Jason Genegabus photos

Supposed to be on vacation this week, so I’m going to keep this short.

If you missed Jason Mraz last Friday at the Waikiki Shell, I’ve got more pictures and video highlights from the concert after the jump. It was a fun night, with Mraz mixing hits with new material and a couple of interesting covers (Elton John and Bob Marley!?!?) for good measure.

Oh, and I kinda called it… “I’m Yours” was Mraz’s final song, before the encore. I thought it would be the encore.

But you had to love that Mraz used what appeared to be a baritone ukulele (with two G-strings, I think) throughout the night. This guy could probably do a guest set at KCCN’s “Birthday Bash” and kill it with his crossover appeal.

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Bil Zelman photo

I’m still a little torn over the decision to move tonight’s Jason Mraz (pictured) concert from the Blaisdell Concert Hall to the Waikiki Shell.

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Jamm Aquino photo

Another year, another pair of sold-out concerts for Jack Johnson.

This is my fourth year covering the Kokua Festival, after skipping the first one because it meant having to drive alllll the way out to Kualoa Ranch.

I know. Terrible. But true.

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It was packed during Saturday’s “Jammin’ Hawaiians” at the Waikiki Shell.

According to promoters Mass Appeal Entertainment and Musical Youth of Hawaii, a sold-out crowd of 8,000 saw Fiji share the stage with J Boog, Laga Savea and Big Every Time’s Papa T, while Jamaican artist Lukie D nearly stole the show with a set that brought him up close and personal with the Shell crowd.

I’ve got more than 30 pictures from the concert after the jump; check out my previous post for video.

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Styx photo

Big Island-based King Michel Concerts announced today that another legendary rock act will make an appearance in Honolulu later this year. Styx has signed on to play the Blaisdell Concert Hall on Oct. 9. They’ll also perform on Oct. 11 at the Hilton Waikoloa.

Tickets for the Honolulu concert are priced at $40, $55, $70 and $85 and go on sale June 7 at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Beach 5 photo

If you’re making plans to go out this weekend, be sure to take some time and check out HiLife in today’s Star-Bulletin.

I got a chance to sit down with Christian Yrizarry and Sani Apuakehau, also known as Beach 5, in advance of their performance at Jammin’ Hawaiians on Saturday.

They shared what it’s like to rebuild after Yrizarry’s previous band, Ho’onu’a, split up in 2006 and how the current state of the local music industry affects their careers.

John Berger has a story about veteran comedian Eddie Sax and his return to the local stand-up scene, and Jacquelyn Carberry talked to Shawn Livingston Moseley about Saturday’s ‘Aumakua Music Festival.

Also in HiLife: In the Mix takes another look at last weekend’s Brown Bags to Stardom concert, and I’ve got exclusive quotes from one of the guys behind a new venue set to replace the Ocean Club later this year. I also have new concert news to share, plus my usual list of weekend picks.

Oh, and in case you missed it, my video from Brown Bags is available here.

Links:
Honolulu Nightlife Listings
Crawlspace: Keahi Conjugacion and Lipstick Lounge
Star-Bulletin Staff Picks
Star-Bulletin Local Record Reviews
Honolulu Movie Theater Schedules

Finally got confirmation that Jason Mraz’s return to Honolulu will be at the Waikiki Shell and not the Blaisdell Concert Hall, as originally announced.

If you were able to buy tickets at the Blaisdell Box Office or Times Supermarket locations on Oahu before they sold out last weekend, you’ll be able to exchange them for reserved seats at the Shell starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Exchanges must take place at the original point of purchase, and you have until April 26 to do so. Those who purchased online or by phone will have their tickets exchanged automatically; if you’re not happy with your new seats, call (877) 750-4400 and choose option number two for a different seating assignment.

Don’t have tickets? Advance general admission lawn tickets, priced at $25, go on sale at the same time exchanges begin on Saturday.

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