Cool Tropical Jazz

DeShannon Higa w/ New Hope Oahu Worship Team on "The Best Is Yet To Come...

2011-08-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Some of the coolest music in Hawaii can be found at church. Here's something from yesterday's (August 14, 2011) New Hope Oahu service at Farrington High School that was posted onto YouTube by a very talented drummer/bass player Owen Matsui. Trumpet solo features none other than DeShannon Higa, who undoubtedly is one of Hawaii's top trumpet players. Cool!!!!

CELEBRATE with Peter Rivera

2011-07-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

Lead singer for Rare Earth is in his 60s but his voice still kicks as good as ever.........I love his new project.........Now this clip is really cool!!! Celebrate with Peter Rivera!!!! Cool!!!!!

"Babe" covered by PHASE VII at the 70s Nightclub Reunion IX FINAL show!

2011-06-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

Final teaser from Supes. This one is sweet & cool. Teddy Compehos fronting Phase VII for the Styxx classic "Babe". Classic......Sweet........Cool!!!!

"Addicted to Love" covered by NUEVA VIDA at the 70s Nightclub Reunion IX...

2011-06-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

Another Supes' teaser from the final 70's Nightclub Reunion!!!! Cool!!!!

"Get Down Tonight" covered by GREENWOOD at the 70s Nightclub Reunion IX ...

2011-06-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

A little teaser courtesy of Supes of the number our band has opened the 70's Nightclub Reunion series for 8 out of the 9 events!!! Cool Supes!!! Thank you!!!!

"I Wish" covered by POWERPOINT at the 70s Nightclub Reunion IX FINAL show!

2011-06-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

A little tidbit from the final 70's Nightclub Reunion courtesy of the event's official doorman Supes!!!! Cool!!!

"The Bird" covered by AURA at the 70s Nightclub Reunion IX FINAL show!

2011-06-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

A rough cut of a segment of the 70's Nightclub Reunion IX DVD that Irwin is working on. A cut of Aura doing "The Bird" as only they can do it. Cool!!!!

70's NCR IX Revisited by John Berger

2011-06-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

On the Scene
For Sunday, June 19, 2011

By John Berger

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jun 19, 2011

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTISER.COM
Robin Kimura, left, founder and producer of the ’70s Nightclub Reunion dance concerts, talked with guest of honor Aiko Mendoza; her daughters, Aura vocalists Beverley Mendoza Orbello and Christine Mendoza Olanda; and Aura singer/musician Adney Atabay at ’70s Nightclub Reunion IX June 11 at the Ala Moana Hotel. A sold-out SRO crowd enjoyed more than five hours of music by five reunited local nightclub bands of the era. Aura capped a long-anticipated reunion performance with an emotional rendition of “If I Could” dedicated to their mother.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTISER.COM
Clark Silva, left, a founding member of Phase VII, caught up with Frank Mendiola of the Kasuals. It was the first NCR appearance for Phase VII and the first time in more than 25 years that a majority of the founding members had played together. They closed the evening in impressive style. If the six original members of the Kasuals are ever able to synchronize their individual work commitments here, on the mainland and Guam, there’ll almost certainly be an NCR X.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTISER.COM
Roy Yonashiro, left, recalled old times with Ann Gima and her husband, retro fashion fan Harry Gima. Yonashiro’s band, Natural High, reunited for NCR VI in 2009. Harry enjoyed the challenge of searching used local clothing stores for authentic ’70s fashions to wear at each show.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTISER.COM
Ala Moana Hotel director of catering Candi Au, left, checked in with assistant general manager Ron Takayama and his wife, Ellen, while they were helping hotel staffers check tickets and issue ID bands.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTISER.COM
Dennis Mendoza (Aura), left, Sandy Pascual (Phase VII), Hemmingway Jasmin (Phase VII), “Little Albert” Maligmat and Michael Mendoza (Aura) renewed old friendships outside the ballroom. Pascual, a founding member of Phase VII, and Michael Mendoza came back to Hawaii from the mainland for the show. It was the first time in more than 16 years that all eight Mendoza siblings had played together — and they commemorated the event with a limited-edition Aura T-shirt and a “Souvenir Time Line” booklet. Both items sold well.

Phase VII 2011 70's Nightclub Reunion IX

2011-06-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

YouTube is so amazing, it's not more than a couple of days that the event is over and a part of Phase VII's performance is already available to see. Phase VII, like you would have seen them in the 70's at the Infinity, Hawaiian Hut or Da Sting.......of course with more hair back then. Cool!!!!

Tidbit written by Roger Bong from Aloha Got Soul

2011-06-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

Aloha Got Soul
THE AUTHORITY ON HAWAIIAN FUNK, JAZZ, AND SOUL MUSIC.

EVENTS, FUNK, LIVE!, PHOTOGRAPHY, SOUL
Something to Shout About: The Final 70s Night Club Reunion
POSTED BY ROGER BONG ⋅ JUNE 13, 2011

FILED UNDER 70S NIGHT CLUB REUNION, 70S NIGHTCLUB REUNION DVD, ALA MOANA HIBISCUS BALLROOM, AURA HAWAII BAND, AURA MENDOZA FAMILY, AURA REUNION, HAWAIIAN DISCO, HAWAIIAN FUNK, HAWAIIAN MUSIC BLOG, HAWAIIAN SUPERMAN, LIL ALBERT HAWAII, NUEVA VIDA HAWAII, PAULINE WILSON 70S REUNION, PHASE VII REUNION, POWER POINT HAWAII MUSIC, WAIKIKI 70S CLUBS, WAIKIKI DISCOS
Forty years in the making, the last reunion concert featuring Hawaii’s biggest disco, funk, soul and R&B acts from the seventies finally came to an end Saturday night at the Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom.

Pauline Wilson captivated the crowd.

It was a blast, every band went all out, everyone was in high spirits. The dancefloor was jam-packed from the very first song to the last!

For now, some thoughts on this year’s 70s Night Club Reunion (the last of its kind, although we hope that isn’t totally true!). More photos and more stuff soon.

Nueva Vida was a surprise hit (for me, at least). Triple threat of singers, including Carla Young, Lil Albert and Pauline Wilson. Young did a stellar version of Us3′s “Cantaloop.”
Remember when I said Babadu was the Hawaiian Stevie Wonder? I was only partly correct. Lil Albert powered the house with smashing, Wonder-ful vocals. He was good.
And Pauline Wilson. Of the handful of songs she performed with Nueva Vida, the crowd went wild for her.
Power Point: another unexpected hit (probably because I had no idea what to expect in the first place). Super high energy, all smiles, very very funky.
Greenwood: first band up. Tight as ever. Dance floor filled in seconds.
Aura rocked the ballroom and it was almost impossible to move toward the stage. It was packed.
I met a lot of cool ‘club’goers who wondered why a 23-year-old was hanging out at the reunion show. The stories they told me about Waikiki’s clubs—like The Point After and Hula Hut—packed every night with outstanding house bands that kept the night going on and on.

Makes me wish my generation had something at least close to 1970s Honolulu. Of course, it wouldn’t be the same if it happened today.

Lil Albert belts it out.

Memory lane aka a half dozen display boards filled with memorabilia from tons of bands were out in the hotel lobby, featuring newspaper clippings, flyers and posters from: Natural High, Mackey Feary Band, Greenwood, Phase VII, Power Point and so many others that I need to go back and look through my photos again.

When Natural High reunited for the 70s NCR a few years back, tickets sold out in 5 minutes. No joke: all tickets were gone in 5 minutes. Can somebody please play me one of their records?

And Phase VII. Last band up. The ‘horniest’ band around I heard someone saw. Every person in the crowd watched them with smiles of nostalgia while singing along to the songs of their youth.

Everyone had a good time, so much that the performance went over 30+ minutes—maybe an hour? Hotel staff eventually turned on the house lights for the last two songs of Phase VII, but people kept dancing and Phase VII kept singing!

Nobody wanted it to end…

Aura brought the funk.

Power Point funked it up big time.
Big thanks to Irwin aka ‘Supes‘, Candy Au of Ala Moana Hotel and Rob Kimura of Greenwood for organizing these reunions for the past seven+ years.

Missed out on the action? Buy the live DVD set of the 70s Night Club Reunion!

Midlife Crisis' Rodney Lee's 70's NCR Recap

2011-06-13T12:05:00.000-07:00

Rodney Lee has and is a huge proponent of all the retro music happenings around town and especially the 70's Nightclub Reunion series. Here's Rod's recap of the evening. Thanks Rod for all you do. You and your wife Paula are simply cool!!!

70′s Nightclub Reunion IX – Recap
Jun 12, 2011
Whew! What a night. Greenwood, Aura, Nueva Vida with Pauline Wilson, Power Point, and Phase VII.

As is the tradition, Greenwood started the night off. Before they could get to the chorus of their first song - Get Down Tonight – the dance floor was overflowing. And the dance floor stayed that way for the rest of the evening. The music was pumping and the electricity was flowing.

After snapping a few pictures, Paula and I jumped in to the sea of people. The songs flowed one into each other and there was no time to get off the dance floor. There was a chicken-skin moment when Greenwood started playing Summer Sun by the Jamestown Massacre. The whole dance floor was singing along!

And leading into Greenwood’s hana hou song, Robin Kimura took a stroll down MLC lane and asked how many people remember going to dances at Manoa Gym, Kaimuki Gym, and Nuuanu Y. Then they broke out with One Fine Morning by Lighthouse. As Robin explained it, One Fine Morning was symbolic as they felt like they came full circle from those days that they played the high school circuit.

The crowd wanted more.

Then Aura hit the stage. Aura rocked the house with Journey and other tunes from the late 70′s and early 80′s. I really mean it when I say they “rocked” the house. I felt like I was back at the Point After.

Next up was Nueva Vida. As I mentioned, the dance floor was packed shoulder to shoulder. But most of the people were just watching Nueva Vida perform. It was almost like attending a concert! Nueva Vida was solid. The sound was so polished. And when Pauline Wilson started singing Follow Your Road, the place went nuts!

As I was talking to Robin Kimura earlier in the night, he said that he was listening to Pauline Wilson playing with Nueva Vida earlier in the day during the sound check – and he was getting chicken skin. And when Pauline started singing Follow Your Road, I knew exactly what Robin was talking about. Chicken skin.

The fourth band up was Power Point. What can I say. When Power Point plays – it’s a party. Those guys have so much energy up on the stage. And that energy flows down to the dance floor. Mention Power Point to me and I immediately hear “When we party – we party hardy! When we boogie – we boogie woogie!“. If anyone was starting to fall asleep, Power Point woke them up!

Then to wrap up this memorable event, Phase VII took us through to the rest of the night. I knew I should’ve had a 5 Hour Energy earlier in the evening. I was mostly glued to my seat, enjoying Phase VII. But the Hawaii ’72 folks – they couldn’t be bothered squeezing in to the crowded dance floor. They just got up and were dancing at their table. Paula included. Sally called it their Flash Mob. LOL

And they weren’t the only ones. Other tables jumped on the bandwagon and started dancing at their tables too. It was almost like the whole ballroom became one huge dance floor! It was quite a sight to see. And quite an experience.

As the house lights went on and it was time to leave, we hung around – mostly because we didn’t want this night to end. But after the house lights went off and on a couple of time, we caught the hint and slowly headed out. But in the lobby, Sally caught Pauline Wilson and told her what a wonderful job they did. And Sally knows when a photo op presents itself, she asked Pauline if she’d pose for some pictures.

Photo courtesy of Sally

Photo courtesy of Sally

I was sharing with Pauline Wilson that when she sang Follow Your Road, it was a highlight of the evening. Pauline said that she couldn’t let the night go by without singing it for everyone. Thanks Pauline!

A big mahalo to Robin Kimura of Greenwood and Candy Au of the Ala Moana Hotel Catering office for putting together yet another successful and memorable 70′s Nightclub Reunion – the Final one. We’re sad to see it end. But we’re thankful for all the hard work that you and the band members put in to allow us to relive our younger days – even if just for one night.

And thanks to Sally, opso, snow, konaish, Yuki and friends, and Funkshun’s Frances Quinlan for joining us at table #29. We had a blast!

Pauline Wilson at the 70's Nightclub Reunion Hawaii

2011-06-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

Great footage of Hawaii diva Pauline Wilson singing Seawind hit Follow Your Road. What a treat for all who were in attendance, Saturday, June 11, 2011 at the Final 70's Nightclub Reunion at the Ala Moana Hotel. Cool!!!

Aura Revisited-John Berger

2011-06-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

Nobody knows the entertainment scene in Hawaii like John Berger. Going back to his early days in journalism, John had the "IT" factor getting the stories out. Today's story about the Mendoza family is the exact reason why Robin Kimura who originally got together with Candy Au to come up with the 70's Nightclub Reunion. As the 70's Nightclub Reunion series comes to a close, the bands on hand for its finale gives the exclamation point this event.

70s Aura revisited
The Mendoza siblings’ band will reunite to make their mother’s dream come true

By John Berger

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jun 10, 2011

A MOTHER’S dream will come true Saturday for Aiko Mendoza when the nightclub band Aura plays a long-anticipated reunion set at Robin Kimura’s ’70s Nightclub Reunion IX at the Ala Moana Hotel.

Mendoza’s eight children — Dennis, Del, Brian, Michael, Cliff, Vincent, Beverly and Christine — were the core of the group throughout its long run as one of Hawaii’s most popular groups of the 1970s and ’80s, and this will be the first time in more than 16 years that all will be on stage together.

“She’s in a care center right now but we’ve made special provisions — the nurses, the transport, everything has been arranged (so) she will definitely be there,” Aura leader Dennis Mendoza said earlier this week, while the group was setting up for a rehearsal at Big Mike’s Pro Sounds, a warehouse and rehearsal space in Waipahu.

’70s NIGHTCLUB REUNION IX

Where: Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $40-$50
Info: 944-4333 or www.70snightclubreunion.com

Dennis, Del and Brian Mendoza are coming out of retirement for the show. The younger brothers are full-time musicians in Las Vegas, taking time off from their regular gigs to return home to join their siblings on stage.
Dennis Mendoza says his mother, who is battling dementia and recovering from a stroke, seems to have perked up since learning of the reunion show.

“… Every time we see her that’s the first thing that comes out of her: ‘Where are you guys playing? When is the band getting back together again?’ She always remembers that. We’re definitely doing it for Mom,” he said.

Music was always a shared experience for the Mendoza family. Dennis and Beverly were professionals by the time they finished high school. Their brothers and sisters joined them in the years that followed. Dennis (keyboards), Del (guitar) and Brian (bass) were the instrumental core of the group. Vincent, the youngest, became the group’s drummer shortly before Aura opened in 1976 at the Point After nightclub in what was then the Hawaiian Regent Hotel (now the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa).

Many of Hawaii’s top pop bands of the era got their start playing school dances or social club events. From there, if they were good enough, they were booked for Richard Sumiye’s “Wanna Take You Higher” hotel ballroom parties or his Magic Mushroom club. Some made the jump to nightclubs in Waikiki or its environs.

Aura — known in its earliest days as the Nomads or Beverly & the Nomads — came up through the military club circuit and engagements in some of the rougher civilian clubs. The crowds in those places liked funk and soul over Top 40 pop, and Aura came to “The Point” with a repertoire that appealed to the club’s cosmopolitan clientele.

One thing everyone remembered about the band was the horn section — loud, rich and tight. Another, of course, was the two “girl singers” up front. Female vocalists were always a draw in Waikiki in those days because there weren’t many of them. Aura had two, and they definitely were there to sing and not merely serve as eye candy.

Nowadays, Aura would be called a “cover band,” but although the group played other artists’ hits, the members’ skill as arrangers and their charisma on the club’s small stage won them a large and loyal following.

Completing the 10-piece lineup at Saturday’s show will be “honorary Mendozas” Bill Popaka and Adney Atabay.

Kimura, the promoter and producer of the Nightclub Reunion series, has said this will be the last. His concept from the beginning was to reunite groups that played in local nightclubs in the decade between the early ’70s and mid-’80s. From the beginning, he required groups to perform with their original members, refusing to work with remnants of old groups or contemporary oldies bands.

The other big act playing the event is Phase VII, with six of the seven original members playing their first-ever reunion performance. Kimura’s band, Greenwood, will go on first, and Power Point and Nueva Vida featuring Pauline Wilson complete the bill.

SNSD - Hoot -Girls Generation

2011-04-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

Catchy tune, cool choreography, cool hook........cool!!!!

John Berger - On the Scene - The 70's NCR IX

2011-04-11T23:49:00.000-07:00

Music: ’70s Nightclub Reunion’ returns

BY JOHN BERGER / jberger@staradvertiser.com

Two of the biggest local club bands of the late ’70s — Aura and Phase VII — will share headliner status when Robin Kimura presents “’70s Nightclub Reunion IX” on Saturday, June 11, at the Ala Moana Hotel.

Aura will perform with the classic family band roster from their lengthly residency at the Point After: vocalists Beverly and Christine Mendoza, all six Mendoza brothers (Dennis, Del, Brian, Michael, Clifton and Vincent) and the two “honorary brothers,” Bill Popaka and Adney Atabay.

Six old-time members of Phase VII — Sandy Pascual, Clark Silva, Eddie Ramirez, Eric Kutzen, Teddy Compehos and Hemmingway Jasmin — will be working together for the first time in years.

Aura

Kimura’s band, Greenwood, will open the evening as usual so that none of the other bands feel relegated to “warm-up act” status. Power Point and Nueva Vida featuring guest vocalist Pauline Wilson complete the bill.

Kimura says this will be the final show in the ‘70s NCR series. His concept from the beginning was to feature only groups that had played in local nightclubs in the decade between the mid-’70s and early ’80s. From the beginning he required participating groups to reunite and perform with their original members and refused to work with remnants of old groups or with contemporary “oldies” bands.

Some individual musicians and young modern “oldies” bands took issue with Kimura’s insistence on working only with the original members of ’70s-era groups but he accepted no substitutions. If the original members of a group were alive and still able to play their instruments, he expected them to make the effort. Many of them did. His ’70s Nightclub Reunion (NCR) shows included performances by Glass Candle, Natural High, Ashberry/Sage, New Experience, Asian Blend and Rock Candy.
In some cases Kimura was able to persuade individuals to set aside decades-old grievances for at least an evening.
There were also times, however, when musicians who were working full-time in Las Vegas, Guam or elsewhere wanted to participate but couldn’t afford to take time off from work to do it. Scheduling proved difficult in years past for several members of Aura, and scheduling conflicts are keeping Van de Guzman from joining the other members of Phase VII for this show. Scheduling conflicts also prevented Kimura from presenting a long-hoped for reunion by the six original members of the Kasuals.

At least one group declined because a majority of its members were no longer able to perform, but the old-time Waikiki club bands that got it together and played the show were always warmly welcomed.

With NCR IX, Kimura will have presented every eligible group that was willing and able to perform.
And so Kimura is going out on top — closing the NCR series with two more long-awaited first-time reunion performances. Previous ’70s NCR shows have sold out. Expect this one to sell out, too.

’70s NIGHTCLUB REUNION IX’
» Where: Hibiscus Ballroom I & II, Ala Moana Hotel
» When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 11
» Tickets: $50 reserved seating, $40 general admission (includes nachos bar)
» Info: 944-4330 or www.70snightclubreunion.com

Tickets on sale today, Monday, April 11, 2011

2011-04-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Can't believe tickets are on sale today for the last 70's Nightclub Reunion event. Supes does a great job providing pertinent information. Great job Supes!!! You're cool in my book!!!!!

Aloha Fellow Boomers & Friends!
http://www.superman808.com/
http://www.70snightclubreunion.com

CANDY 944-4330

TODAY 10am!

If the phone is busy, KEEP CALLING!! Please do NOT leave a voice message for tickets or request by email. Do that on Tuesday.

REITERATE THE MESSAGE TO THE MASS - TIckets on Sale TODAY MONDAY APRIL 11, 2011 at 10am for the 9th & FINAL 70s NCR. Here is some background regarding the seating and demand...it explains why the event will be sold out quickly...please read so you don't get dissapointed!

Ah...the roots of the founding story which makes the event a success...Back at the very first dance, the bands who performed (Asian Blend, Rock Candy, Power Point, New Experience, and Greenwood) were united for a single blowout party bash. Immediate friends and family of the bands were invited. That in itself was A LOT of peeps. At that time, the event was held at the Ilikai where Rob Kimura (the Mastermind of 70s NCR) got together with Candy Au (Banquet Hall Queen) to form the shindig. Since not all of the Ilikai Ballroom had been filled, the general public had been invited. Check out the poster here;
http://www.greenwoodhawaii.com/images/70sReunion.jpg (HEY!! don't get confused now...pay attention, this is from 6 years ago)

You can also read this article "Getting the Band Back Together"

The Ilikai had changed ownership about 5 years ago, which meant staffing would too. Candy moved over to the Ala Moana Hotel and through her efforts had been instrumental in coordinating the bash. Unlike the Ilikai, the Hibiscus Grand Ballroom and Garden Lanai rooms combined at the Ala Moana were not as large as the Ilikai. But still, we have that ever growing group of 70s retro peepage.

What does that mean for those of you in this email? Well, and frankly, there will not be enough seating for all.

After the bands secure seats for their immediate families and friends, you folks get first dibs before we announce to the media (TV/Radio/Newspapers). It's the formula that had always been in place and we're grateful and truly appreciate EVERYONE. Sadly though, not all can make it to the BIG DANCE. Most of you understand the math and see this as unique. There is NOTHING in Hawaii that comes close to in size with 1000 or so Boomers gyrating on a Saturday night. There will be some that are dissapointed because we go SRO (Standing Room Only) in the first 15 minutes of tickets sale...AND there are others that have the BALLS to tell me to my face "YOU SUCK"...kid you not, that happened at a previous event. That's because they weren't quick enough to call in for tickets and more than likely didn't understand the math.

FYI, here's the math:
600 seats in the Hibiscus Grand Ballroom
200 seats in the Garden Lanai (this is the place to be, it's COOLER and has it's own dance floor)
800 total seats available

There's more than 800 that will attend. Whether you have a seat or not, just go!! It's the FINAL show!

...and THERE!! It's my heads up for you guys & gals. Hope you understand AND no get hu-hu.

Thank you,

Supes (Irwin)
The Guy that will be Doorman and take tons of Pikchas...

438 Hobron Lane, Suite V-5
Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone (808) 946-8107
FAX (808) 946-8108

Visit the website: http://www.superman808.com

Here's something borrowed from.....

2011-03-31T23:17:00.000-07:00

the 70's Nightclub Reunion official doorman and photographer for pretty much all of the 70's Nightclub Reunion (NCR) events. It's pretty much official that this will be the swan song for this event. Nine 70's NCR events!! You can count them on two hands, ten, close to being an event for each year in the 70's. Huge kudos to the man behind all of this, Robin Kimura, who I feel helped to bring music of days gone by back to the forefront in Hawaii. Read on for the official release of the 70's Nightclub Reunion IX. It has been a cool event indeed. Cool!!!!

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!! - The ninth and FINAL installment of the 70's Nightclub Reunion series will be held on June 11, Saturday at the Ala Moana Hotel from 7:30 PM - 12:30 am! Tickets will go on sale, Monday April 11 at 10:00 am. To reserve your tickets, please call Candy Au and her staff at 944-4330. The featured bands for Reunion IX are; Greenwood, Aura, Phase VII, Powerpoint, and first time NCR band Nueva Vida with special guest artist Pauline Wilson from Seawind! Please call at that time to order your tickets. All your 70's NCR information will come via this email list. Stay tuned for more. The 70s Nightclub Reunion website will be updated in the next few days.

LETTER OF EXIT - Rob Kimura, the Mastermind of the 70s NCR writes to all of you folks. Here's his letter of Aloha to everyone in this email list...A BIG MAHALO!

On behalf of the 70's Nightclub Reunion committee, we would like to thank you all for your tremendous support in making this such a successful event over the past seven years!

A BIG MAHALO goes out to all the bands! They put forth their commitment, dedication and hard work when deciding to reunite for this event as most had not performed together for decades. Kudos for the countless hours that went into preparing and navigating through the logistical challenges that faced each band, since many members now live abroad. Without them, we would not have a 70's Nightclub Reunion! The bands that have reunited and participated since our first Reunion are;

Ashberry
Asian Blend
Aura
Glass Candle
Greenwood
Golden Throat Featuring Nohelani Cypriano
Natural High
New Experience
Nueva Vida
Phase VII
Power Point
Reach
Rock Candy
White Light

A BIG MAHALO to all of the supporters who have attended the NCR series since 2005 when this all started at the Ilikai Hotel! We would not be in our seventh year and working towards our final ninth show without your attendance!

A BIG MAHALO to our NCR Event Crew!

Mike Nacapuy & Manpro Inc. The sound crew can make or break any live performance. Yet, they receive very little credit or kudos for all the work they do. Of all the people who are involved with the event, the sound crew works the longest hours on the day of the show to set up, sound check, engineer/work the show and break down the sound system and the backline after it's all said and done. They along with the lighting crew are truly the unsung heroes of our event!

Lights by John and Dean & John Loo and Dean Nishizaki like the sound crew spend an extraordinary amount of hours setting up the back draping and light system on stage, then working the evening and tearing down after the sound crew. They are usually the last ones out!

Irwin "Supes" Santos For his countless hours throughout the years as our webmaster, door man, camera crew coordinator, getting us a spot on Nighttime w/ Andy Bumatai and our web communications director! He has truly been our "supaman" extraordinaire!

Tiny Tadani Who took over Emcee duties from Reunion III has helped to promote our series through Tiny TV and Tiny Radio, and has greatly enhanced our marketing dimension for the series. He has helped tremendously to take this event to the €œnext level!

Frank B. Shaner For stepping up to the plate on short notice and Emceeing our first two events!

Identity Signs and Graphics To Kelly An Fukuhara who designs our flyer and provides the vinyl poster for each event day. With her professional expertise, she designed the format and look for our flyers and banner used during the event!

Michael Chock The man totally behind the scenes. He is our CPA who takes care of the books, budget and makes sure everyone is paid and reimbursed on a timely basis. A thankless job but without him, there would also be no show!

Mike and Sandy Irish - Without their generosity, our band Greenwood as well as others would not have had the space to rehearse and prepare for all those years!

Techniques HI For setting up and managing the AV in the Garden Lanai and outlining areas!
A BIG MAHALO to our sponsors!

Ala Moana Hotel (Main Title Sponsor) To the entire staff and management of the hotel and especially to Rowland Salva for setting up, breaking down, and managing the Hibiscus ballroom!

Harris Nakamoto of HMA (formerly Summerlin) for providing all of the door prizes for our event and the corporate support!
KUMU 94.7 FM Radio for the radio air play and ad time!

A BIG MAHALO to our friends in print and web media!

John Berger (Honolulu Star Bulletin / Star Advertiser) for the countless feature articles, coverage of our events, inspiration, sharing his tremendous knowledge of Hawaii's entertainment scene and opening up his vast archives of photos and information to us!

Rodney Lee and Mid-Life Crisis for all the promotional help he has given our event via his great blog Mid-Life Crisis!

Cris "Knight Moves 808" Gonzales For being the consummate eyes and ears of the club and event scene in print on the web! A fellow soul brother and "funk master" of the 70's!

Ron Nagasawa and Mid-Week!

Debbie Yuen (formerly of the Honolulu Advertiser & TGIF Editor)! A fellow Falcon and great help in the early years with news print coverage of our event!

With all the people to thank, this event would never have been possible without CANDY AU! Candy and her catering department crew have spent countless hours taking reservations, processing payment, coordinating the room layout and logistics for the event! I never would have imagined that what started out as a casual conversation over lunch, would take root and lead to multiple shows over all these years. Without Candy there would be no 70's Nightclub Reunion PERIOD! A BIG, BIG MAHALO to you sista!

In closing, it has truly been a blessing and privilege being given the opportunity to coordinate this venue. What a hellava ride it's been! One that I never imagined would sustain itself for so long and touch so many people. If I missed anyone to thank, please forgive my oversight. Please know that I truly appreciate everyone's support throughout the years! Thanks for coming along on this magical musical tour!

Mahalo and A Hui Ho!

Rob

"If you believe in dreams enough, then they'll believe in you!"

Thank you,

Supes (Irwin)
The Guy that will be Doorman and take tons of Pikchas...

THE MOB - I DIG EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU

2011-03-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

So hard to imagine how fortunate Hawaii was and is to be able to be blessed with some of the best music around. Here's the song I think The Mob will always be identified with. Sure wish I were able to catch this group live in the heyday. Now that would have been so cool!!!

Where You Lead by The Mob.wmv

2011-03-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time in 70's Hawaii was blessed to experience first class mainland acts like the Burgundy Express, the Lewis & Clark Expedition and The Mob who went on to record a number of hits. Little Albert Maligmat was a part of The Mob after his stint with the Society of Seven. Here's The Mob's version of the Carole King classic "Where You Lead". Cool arrangement!!!

Rocky Fellers - Jack Benny

2011-03-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

The Rocky Fellers featuring Little Albert Maligmat on lead vocals. This is classic video of one of the most talented & gifted singers Hawaii has ever seen. Soulful, extremely talented, Little Albert has been with Hawaii's Society of Seven and The Mob who recorded "I Dig Everything About You". Little Albert, cool singer, cool musician.

"I'll Remember You" by Aura, Kui Lee

2011-03-03T19:25:00.000-08:00

The Mendoza Family & Friends better known as Aura with their 70's recording of the Kui Lee classic "I'll Remember You". Cool!!!

The Final 70's Nightclub Reunion Event

2011-03-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

Aura at the pinnacle of their popularity at the Point After in the Hawaiian Regent Hotel

Mark this date on your calender for the Final 70's Nightclub Reunion Event, Saturday, June 11, 2011 at the Hibiscus Ballroom at the Ala Moana Hotel. For this final event presently scheduled are Greenwood, Powerpoint, Aura and Phase VII. Aura, formerly known as the Nomads, had previously played the 70's Nightclub Reunion II when Candy Au was the Catering Director at the Ilikai Hotel. When Aura hit the stage then, it was without trumpet player/lead vocalist Cliff and brother Mike on trombone & lead vocals. For the Final 70's Nightclub Reunion event, the lineup for Aura should pretty much be the lineup that was a fixture at the Point After. Now that's what I call pretty cool!!!!

Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 - Mas que nada (introduced by Eartha Kitt / So...

2011-02-08T22:03:00.000-08:00

Timeless, cool, tropical......total cool!!!!

Deja Vu Maui

2011-01-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

The arrow you see is a bit off the mark but if you follow where the arrow is generally pointing to, the link will open up to the website for Maui's version of the 70's Nightclub Reunion. Deja Vu Maui, the official website. It'll be Deja Vu Maui #4 very shortly and if this event is anything like the pictures and website show, it'll be a real cool tropical evening on the Valley Isle come Saturday, February 12, 2011. Nice work on the "Deja Vu Maui" website by none other than Jay Molina of Asian Blend. Looks like Mitch Hazama has brought the boogie fever to the island of Maui. Cool!!!!

Amazing Grace by Eddie Ramirez and Albert Maligmat

2011-01-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

Something shared on Facebook by Hemingway Jasmin, renown keyboardist for numerous bands in Hawaii. Here's Little Albert Maligmat, formerly of the SOS and the Mob, singing this timeless classic along with trumpet player extraordinaire Eddie Ramirez, also formerly of the SOS, Phase VII and many other groups. In Hawaii, both Little Albert's and Eddie Ramirez's names are etched as two of this state's favorite sons. Cool!!!!!

Tommy James: Behind the Crystal Blue Persuasion (Extended Interview) - C...

2011-01-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

Remember "Hanky Panky", "Crimson and Clover", "I Think We're Alone Now", "Draggin the Line", "Sweet Cherry Wine" and "Crystal Blue Persuasion"? Here's an interview with Tommy James, the man behind all of these songs as he talks about his book, his life. Cool music, cool guy, cool story!!!

Beatles - Get Back (Rooftop)

2010-12-31T19:57:00.000-08:00

I never knew all these years that it was John Lennon doing the picking on this song. Along with the 5th Beatle Billy Preston on keyboards this is sweet. Cool stuff. The Beatles were a once in a lifetime group. Very, very cool!!!!

George Harrison & Ringo Starr- IT DON`T COME EASY

2010-12-31T19:34:00.000-08:00

This is one cool video. Demo by the songwriter of this awesome song "George Harrison" and live performance by "George Harrison" with a little help from his Beatle friend "Ringo Starr" on lead vocals. Too cool!!!!

No Time (1992) Ringo Starr, Burton Cummings, Joe Walsh and Todd Rundgren...

2010-12-31T19:12:00.000-08:00

Cool collaboration of some of music's cool cats on a Guess Who classic "NoTime"!!! Real cool fact about this video, on drums the legendary Beatle drummer Ringo Starr and his son Zach Starkey. Cool!!!

Randy Bachman -These Eyes

2010-12-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

Cool story, one of the cool songs of all time. Randy Bachman!! Cool!!!!

Deja'Vu 4

2010-12-30T13:16:00.001-08:00

It's all confirmed and set to go for a new year's bash on Saturday, February 12, 2011 on the beautiful island of Maui. Mitch Hazama of Asian Blend has it all set up at the Maui Tropical Plantation Showroom from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM featuring Asian Blend with Marlene Baldueza, the Shamrocks and our band, Greenwood. $ 40 for tickets in advance, $ 50 at the door, with proceeds to benefit the Pacific Cancer Foundation. Gonna be a cool tropical night on Maui for a a very cool Valentine's day 2011!!! Cool!!!!

University of Hawaii Marching Band Forms Giant Football Player

2010-12-18T15:12:00.000-08:00

Hey, I was at this game. Opening game 2010, the UH Warriors taking on the Trojans of USC, half-time show. UH Warrior Marching Band!!!!!!! Cool!!!

LOWRIDER BAND "Why Can't We Be Friends"

2010-12-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

The Lowrider Band aka 4 of the original members of the band called WAR. Cool seeing WAR original members Howard Brown-drums, Howard Scott-guitar, BB Dickerson-bass and of course Lee Oskar on the harp. Cool!!!!

Eric Burdon & War - Spill The Wine

2010-12-15T19:25:00.000-08:00

This is one cool song. Eric Burdon of the Animals with the band called WAR. Cool!!!!

How to Play Conga Drums : Tumbao Latin Music Rhythms

2010-11-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

It looks so easy to play the congas doesn't it? It's just a hand drum right that pretty much anyone with some rhythm can play right? That's what I thought for such a long time, but was I wrong. Over the years I've seen what I thought was conga playing, but it finally hit me as I watched a drummer I know performing with a band playing the congas. He seemed like the was playing drums on the congas. Come to think of it I now think that most of the people I've seen playing the congas were playing it incorrectly. They were just slapping the congas. I even saw people using drum mallets on the congas. I really like this video, it opened my eyes to the amazing sounds of the congas when played correctly. Cool video!!! Congas? Cool!!!!!

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours @ Dachkammer, Berlin, Germany

2010-11-25T15:11:00.000-08:00

This is cool, this is entertaining, puts a smile on your face!!! Cool!!!

Booker T & The MGs "Time is Tight" (live)

2010-11-23T16:14:00.000-08:00

A timeless classic that is so cool!!!!!

Sheila E.....

2010-11-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

What more can be said........Wow!!!

Sheila E -- drum solo...

2010-11-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

Phew!!!! Awesome!!!

Sheila E - A Love Bizarre (Tonight Show 1986)

2010-11-14T20:01:00.000-08:00

She can dance, she can sing, she can play. Is there nothing Sheila E can't do? Sheila E.....cool!!!

Glamorous Sheila....the one and only......E....

2010-11-14T19:53:00.000-08:00

Now this is soooooo cool!!!!

The Classic Rock All Stars-Get Ready ( Peter Rivera )

2010-11-05T23:49:00.000-07:00

The voice of Rare Earth, Peter Rivera. Cool!!!!

Mark Farner & The Classic Rock All Stars -- 2005

2010-11-05T23:46:00.000-07:00

Here's The Classic Rock All Stars, Mike Pinera, Jerry Corbetta, Peter Rivera and Dennis Noda with Mark Farner formerly of Grand Funk Railroad. Click on "Watch on YouTube" to see and hear Mark Farner singing the rock classic "I'm Your Captain". Now this one is classic.......this one is cool!!!!

CLASSIC ROCK ALLSTARS - DULUTH, MN 2008

2010-11-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

Some nice information on The Classic Rock All Stars. Cool!!!

Green Eyed Lady (Sugar Loaf)-Jerry Corbetta and The Classic Rock All Stars

2010-11-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

Click on the "Watch on YouTube" button to hear this timeless rock classic. Cool song!!

Land of a Thousand Dances-Dennis Noda and The Classic Rock All Stars

2010-11-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

In A Gadda Da Vida-Mike Pinera and the Classic Rock All Stars

2010-11-05T23:35:00.000-07:00

Ride Captain Ride ( Mike Pinera )

2010-11-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

This is one cool band, The Classic Rock All Stars. Can't believe the people playing in this band. On guitar and vocals, Mike Pinera formerly of the band Blues Image and Iron Butterfly, known for their respective hit songs "Ride Captain Ride" and "In A Gadda Da Vida", Jerry Corbetta on keyboards and vocals better known as the founding member of Sugarloaf, known for the hit songs "Green Eyed Lady" and "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You", Dennis Noda on bass and vocals, formerly of Cannibal and the Headhunters, and last but not least Peter Rivera on drums and vocals, better known and remembered as the voice and the man behind the drums of the group "Rare Earth". When I found these videos on YouTube I was just totally blown away. This is one cool band!!!

Eric Miyashiro - Give It One

2010-10-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Cool !!!!

Maynard Ferguson - Birdland Featuring Eric Miyashiro

2010-10-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

Eric Miyashiro, born and raised in Hawaii. Cool !!!

Girls' Generation [MV] SNSD - Tell me your wish (Genie) [karaoke subbed]

2010-10-28T23:27:00.000-07:00

Here's Genie by Girls' Generation, in today's pop style. Comeback Madonna Bands arrangement is vintage rock. Whether it be in today's pop style or the vintage rock style, it's one cool song. As done by Girls' Generation, great song, great visual. Korea has a lot of talent. Very cool!!

Alla Pugacheva-1983 A Million Roses

2010-10-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

Here's A Million Roses from 1983. Amazing Russian arrangement/song redone in Korean as well by singers and groups like Comeback Madonna Band in the K Drama I Am Legend. Whether in Russian or Korean, just a cool song!!

Ahjumma Band Comeback Madonna Band Sings Rock version of Genie..Tell Me Your Wish (SNSD)

2010-10-28T22:45:00.000-07:00

Ahjumma is Korean for housewife.......these housewives rock !!!! Cool !!!!

A Million Roses- Comeback Madonna Band [I Am Legend OST]

2010-10-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

One more by "Come Back Madonna". So cool!!! I just love this particular driving slightly uptempo rock styling on a beautiful song.

我是傳說OST:Comeback Madonna Band - Comeback Madonna

2010-10-25T02:59:00.000-07:00

This is currently playing Sundays on KBFD in Hawaii. Great story about an all girl band in the series "I Am Legend". The cool thing is when playing and singing the girls look so natural, just like they're actually playing and having a blast doing it. Did a little research and sure enough, they are playing & singing. No wonder they look so real and so cool.

This is a real cool song, I believe a "Comeback Madonna Band" original!!!! Thumbs up!!! Cool!!! Before I forget, the band has a CD coming out and they plan to play live!! Now that's cool!!!

Alex Green 60-yard touchdown run Hawaii vs. Utah State 2010

2010-10-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

Now this is soooooo cool!!!! Gooooooo Warriors!!!!! I really like how the team shakes Alex Green's hand to congratulate him after the play. Cool!!!

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

2010-10-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

The amazing ukulele!! Originally from Portugal it made its way across two oceans to somehow be identified with Hawaiian music. Here's the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain doing their rendition of the theme song from Clint Eastwood's old American western classic "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". Pretty darn cool if you ask me!!!!

2011 it will be......

2010-09-08T23:27:00.001-07:00

Just got the latest on the 70's Nightclub Reunion II Maui from our bandleader Robin a few minutes ago. Due to the change in date because of Three Dog Nights Maui concert and due to the fact that no ballroom is available for the remainder of 2010 to accommodate the anticipated crowd for this event, Mitch Hazama is pushing the event to 2011. More to come as news becomes available.

70's NCR II - The Maui Edition, change of date?

2010-09-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

Mitch Hazama, Asian Blend leader and 70's NCR II promoter has found out that the original November 6 date for this event clashes with 3 Dog Night's 2010 appearance on Maui. Because of this Mitch is tentatively looking to move the event to Saturday, November 13, 2010 instead. We'll know for sure in a bit, but in the meantime here's something forwarded to me by Greenwood's leader Robin Kimura from Mitch to his Asian Blend members and a few others. It's a good read, interesting to hear of sacrifices made for the love of music. Cool story Mitch!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Remember the Acoustic 360 bass amp and Rogers drums? Can't believe Mark used a Acoustic amp with 6 10" speakers? The Fender Rhodes suitcase 73 and D-6 clavinet with the M-3 and Leslie ( not in photo ) to the left of me. Wow............alot of memories! and backaches from breaking down.The photo that Jay forwarded is 36 years old............Jay looks like he's still in high school ( which he was when we first hired him. ) We actually need an all Asian Blend reunion with the 100+ musicians who played with the band over the past 39 years. That would be something! It would have to be on Oahu in 2011 to mark 40 years. With me being 75 lbs overweight, I guess I don't want to say "we should have gotten together."

It's been 18 years now since I first started the CD project and am so close to finishing. I'm grateful to all who have helped and to the friends who have invested time and money over the years to get this project finished. I'm hoping to finally complete it and stop changing the songs and wasting studio time and mixing time which equates to $$$ each time I'm not satisfied with the final mix of the song. I know by now you all know how I am about getting it "perfect" but when it comes to recording, time is money so I hope to finally get the final product out soon. Just can't seem to get away from it all and focus on writing the final two songs to complete it.

Asian Blend was first formed in the Athletic Dormitory @ UH in the summer of 1971 while playing baseball for Les Murakami's Rainbows. I met Wes Stockstill who was on the UH tennis team and ended up turning down a $25,000 signing bonus and an annual $ 65,000 salary with the Tokyo Giants in 1972 to play music. We later hooked up with Greenwood in late 1974 and rented a rehearsal studio together ( on the second floor...talk about carrying! ) That gave us a chance to rehearse Gordon in and hit the nightclub circuit. The rest is history.

Jay continues to make all of us proud by playing fulltime and now really showing his true talent with the newly formed "SLAM" band featuring Dave Choy and Mike Kennedy on drums. What a band!! If you have a chance. stop by STELLA BLUES on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m till 10:00 p.m. and you won't regret it. We were also fortunate to have Gilbert Emata elevate the band to a different level with his unbelievable playing ( how can one person have 4 hands and three brains? )

Greenwood is coming to Maui on November 6 to play with us and it's sort of a mini-reunion to play together again like we did @ the Queen Kapiolani Akala Showroom back in the 70's. Looking back 39 years later, it was the right choice to form the band as I met so many great musicians and good friends in the process. Money is not everything and even though Asian Blend struggled financially over the years, hiring top talent to keep the bands reputation up was a priority for me. Now almost 40 years later, we have survived 4 decades in a fragile and volatile business where "you are only as good as your next gig."

That being said, the summer of 2011 marks 40 years and we should finally all make it a point to have a "true reunion" where we play music one night but have a gathering the next day to sit with each other and catch up. Don't want to be "last minute" like I'm famous for but a joint get together in Oahu would really be nice. We need a committee to assist. Any volunteers?
We need someone to help us find all the former members.........maybe Facebook? Will keep all posted when the date is set.

Mahalo,

Mitch

70's NCR II - The Maui Edition

2010-09-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

OK, the poster isn't for this event but all the trimmings are basically the same except for the location as it looks as though the 70's Nightclub Reunion fever has spread to the island of Maui. Mitchell Hazama, leader of the band Asian Blend (who has performed in more than a few of the 70's NCR events on Oahu), recently put together a 70's Nightclub Reunion on the island of Maui. The location of this forced Mitchell to put on two shows due to the ticket demands and the size of the room. For Mitchell's Maui Reunion Event II, our band Greenwood will be flying up to the island of Maui to open up the evening. The date is set for Saturday, November 6, 2010. More details are forthcoming. It's gonna be a cool November evening for sure!!!! Maui No Ka Oi!!!!!

The Kasuals with a K?

2010-08-29T17:47:00.001-07:00

Oooooo!!! Could it be in the cards for the final 70's Nightclub Reunion event in 2011? Now that would be pretty darn cool!!!! Here's John Berger's on the scene.

On the Scene
For Sunday, August 29, 2010

By John Berger

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 29, 2010

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTISER.COM
“REUNION VIII” A HIT
5. Robin Kimura, left, and Candi Au welcomed Roger Jareza, Nohelani Cypriano and Doug Rivera to the “’70s Nightclub Reunion VIII” Aug. 14 at the Ala Moana Hotel. It was the first time Cypriano performed at Kimura’s popular reunion series; Rivera and his group, Glass Candle, were returnees -- and crowd-pleasers, as always. Nightlife veterans recognize Jareza as an original member of the Kasuals, and hopes are growing the original sextet can play “’70s NR IX” in 2011.

Read more: http://www.staradvertiser.com/columnists/onthescene/20100829_On_the_Scene.html#ixzz0y2ttl5zc
Subscribe to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Subscribe Now!

The Mike Douglas Show Featuring the Fabulous Krush

2010-08-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Truly a group of Hawaii's favorite sons, the Fabulous Krush had its roots in the plantation town of Waialua on the north shore of the island of Oahu. Beginning as the Exotic 5 the group went on to become the dance band New Experience before becoming the Krush and finally the Fabulous Krush. A great story, a great group of musicians, the Fabulous Krush did what many a local band could only dare to dream of. The Fabulous Krush, founded by leader Edwin Ramones!!! Cool!!!!

Cool picture courtesy of "Mid-Life Crisis" blogger Rodney Lee

2010-08-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

If the faces in this picture look familiar they should. Here's a very cool gem of a picture from Rodney Lee's personal collection of stuff. This is a picture of the group "Talisman", a group that laid the foundation for the Hawaii band "Natural High". I may be wrong on some of the names here but front row from left to right is keyboardist Dean Minatoya (not 100% sure), bassist and bandleader Pat Diresta, lead vocalist Kenneth Uyeno. Back row from left to right, trombonist/percussionist Jensen Tamanaha, lead vocalist/harp Roy Yonashiro, trumpeteer Richard Field, drummer Brian Shiroma, and finally on guitar/trumpet/vocals Edwin Salaguban. This picture brings back memories for me especially of my classmate from either kindergarten or 1st grade Edwin Salaguban. Just about two weeks ago my good friend and fellow musician Aaron Aranita called me. He'd been looking at the obituaries and happened to see a name. "Mike, I found this Edwin Salaguban from Waipahu in the obituaries. Is this the Edwin we know?" I checked as well and sure enough it was Edwin. Edwin was born one day after me, the same year. Over the years I had lost touch with him, but I remember the days growing up as kids in the same class, causing all kinds of trouble, playing in the school band and the same band "Friends" in the formative years. Edwin was a true talent, a very good artist, talented guitarist/songwriter/singer and trumpet player as well. I look back at the some pretty funny and fond memories with Edwin. We had our differences growing up as friends and school mates, but nothing that kids don't go thru, but he'll always be cool in my book!!!! Rest in peace Edwin!!!!

Maybe This is What the 70's Nightclub Reunion series is and was all about.....

2010-08-20T12:03:00.001-07:00

Here's something that came Robin's way via email to Doug Rivera lead singer from the group Glass Candle from someone who attended last Saturday's 70's Nightclub Reunion. Not sure if this should be posted here but then again maybe this is just what this whole series is and was about. When this all started the premise was and still remains to this day that we do this for the right reason. i think Richard Martines' email to Doug Rivera hits it on the head, in fact I think it's pretty darn cool!!!!

Subject: Fwd: Aloha

Hey Guys!
Thought I would copy and paste this letter I recieved. I don't know
about you, but it warmed my heart!
Aloha,
Doug & Lynne

Last Saturday in Honolulu

From: Richard Martines

Sent: Thu 8/19/2010 4:50 PM

Last Saturday night at the 70"s Reunion show was a fun night I will
always remember.

I graduated from Iolani in 1973 and Glass Candle was always my
favorite band. I loved it when they were booked for our Student
Council dances. Later I would spend many late nights at Dukes dancing
and being entertained. For all of these years I've had fond memories
of the band and whenever I got together with old friends and talked
about dances and clubs, I would always bring up your group. Last week
I chanced on the article in the Friday entertainment section of the
Star Advertiser about Noelani playing with her band at the 70's
Reunion. About the fifth paragraph down, when I saw the mention of
Glass Candle being one of the acts, my mind went "WHAT! GLASS
CANDLE?*&(%$#@^!+." I read through the article carefully and didn't
get any more information about your appearance, but immediately showed
the article to my wife and said that Saturday night we HAD TO go to
the show.

Beyond my wildest expectations! That's how great you guys were
performing that night. We showed up on time not knowing where you
would be scheduled in the rotation, and we enjoyed the first two sets
a lot. All of the music we heard that night was great, but when your
set began, my wife and I made sure to be on the dance floor and we
stayed there for the entire set. The group amazed me by being so
together after all of these years. It must be such a rush for you to
be together again. The vibe from the dance floor was that you guys
were on top your game, and having a great time. I have a great big
smile on my face right now thinking about the performance that night.

My wife and I hadn't been to an prior 70's Reunions, we've been out of
things raising two children. But the children are now old enough for
Mom and Dad to go out and have a good time once in a while. We HOPE
you will get together for another Reunion show and we will keep our
eyes and ears tuned to be there when you do.

Mahalo,
Aloha,
Richard Martines

The 70's Nightclub Reunion VIII thru the eyes of KnightMoves808

2010-08-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

Superman (Supes) Irwin has his own website which chronicles the happenings in Hawaii. One feature on Supes website is commentary by KnightMoves808. KnightMoves, who with his lady can be seen at the Nightclub Reunion events cutting up the dance floor, tells it like it is thru his perspective. He cuts no slack, says what is on his mind, like it or not. Here's KnightMoves808's commentary of the 70's Nightclub Reunion VIII.

70's NCR Commentary: 8/14/2010
KnightMoves808
ISA Forum Moderator

70's NCR Commentary: 8/14/2010

First & foremost we would like to humbly thank those that made this possible. Special hollahs goes to Supes and his posse for their extraordinary efforts for bringing this event up close and personal to many around the globe. Then of course to bruddah Mike Nacupay for the sound system

Not much has changed this time around 'cept for the look and layout which made the place far more maneuverable to get around. Dance floor remains far too small to accommodate a crowd of this magnitude. Restrained only by a budget in which gets incrementally difficult to manage let alone provide more sq footage. So Candy & Robin make do with what they can work with and so far its an outstanding job.

Band line ups were up a notch in caliber and the transition has now become much smoother. A couple of Rock songs snuck in....thank goodness NO Mustang Sally. In all my daze of disco I have yet to recall a Rock song being played. nuff said on where I stand with that

The energy this time around is not as high as the previously held events. Certainly not the fault of any individual or thing, its the familiarity that becomes rather mundane. The thing to do...like going to mass. Really don't want to be there but best to show face and support. Feel me? Many are starting to become less enchanted with the novelty and feel it more as a ritual. Their sense of self gained by validating an era filled with their finest moments. Re-living those endorphin rushes of a time fast fleeting for...do I dare say it? For good. Polyester and platforms have given way to the 80's resurgence. Like it or not the 70's were a mere prelude to greater things to come in the next decade. The 80's continue to be the premier dance scene. Gone were the glimma and glamma...it was hamma time. Thrilla moves on the floor and not as much focus on the look-at-me clothing. Baggier and loose fitting club wear replaced the crotch-hugging-wedge-crawling attire so one can busta move. Ain't no party till y'allz hit 8,000 RPM and dem soles are on fire. In fact it was reported that the greatest liquor sales in dance club history were in the 80's. Get the connection?

Here are a few comments heard and/or sent:

"eh PowerPoint no sound so good like last time"

" ...that Berger guy...does he ever write about stuff he actually does or did? Never saw him once on the dance floor!"

"GreenWood was the best band tonite"

"...where was the 70's spirit of dressing the part?? WTF a guy with slippers and another one with an aloha shirt & jeans??"

"Drinks were weak ass"

"Had a great time....not like the ones before but at least more danceable tunes"

"...eh wea all da trivia contest stuff...good fun dat was..."

"We should have clips shown on Tiny TV"

"...frick man, how come pleny folks get da same seats over and over??"

In closing, the time is right now to bring it to a close. It was a great run and I truly feel next year's last should go all out for the bang. Need to line up more sponsors with the caliber of Budweiser, Red Bull and so on. If ever they needed help in doing so....helloooooo many of us work for those companies and they'd be more than happy to comp products/services in exchange for promos!

Much alohaz out to our visitors that made this part of their vacation plans. Thank you kindly for your keeping in touch and spreading the word

Tomorrow night, the 70's Nightclub Reunion VIII

2010-08-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Is it tomorrow already? My how time does fly, but yes, number VIII at the Ala Moana Hotel in the Hibiscus Ballroom and Garden Lanai. John Berger knows Hawaii's local scene like no other, here's his write up as we go down memory lane with local diva Nohelani Cypriano. It's gonna be a cool night in paradise when Nohelani and the other four bands hit the stage once again!!!!

'70s club scene revisited
A reunion show will bring together Cypriano, Graue and Golden Throat

By John Berger

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 13, 2010

COURTESY PHOTO
Also on the bill is Greenwood.
More Photos

Nohelani Cypriano debuted as a solo artist in 1977 when she and Dennis Graue recorded "Lihue." The song won a spot on Ron Jacobs' "Homegrown II" album, and that first hit was followed by a Hoku Award-winning album. She's been a high-profile solo artist ever since.

But tomorrow night Cypriano and Graue will recreate an earlier chapter in their lives at Robin Kimura's '70s Nightclub Reunion VIII at the Ala Moana Hotel.

Back in the '70s, before "Lihue," they played the club circuit with a band named Golden Throat.

It will be the first time in more than 30 years that they've performed as Golden Throat. Making it happen wasn't easy.

"For this show the original members of Golden Throat will be Dennis, Phil Bennett and I," Cypriano said during a quick telephone call last week, running late after a recording session went two hours overtime.

NOHELANI CYPRIANO/'70S NIGHTCLUB REUNION VIII

Where: Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom I and II
When: 7:30 p.m. tomorrow

Cost: $35, $50 reserved seating

Info: 944-4330 (ask for Candy Au) or www.70snightclubreunion.com

The three old-time members will represent the much larger number of musicians who passed through the group. Cypriano says at least one other member was unable to commit due to scheduling conflicts. Therefore, by necessity, a couple of sidemen will sit in as she leads the group in a set that will include rarely heard songs from her hit album.
Glass Candle, Greenwood, Power Point and Asian Blend are also performing in what will be five hours of solid gold nostalgia for veterans of the Waikiki club scene of the '70s.

Kimura has set a high standard of authenticity throughout the "Nightclub Reunion" series by presenting only groups that actually played in Waikiki in the '70s or early '80s -- in other words, no "oldies acts" or pick up groups. And, if the surviving members aren't willing to reunite for the evening, Kimura won't accept substitutes.

With Golden Throat, Kimura knew that Cypriano and Graue were always the core of the group. With Bennett as a third old-time member, they made the cut.

Ironically, perhaps, Cypriano says Golden Throat wasn't formed to be a pop "cover band" playing local nightclubs.

"When Dennis and I first formed the group, we knew that we were going to eventually do a record with Michael Cord," she recalls, " (and) Michael's vision was piecing together a group that had rock-style original music, so we were writing a lot of original music."

The result was a self-titled album of original music on Irv Pinensky's Trim label. At that time the roster was Cypriano (vocals/keyboards), Graue (vocals/keyboards/acoustic guitar), Cord (vocals/bass/dobro/ slide guitar), John Dileo (guitar/slide guitar) and "new drummer" Travis Fullerton. Several other musicians contributed to the final recordings.

"That was the first Golden Throat," she said. "When that band kind of disbanded, we had a lot of other musicians who came into the group, and then because we were doing the nightclub scene, we had to change from the rock style we had and transition into doing more of the cover tunes."

Golden Throat disbanded for good around the time that Cypriano and Graue began planning her first album.

"Lihue" was a calculated gamble, Cypriano recalls -- and it paid off.

"Everybody was doing their normal thing and playing it safe. We tried to combine nostalgic Polynesian songs with R&B and make a new island sound. ... it was different, and I'm happy that we did that, because we didn't want to play it safe. We just wanted to do what we were about."

LOOKING back still further, Cypriano met Graue when she was a member of Rock Candy, he was playing with Johnny's Rock Society, and both groups were in a battle of the bands.

Rock Candy -- a quartet of female singer/musicians -- was the last of 22 bands to perform. They won.

At the time, Graue said the band had an edge because the members were wearing hot pants.

"Orange hot pants with white boots," she says with a chuckle. "But it was the sound too (that won for us). They put us on last because the group before had to help reset the stage for the next group -- I felt confident, but sitting there all night watching 21 bands before us go on, I was a wreck by the time we got on."

Cypriano and Graue got to know each other better when the two groups performed on Kauai.

"We became friends in music, later married (and then divorced), and we still continue till today to play music.

"The friendship is wonderful. ... his talents are so good on the music side, and the combination really works."

Precision Nesting Kit

2010-07-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Here's Precision Drum's version of the nesting kit. Can I say cool again?

Nesting Kit Demo by Drummers World in New York

2010-07-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Here's Drummers World's version of a nesting kit. Cool!!!

Nesting Penguin Setup by Jimmy Kadesch

2010-07-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Who's the coolest when it comes to members of a band? Many will say the drummer is the coolest. If that's the case then cool comes at a price. Ever watch what a drummer needs to bring to a gig? Here's a typical setup: 1. bass drum 2. floor tom 3. rack tom 4. snare drum. OK, you get the idea. Enter Whitney Drums. What could be cooler than a drumset that all nests inside the bass drum (except the hardware which all fits in a separate bag)? Check out the video below and watch all those drums coming out of one bass drum. Cool!!!!

70's NCR VIII......3 weeks & counting down......

2010-07-30T00:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a little Tiny TV with Robin Kimura & Candy Au counting it down to Saturday, August 14, 2010!!!!!

And while we're on the subject of what's cool......

2010-07-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

.........I love Kea Ho's quote from the August 2010 issue of Playboy where she's pictured non-nude. "Hawaiian girls are the coolest girls in the world......". "Coolest in the world". Now that's cool!!!

Don Ho’s daughter in latest issue of Playboy
July 22, 2010 by Star-Advertiser Staff
Filed under Featured, Latest News
Leave a Comment
By Gary Chun
gchun@staradvertiser.com
While Kea Ho didn’t get the centerfold, it’s the next best thing as the daughter of Don Ho has a non-nude full-page spread in the August issue of Playboy, now on newsstands.
“Hawaiian girls are the coolest girls in the world because we grew up in bikinis,” she says in a pull quote to accompany her photo.
Now based out of Los Angeles, the model-actress is the magazine’s latest Becoming Attraction. Ho is the daughter of the iconic singer and hula dancer Elizabeth Guevara. As a child, Ho sang and danced in her father’s Waikiki stage show.
Ho’s recent on-camera appearances include HBO’s “Entourage” and a small role in the upcoming Adam Sandler-Jennifer Aniston movie shot in Hawaii, “Just Go With It.”
British lad magazine Maxim recently declared her its “most international model EVER!,” due to her Hawaiian-Chinese-German-Portuguese-Spanish-Mexican-Native American-English-Czech ethnic mixture.
Her website is www.keaho.net.
Tags: don ho, kea ho, magazine, pictorial, playboy

John Berger - On the Scene

2010-07-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, here's something from Hawaii's own John Berger as only he can do. Cool John!!!

On the Scene
For Friday, July 23, 2010

By John Berger

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jul 23, 2010

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTISER.COM
A WONDER GIRLS NIGHT
Life imitated art as the Wonder Girls -- Sohee, left, Yenny, Sun, Yubin and Lim -- prepared for a meet-and-greet with their loyal fans before their first Hawaii concert last Friday at Pipeline Cafe. The backdrop is the cover of their American CD, “2 Different Tears,” and the Girls included all the songs from the CD and their popular Pussycat Dolls tribute, “Don’t Cha,” in their impressive concert.

山下達郎 "Sparkle" PrimeLoose

2010-07-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

The Greenwood recording of Tatsuro Yamashita's "Sparkle" was done after the band had officially broken up in the early '80s and because of this the song was never actually performed anywhere by the band live. Here's a band by the name of PrimeLoose from the land of the rising sun and their live performance of Sparkle. Nice rendition of this Tatsuro Yamashita song by this band. I love the funky strumming on the Telecaster. Nice vocals by the lead vocalist, plus I really like the bright floral aloha shirt, straw hat and shorts on this cat. Cool!!!!

SPARKLE-Robin Kimura 山下達郎 vs 中日ドラゴンズ

2010-07-21T22:57:00.000-07:00

Who'd ever think that twenty plus years after Robin's recording project was completed that this song would make a come back in Japan and end up in the 21st century on YouTube. Pretty cool huh!! Sparkle!!!!

Asian Blend Got to be Real 70's Reunion 8/1/09

2010-07-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a YouTube clip courtesy of Hemingway Jasmin, keyboardist and member of bands such as Beowulf, the Mopptops, Breaking Point, Phase VII and the Krush to name a few, of Asian Blend from the 70's Nightclub Reunion VI. This clip features the vocal stylings of Hawaii divas Sunway and Annamarie Love. In addition to being great to listen to, Sunway and Annamarie are always great to watch, as they mesmerize the crowd with their unending energy and passion for what they do. Cool!!!!

Asian Blend Reasons 70's Reunion Concert 8/1/09

2010-07-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

The second to the last 70's Nightclub Reunion on Saturday, August 14, 2010 will once again feature the band Asian Blend. Since the inception of the 70's Nightclub Reunion series, Asian Blend has been a big reason for the longevity of this event. Truly one of the all-star bands in Hawaii, bandleader Mitchell Hazama brings together such talent as Mike Kennedy on drums, David Toma on guitar and vocals, David Choy on saxophone, singers like Pamela Gamboa Petersen, Sunway and Annamarie Love and of course on bass and vocals, the man who sounds as good today as he did in his heyday, Jay Molina. This is one cool band and I look forward to seeing them once again on a cool tropical night in paradise in August!!!

Some Cool Advice.......

2010-07-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

Something my good friend just emailed me. I know, this ain't about music or entertainment, but, it's some pretty cool advice that may come in useful one day.

Subject: free advice from an attorney

Not A Joke!! Even If you dislike attorneys..You will love them for
these tips.

Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to
it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate
attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company:

1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put
'PHOTO ID REQUIRED.'

2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card
accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For'
line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card
company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling
your check as it passes through all the check processing channels
won't have access to it.

3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If
you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not
have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed
on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you
have It printed, anyone can get it.

4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do
both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you
had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to
call and cancel... Keep the photocopy in a safe place.

I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or
abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on
us in stealing a Name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.

Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have first hand knowledge because my
wallet was stolen last month... Within a week, the thieves ordered an
expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card,
had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN
number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and
more.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case
this happens to you or someone you know:

5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately.
But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers
handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your
credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you
were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if
there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even
thought to do this.)

7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately
to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security
fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a
bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over
the internet in my name.

The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your
information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to
authorize new credit.

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the
theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the
credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I
knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage
has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend
(someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their
tracks.

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your
wallet, if it has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742

3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line):
1-800-269-0271

We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about
everything.

If you are willing to pass this information along, it could really
help someone that you care about.

The 40th Annual Ukulele Festival

2010-07-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day in paradise yesterday under the bandstand at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. Cool, tropical and all kinds of music with the focus on a small four stringed instrument that originated in Portugal. It was my first ukulele festival, but the festival's 40th. Roy and Kathy Sakuma did a marvelous job of putting on this event. Ukulele players from around the world participated in what has become a huge event in Hawaii. Ukulele players, associations & groups from France, Japan, neighbor islands, California were in the house. There was no contest, no competition, just people coming together to share their love of a simple but yet beautiful instrument. And to top it all off as an added bonus, I got to see my granddaughter perform with Roy Sakuma's "My Ukulele Group", made up of more than a few of his students. Now that's pretty cool!!!!!

Wonder Girls NOBODY US Debut Single HD MV

2010-07-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

Cool!!!!!!

The Wonder Girls

2010-07-16T16:39:00.001-07:00

K Dramas, K Singers, K Boy Groups, K Girl Groups........In this global economy and world that has gotten so small with technological advances, is it any wonder that The Wonder Girls from Korea are creating such a stir. Something about The Wonder Girls gives them an edge, something that stirs up excitement. Tonight at 8 pm and tomorrow at 1 pm at the Pipeline Cafe in the heart of Kakaako on the outskirts of downtown Honolulu will find the Korean all girl group in concert. John Berger does a write up of this group below with courtesy pictures. Got a feeling that it's gonna be a very Cool Tropical evening tonight and afternoon tomorrow when The Wonder Girls from Korea take the stage!!!! Cool!!!

The Wonder Girls
The Korean girl band is in a strong position to take K-Pop into the American mainstream

By John Berger

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jul 16, 2010

COURTESY PHOTO
The Wonder Girls.
More Photos

PREFABRICATED "boy bands" and "girl groups," you say? Record producers sorting through dozens of candidates to assemble a group that will appeal to a certain target demographic? It all started with the Monkees.

The prefab concept has been a winner many times since. The early '80s brought us the Mary Jane Girls—four women, each with a distinctly different look—assembled by Rick James. Seduction epitomized the "girl group" look of the late '80s—one Caucasian, one black and one Latina—while boy-band pioneer Maurice Starr assembled New Kids on the Block.

Since then we've seen *N Sync, O-Town, the Cheetah Girls, Eden's Crush, Danity Kane, the post-burlesque version of the Pussycat Dolls and many, many others along the way.

A local attempt in the '80s to fabricate a local version of Menudo fell flat, even though the producers had the original group to crib from, but Coconuts Musume, a locally recruited spinoff of J-Pop girl group Morning Musume built around Hawaii residents Ayaka Kimura and Mika Todd, enjoyed some success in Japan.

Fast-forward to 2010 and the story continues with the Wonder Girls, Korea's biggest contribution to the prefab genre and perhaps international pop, as well.

'THE WONDER GIRLS WITH JYP'

Where: Pipeline Cafe, 805 Pohukaina St.
When: 8 p.m. today and 1 p.m. tomorrow (doors open one hour before show time)

Cost: $32, $75 VIP; $150 "meet-and-greet" includes photo opportunity, tour gift and general admission seating. Tickets sold at Pipeline Cafe Box Office, Hawaii's Natural High, www.groovetickets.com and www.pipelinecafehawaii.com

Info: 877-714-7668 or www.pipelinecafehawaii.com

Note: People with "meet-and-greet" tickets should be there at 7 tonight, and noon tomorrow, when doors open.

WONDER GIRLS—Sun, Yenny, Sohee, Yoobin and Lim—is the creation of Korean entertainer/songwriter/producer Park Jin-Young. Also known as JYP, he is founder and head of one of the biggest entertainment companies in Korean entertainment. In a stroke of luck for many K-Pop fans, JYP is flying in to perform with them when they play their long-anticipated shows at Pipeline Cafe this weekend.
Park had been announced as the opening act for the Girls' two Honolulu concerts that were originally scheduled for last month. The shows would have been the start of the next leg of the Girls' "Wonder Girls World Tour," but the unanticipated death of Sun's father a few days before they were scheduled to arrive put everything on hold.

The Girls' management issued a statement on the group's behalf, thanking their Hawaii fans for their understanding and support, and the shows were rescheduled for this weekend.

Park, a Korean recording star in his own right, assembled the original quintet in 2007 and developed them first as a domestic Korean K-Pop act with television projects, a string of Korean hits and a memorable music video, then reached out to expatriate Korean communities. The Girls appeared as special guests when JYP played American concert dates in 2008 and again in 2009.

The Girls' next steps toward mainstream American pop stardom came last year, with the release of their first English-language record and a concert tour with the Jonas Brothers.

Less than a year later, the Wonder Girls are touring North America as headliners in their own right. YouTube clips of dates earlier this year suggest their American audience is still predominately Asian, but that could soon change: Their first English album, "2 Different Tears," has been released in conjunction with the tour, with English versions of their Korean hits "Nobody," "So Hot" and "Tell Me."

The Wonder Girls' first English single, "Nobody," charted on the Billboard Hot 100, and they seem positioned to take K-Pop into the American mainstream.

In the meantime this is probably Hawaii's only chance to catch them in a venue the size of Pipeline Cafe. Next time around, they'll probably be playing Blaisdell Arena.

The Wonder Girls were in Singapore last month and looking forward to visiting Hawaii. We reached out via e-mail and they responded collectively.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being in the group?

A: Performing together, experiencing new things and learning from each other.

Q: Is it difficult to sing in English?

A: Singing in English is pretty fine for us since we've been listening to a lot of English songs, but recording in English is kind of tough because everything has to be perfect.

Q: Is there a Korean song—a song recorded in Korean that was a hit in Korea—that you think would be a hit in the United States if you recorded it in English?

A: "I Wanna," because it's fun and fast rhyme, and also because of the '80s retro sound.

Q: Have any of you visited Hawaii before?

A: No, but we are really looking forward to going there because we've heard a lot of good things about it and also because some of our parents are going to come to our concerts there.

Q: Will you have time to do any shopping or go to the beach or go to cultural places while you are here?

A: We usually don't have time to do that when we are on tour, but hopefully we will soon!

Q: Is there any place in Hawaii—or elsewhere in the United States—you would like to visit?

A: One of the cities we would most like to go is Orlando (Fla.) because Disney World is there.

Q: Who are some of the entertainers—from Korea or from other countries—that have influenced you as a singer, dancer or entertainer?

A: Since our basic content is "retro," we've been influenced by Madonna, Stacey Q, the Supremes and most of the Motown artists.

Q: It looks like you have fun making your music videos. Do you have a favorite music video of the ones that you have made? If so, why is it your favorite?

A: When we made our "2 Different Tears" music video with special guest (Korean-American comedian) Bobby Lee, he made a lot of funny dance moves, and we had a lot of fun working with him.

Q: Do you think of yourself as a role model for your fans?

A: We don't know that we are, but it would be an absolute honor for us. We like to share a lot of feelings through our music (for our fans), just like we were influenced by others when we were children.

Q: What do you like to do when you are not performing?

A: Most of the time we try to get some rest. But since Yenny is really outgoing, she usually goes out and does something.

Kong Ling - More Than I Can Say 196x

2010-07-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what you learn when you're not even trying to learn anything. Checking out The Fabulous Echoes on YouTube Hong Kong singer Kong Ling pops up with something from the 60s. Fast forward to the 70s and a singer by the name of Leo Sayer had a string of hits including "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" and "More Than I Can Say". "More Than I Can Say" you say? What's this Kong Ling - More Than I Can Say 196x? Could it be? Nah, merely coincidental, merely a similar title. Right. There's a saying in the bible that goes like this, "There is nothing new under the sun", and as such there's also a version of the same song from the 60s by Bobby Vee. "More Than I Can Say", Kong Ling, Leo Sayer, Bobby Vee, now that's cool!!!

The Fabulous Echoes - A Little Bit Of Soap - Slide Show

2010-07-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

As you listen to the audio of the Fabulous Echoes, stroll down memory lane with some real cool pieces of a rich history of Tony, Bert and the boys. I remember seeing some of the photos growing up many, many years ago. Too cool!!!!

The Fabulous Echoes - Early History, Pt. 3 of 3

2010-07-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

The final part of 3, The Fabulous Echoes - Early History. Really, really cool stuff !!!!!!!

The Fabulous Echoes - Early History, Pt. 2 of 3

2010-07-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

Part 2 of 3, The Fabulous Echoes, pre-Society of Seven. Cool!!!

The Fabulous Echoes - Early History, Pt. 1 of 3

2010-07-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

What a story, the beginnings of the group that Hawaii proudly calls one of its finest ever, the Society of Seven. Much thanks to JoeWuSeattleWaUSA for these cool memories!!!!!!

COVER Europa by Van de Guzman

2010-07-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

COVER Europa by Van de Guzman

The very, very talented musician originally from Wahiawa, Hawaii, Van de Guzman and his rendition of the song Europa. Cool !!!!

The Fabulous Echoes - Day By Day

2010-06-24T23:32:00.000-07:00

Now this is really, really cool!!! Pre-Society of Seven in action!!! The Fabulous Echoes, that's Terry Lucido on the piano, Stan Robertson on bass, Danny Ruivivar on the drums, Tony Ruivivar on the guitar and Bert Sagum on vocals. The final Fabulous Echo on vocals and congas I don't know, but check out the vocals and the moves. Fabulous, cool!!!!

Golden Throat at the 70's Nightclub Reunion VIII

2010-06-14T22:24:00.001-07:00

A little bio that Nohelani Cypriano passed on to Robin Kimura on the band that will close out the night at the Ala Moana Hotel on Saturday, August 14, 2010.

GOLDEN THROAT

In the ‘70’s, an all-girl local top 40 band started it all for the lead singer of Golden Throat. The all-girl band, called Rock Candy entered a talent contest amongst 22 bands and won (and not only because of their hot pants!). Following Rock Candy, Golden Throat was formed with members Michael Cord, John Dileo, Travis Fullerton (and later Gary Ferguson), Dennis Graue, and Nohelani Cypriano. Prior to disbanding, they released one album in the late ‘70’s, entitled “Golden Throat.”

Golden Throat opened for many headliners at Conroy Bowl and the NBC Arena and played in Waikiki clubs, such as the Sting, Waikiki Beef n’ Grog and Hula’s. Some of the members of Golden Throat continued with prominent careers in music. Former bass player, Michael Cord established Hana Ola Records and has released many out-of-print vintage Hawaiian recordings. Travis Fullerton moved to Hollywood and played drums for Billy Joel, John Lennon, Bonnie Raitt and many other artists. Gary Ferguson toured with Etta James, Cher, Ray Charles, Bette Midler and other top headliners and continues to teach drums in California. Dennis Graue remains in Hawaii and was the musical conductor for Don Ho for many years, recorded and released his own CDs and continues to play keyboards and performs in Waikiki.

Since Golden Throat, as Nohe was recording her first LP, she and Dennis submitted their original song for the Home Grown contest and won for their single, “Lihue,” which launched her career and became her first hit. Her first LP included her hit “Living Without You,” “You Are So Beautiful,” and “Moon of Manakoora” and branded her music as Hawaiian funk. In 1982, Nohe continued to write and released her hit, “In the Evening,” and “Remember.”

During the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, Nohe worked at military clubs, the Beef ‘n’ Grog, Jazz Cellar, Point After, and many other venues throughout the Islands as “Nohelani Cypriano and Hotline.” While performing at Trappers and Esprit, Nohe was the entertainment director and headliner on a cruise ship for 15 years. Nohe continues to record and is a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award winner for “Best Female Vocalist” and “Contemporary Album of the Year.” In the late ‘90’s Nohe joined the Local Divas—a quartet including Loyal Garner, Carole Kai, and Melveen Leed. They performed to sell out crowds in the Islands and traveled to Japan and Hong Kong. Their last concert in memory of Loyal was in 2001, entitled “This One’s For You.”

Nohe has performed throughout the mainland—West Coast Tour, Las Vegas, at the National Mall in Washington, DC, Carnegie Hall, etc. She has also toured Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, and last year visited seven military bases in Iraq and continues to perform and travel to different countries to spread the aloha spirit.

Nohe’s latest CD, “Pulelehua, My Precious Butterfly” is dedicated in loving memory to her mother, Leina’ala Simerson, a long-time and respected Hawaiian entertainer. All of the songs on this CD have a special meaning and connection to her Mom and features many guest artists, such as Fiji, George Kuo, Jeff Peterson, and Sean Na’auao. It includes three songs recorded by her mother prior to her passing and the title track is a song Nohe wrote which touches upon the many butterfly signs from her mom. The music on this CD is a loving testament to all mothers and to anyone who has lost a loved one…it is a celebration of life, love, and soul connections. With this CD, Nohe filmed a TV special entitled “Pulelehua” and it has recently won a Telly Award for recognition in the documentary division.

Nohe’s next release she is currently working on, will be a “Best Of” CD which will include past hits and a few new bonus tracks. This CD should be available this August.

From the 70's Nightclub Reunion official doorman....

2010-06-11T19:03:00.001-07:00

Two more times including August 14, 2010 and the 70's Nightclub Reunion series will officially come to a close. It's hard to imagine that when this event first took place that it would last this long, but once the ball started rolling it picked up steam and brought out group after group and friends and family just looking to relive the good old days gone by. Two more times, it's official. It's been special, it's been really cool to hear the groups again and see people having a blast. And that's what it's all about. Cool!!!!!

Hey Folks...

It's here!!! Here's a note from "The Boss"...

The Eighth installment of the 70's Nightclub Reunion series will be held on August 14, Saturday at the Ala Moana Hotel from 7:30 PM - 12:30 am! Tickets will go on sale, June 15 Tuesday at 10:00 am. To reserve your tickets, please call Candy Au and her staff at 944-4330. The featured bands for Reunion VIII are; Asian Blend, Glass Candle, Greenwood, Power Point and first time NCR band Golden Throat featuring Nohelani Cypriano! We have two more NCRs planned including this next one before we bid farewell to this event so be sure to get your tickets early!

Mahalo to all of our supporters and especially to the bands that have put a tremendous effort into reuniting to perform for this event over the past six years! It's been one helluva ride!!!! See you all on August 14th! A Hui Ho!

The 70's NCR Team!

Tower of Power Review by John Berger

2010-06-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Noone covers the local scene like John Berger. From his early days when his hair was blonde, noone is the walking encyclopedia of local happenings like John Berger. Click on the link below for John's cool review of a super cool band. The Tower of Power, still kicking after 42 years in the business and still one of the baddest and coolest bands in the land!!! Keep up the cool stuff John!!!

Cool words of wisdom from Hawaii's prince of comedy...

2010-06-11T13:40:00.001-07:00

Comedy is good for the soul. Laughing is good, laughing is cool, and maybe we just don't laugh enough. Frank DeLima has been Hawaii's prince of comedy for decades and it doesn't look like he's slowing down a bit, and that's good news. From the old Noodle House in Waikiki many, many years ago, to turning current happenings to famous songs, Frank has been a part of Hawaii's culture and will always be remembered as such. Who can forget "What, June Jones, you going leave us now?" to the Kenny Rogers' tune "You Took a Fine Time to Leave Me Lucille" and his most recent "Furlough" to the timeless Harry Belafonte classic "Day-O". But in all his zani-ness and crazi-ness, there are lessons and truths in the comedic things that Frank DeLima has to say. Ah, as the old chinese sage once said, "Laughing at ourselves is medicinal, taking things too seriously will make you ill, but in comedy we learn to deal with the cards life deals you." OK, that wasn't from an old chinese sage, but it sounded good.

At this time of graduation here's something that crossed my path, words of wisdom for the graduate. Pretty cool stuff if you ask me.

Frank's graduation address bears some good thoughts amongst his "local-ness"! Thought this was worth sending on to all of you.

Subject: "To The Class of 2010" By Frank Delima

“EAT RICE”

Ladies and gentlemen of Hawaii’s class of 2010…

Eat rice.

If you only pay attention to one thing I say, pay attention to this:

Rice is the breakfast of champions … the lunch of champions … the dinner of champions

Whole empires, entire dynasties have been built and fortified on its humble food.

One grain, by itself, is nothing. Just an embarrassing sticky white t’ing stuck on your T-shirt after lunch. But many grains together -- that’s greatness! It is the foundation of a Spam musubi, the heart of a thousand plate lunches, the force behind the global kingdom of L&L drive ins

Rice holds the world together. Be a part of the world.

Be a part of the future.

Eat rice.

That said, the rest of what I am going to say is just my opinion.
You will have bad days.
Some day you going be the dog, some days you going be the tree. Wish wasn’t, but that’s the way it is.

Take a lesson from Furlough Fridays. Got a money problem? Don’t take it out on the kids.

And brah … vote! Okay? There’s an election coming up. No excuses. Just do it. This is your country. Own it.

You know the saying: If you have lemons, make lemonade. That’s true. But a bittermelon will never become a honeydew. The moral of the story: If can, can. No can, no can.

Some Hawaii folks have an inferiority complex. Don’t be like that. Consider this: Last year, our state produced BOTH a president AND a saint.

Not all malassadas are made perfectly round. So what. The purpose of a malassada is not to look good, it’s to taste good. Remember that.

Don’t sneeze when you eat saimin.

Take your face out of Facebook, okay? At least for a little while. Real faces are better anyway. So are real books. Read one. Or two.

Buy a newspaper. Only get one left. If you don’t, that one going be gone – along with the Longs ad forever.

Recycle your graduations leis before they become ma-ke. Care homes could all use some extra flower power.

And remember, you live on the most beautiful spot on earth. Malama the ‘aina. Respect the land, respect the water, respect the air, respect all life. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Slow down. Walk more. Drive less. The less you drive, the more you’ll see.

Give at least one can of tuna to the food bank. Don’t strive to be mediocre. Be great. Go for the gusto. If you want to climb a mountain, pick Mauna Kea. Not Red Hill.

Learn to play the ukulele. Memorize the words of Hawai’i Pono’i. Make your own lei. Go to the Merrie Monarch Festival. Tour ‘Iolani Palace. Walk around Punchbowl. Buy local. Eat local. Wear local. Support Hawaiian music.

And no forget, thank our military personnel.

Above all, eat rice.

If you have diabetes, make that brown rice.

You're Still A Young Man - Greenwood Live - Reunion V

2010-06-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

The opening band, the band that has opened every 70's Nightclub Reunion, Greenwood. Tickets for the 70's Nightclub Reunion VIII go on sale Tuesday, June 15, 2010. Still can't believe this is number VIII and after this one and one more in 2011 the 70's Nightclub Reunion series will say aloha. It's been sweet, it's so been cool!!!!

White Light 2009

2010-06-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

White Light won't be in the line-up this August 14 but here's a very cool presentation of what this band has brought to the table as one of the staples of the 70's Nightclub Reunion series. Very, very cool video of a cool, cool band!!!

70s NCR 6 Slideshow Display

2010-06-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a cool slide show presentation of the 70's Nightclub Reunion VI by Rodney Lee who most recently had his blog Mid-Life Crisis in the Honolulu Advertiser. Rod's slide show extracts the essence of the reunion series. Great job Rod, you're cool in my book!!!!

Asian Blend Reasons 70's Reunion Concert 8/1/09

2010-06-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

Returning to the 70's Nightclub Reunion VIII will be none other than Asian Blend. Jay sings Reasons as good as ever!!!! Asian Blend, cool band, cool musicians, cool people period!!!

NOHELANI CYPRIANO - PLAYIN WITH FIRE

2010-06-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

The 70's Nightclub Reunion VIII on Saturday, August 14, 2010 will bring Nohelani Cypriano back to her roots. I remember the first time I had a chance to see the all girl group Rock Candy in a battle of the bands at what is now known as the Neal Blaisdell Arena in 1972 with Nohelani Cypriano (then better known as Rochelle) singing South California Purples and Ain't No Sunshine behind her Fender Rhodes. Rock Candy with Nohelani on vocals placed first amongst nineteen bands, and as they say the rest is history. Nohelani and Golden Throat at the 70's Nightclub Reunion VIII on Saturday, August 14, you gotta be there, it's gonna be so cool!!!

Mr. Big "Who's The Guy" Beal

2010-06-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

That's entertainment!!! Cool!!!

american talent show trombone

2010-06-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

I need to take some pointers from this guy. He makes trombone playing look real cool!!!!

David Garibaldi Yamaha Signature Snare Drum

2010-06-08T20:27:00.001-07:00

When the Tower of Power came to town last week, the man on the throne was none other than the Funkmeister David Garibaldi. As I looked at the Yamaha drum set on the stage of the Blaisdell Concert Hall I couldn't help but lay eyes on the beautiful blue snare drum. It had to be David Garibaldi's Signature Yamaha snare drum. The next day I called my friend Leo Hannigan the owner of Drummer's Warehouse on Keawe Street across from the old CompUSA computer store. "Hey Leo, was that your personal David Garibaldi Signature snare at the Tower concert last night?" "The company doing sound called me to see if by chance I had one, so yeah, it was my snare." Now here's the cool part of the story. About six months ago Leo had asked me how I liked my Yamaha David Garibaldi Signature snare that I had gotten on Ebay. I liked it a lot but Leo hinted that he really liked it as well but didn't have one in his personal collection. Long story short I traded my David Garibaldi Signature snare to Leo. Long story short, David Garibaldi played the very Yamaha signature that I had gotten on Ebay. Cool!!!!!!!!

The Tower of Power......Live and in living color....

2010-06-03T12:56:00.001-07:00

Tonight, Thursday, June 3, 2010 at the Blaisdell Center Concert Hall marks the return of one of Hawaii's all-time favorite bands, The Tower of Power. I can still remember the first time I had to pleasure to watch Tower of Power open up for the Doobie Brothers at the Blaisdell Arena many, many, many cool tropical nights ago. The band was unbelievable then and has continued to put forth music as only The Tower of Power can. With core original members Emilio Castillo, Doc Kupka, David Garibaldi, Rocco Prestia at the helm along with the return of TOP veteran Mick Gillette, it should indeed be a splendid cool tropical night in paradise!!!!!! I'm so looking forward to seeing and hearing The Tower of Power again, I know it's gonna be beyond cool!!!!!!