concerts

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The Cure at Blaisdell

Tracy Chan,

It’s hard to believe The Cure has been around for 37 years now, but the legendary band’s hits are, if anything, just as beloved today as they were in the 80s. Robert Smith (voice/guitar), Simon Gallup (bass), Jason Cooper (drums),…

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Something to see: Above & Beyond Acoustic

Tracy Chan,

There’s something epic happening at the Waikiki Shell next Tuesday. London-based electronic music trio Above & Beyond, known for the poignant trance sound that characterizes their music label, Anjunabeats, is holding a show – but it’s not a rave. Oh,…

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Taimane’s Hawaii Theatre Debut: The Elements

Tracy Chan,

Local ukulele musician, singer and songwriter Taimane Gardner made her triumphant debut at the iconic Hawaii Theatre last night, in a two-act performance that featured original music and some of her most popular covers, with beautiful performer collaborations that included…

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A chat with Ron Artis II

Frolic Hawai‘i,

Courtesy Stefanie Riedel – Absolutely Loved Photography By Kate Greennagel Special to Nonstop Ron Artis II and I first crossed paths at the Ryan’s Light 3rd Annual Music Night Fundraiser this past December as he was getting ready to play.…

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Party pics: Awolnation @ Republik

Tracy Chan,

Los Angeles electronic rock band Awolnation, fronted by Aaron Bruno, rocked a sold-out show at Republik Saturday night, delivering their catchy, gritty hits like “Sail,” “Burn It Down,” “Kill Your Heroes,” “Hollow Moon” and more with unrelenting passion and energy.…

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Janet Jackson @ Blaisdell Arena

Tracy Chan,

When I was in high school in 1998, there were basically four songs on the Top 40 radio: Santana’s “Smooth,” Savage Garden’s “Truly Madly Deeply,” Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine” and Janet Jackson’s “Together Again.” (Side fact: I…

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Erin Smith’s CD release party @ Republik

Tracy Chan,

Erin Smith and her band celebrated the release of their much anticipated new album “American Boy” with an all-ages party at Republik, sponsored by BAMP Project and STAR 101.9. Opening were talented young local musicians Crimson Apple, Random Weirdos and…

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Party pics: Hawaiian Express 20th Anniversary Show

Tracy Chan,

Few individuals have been as influential to the local punk/rock/alternative scene over the last 20 years as Jason Miller, who started Hawaiian Express/808 Shows in 1995 with the purpose of making local bands’ music available through live concerts and recordings.   Hawaiian Express…

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Party pics: Incubus

Tracy Chan,

California rock band Incubus played their second sold-out show in Honolulu last night at Republik to an enthusiastic crowd. Formed in 1991 and known for top radio hits including “Wish You Were Here,” “Drive,” “Megalomaniac,” “A Crow Left of the…

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Party pics: Kings of Leon

Tracy Chan,

Kings of Leon, with local opener Yoza, performed to a nearly sold-out crowd Sunday night at Blaisdell Arena. The Nashville, TN band, known for chart-topping songs like “Sex on Fire”, “Use Somebody”, and “Notion” connected well with the audience, inspiring…

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Party pics: Eli-Mac & Likkle Mai

Tracy Chan,

Eli-Mac, otherwise known as “American Idol” contestant Camile Velasco, celebrated the release of her “Dubstop” EP Friday night at The Republik. The sold-out reggae show also featured Japanese reggae star Likkle Mai and opened with local musicians The Vitals and The Jimmy…

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Pics: Peter Hook and the Light @ Republik

Tracy Chan,

Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook brought his band to Honolulu for a three-hour show at The Republik, comprised of Joy Division and New Order songs. Opening with a classic Joy Division set that included well-known favorites like…

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Party pics: Kaskade @ Turtle Bay

Tracy Chan,

Grammy-nominated Chicago electronic dance music DJ Kaskade headlined a concert Saturday evening at a new outdoor event space at Turtle Bay, supported by DJs Graves, Phantom Funk and Ramyt. The enthusiastic crowd really got into the vibe of the headliner’s…

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Party pics: Jack Johnson @ Waikiki Shell

Frolic Hawai‘i,

Hawaii’s own Jack Johnson played the first of two sold-out Kokua Hawaii Foundation benefit concerts at the Waikiki Shell on Friday night to an appreciative audience. The understated star’s funky, feel-good set included crowd favorites like “Better Together,” “Banana Pancakes,”…

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What to do: Fourth of July

Grant Shindo,

Whether you plan to just fire up the grill, go watch fireworks or hit the clubs, here’s a guide for celebrating the long Fourth of July weekend around the island.Fireworks showsAla Moana CenterIndependence Day festivities start early on July 3…