 6:30 and 9 p.m., Blue Note Hawaiʻi, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotehawaii.com
Iron & Wine
May 11
Photo: Courtesy of Iron & Wine
Singer-songwriter Sam Ervin Beam, who performs under the stage name, “Iron & Wine,” combines smooth, dreamy vocals with rhythmic acoustic guitar. The talented lyricist and musician’s songs have been featured in shows including Grey’s Anatomy and House M.D., and in the movies, Twilight and Garden State. His numerous EPs and studio albums have earned praise, with his third album, The Shepherd’s Dog, voted one of Paste Magazine’s 10 best albums in 2007. His unique blend of folk and indie rock makes for a passionate, poignant sound that will have you swaying along.
$39.50 ($44.50 day of the show), 8 p.m., The Republik, 1349 Kapiʻolani Blvd., #30, (808) 941-7469, jointherepublik.com
Jake Shimabukuro
May 11, 12 & 13
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Note Hawai‘i
Don’t miss a chance to see this ‘ukulele prodigy perform live. Shimabukuro has received national and international attention, appearing on The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. He toured with Jimmy Buffett for several years, and even composed music for a Japanese film. His album, Peace Love ‘Ukulele, was No. 1 on Billboard’s Top World Music Albums in both 2011 and 2012.
$25 to $45 (kama‘āina discounts available, minimum $10 food or drink purchase per person), 6:30 and 9 p.m., Blue Note Hawaiʻi, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotehawaii.com
German Treasures
May 13
The Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra will perform a collection of classic German compositions, from Mozart to Brahms. Conductor Naoto Otomo presents a range of moving classical pieces such as Wagner’s “Prelude to Die Meistersinger,” Mozart’s “Overture to La Clemenza di Tito” and Schumann’s “Piano Concerto in A minor,” performed by acclaimed pianist Philippe Bianconi.
$34 to $92, 4 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org
Illenium
May 14
Fresh from performing at Coachella, Illenium is traveling to Honolulu to share his sound. Fans will enjoy the DJ’s deep synth sounds and creative use of vocals. Born in Chicago and raised in San Francisco, Illenium was inspired after seeing Bassnectar perform in 2012. Get your tickets soon; Sunday’s show has already sold out. You must be over 18 to attend and over 21 to drink alcohol.
$25 to $40 ($5 increase day of the show), 10 p.m., The Republik, 1349 Kapiʻolani Blvd., #30, (808) 941-7469, jointherepublik.com
