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Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

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  • Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

    I guess the subject says it all. But after Iz hit the scene and was embraced pretty much worldwide, why didn't more ppl step in and start spreading their music around? You can catch shows in Seattle and CA from time to time, but it doesn't make sense to me why it doesn't reach further than that. Occassional shows in florida. There are so many people, when I tell them that I'm into Hawaiian music, still think that it is hapa-haole and have no idea that there is anything more current than that - until Iz. It is partially ppl on the mainland being ignorant, but like I said, also seems like the Hawaiian-kine doesn't leave the islands.

    Just curious.. plus I would like to see some shows come to the midwest and east coast.
    [SIGPIC]

  • #2
    Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

    Simple economics - touring is very expensive, and if only a handful of people know these acts well enough to make the effort to buy tickets (which may be rather high-priced, to cover the costs of touring), it isn't worth the effort.

    You said it yourself: most mainlanders (outside of the West Coast, where there are large expat Hawaiian communities) have no idea what's happening in Hawaiian music, so they won't support the concerts and tours.

    It stinks, I know. I'm lucky in Seattle to be able to catch so many acts that come through here (not as many as in California, however, but getting better); there in Ann Arbor, what can you do? Get local non-commercial radio stations interested in playing the music (start with slack-key - that seems more "palatable" to under-educated ears), stir up support amongst listeners, get some of the area folk festivals (you have a strong folk scene in that region) to think about having a Hawaiian music showcase. You'll have to do a lot of grass-roots legwork yourself, if you want to show that your city can support artists touring from the Islands.

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    • #3
      Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

      Also remember that a majority of local acts are not full-time musicians and work regular jobs. Making music is a "side job" for them, so their ability to travel to the mainland is limited.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

        Originally posted by tvguy View Post
        Also remember that a majority of local acts are not full-time musicians and work regular jobs. Making music is a "side job" for them, so their ability to travel to the mainland is limited.
        YES. They work as electricians, stevedores, carpenters, community advocates, students, etc.

        And this isn't just limited to the headliner, either. You can't go on tour if your bandmembers can't get time off!
        Tessie, "Nuf Ced" McGreevey shouted
        We're not here to mess around
        Boston, you know we love you madly
        Hear the crowd roar to your sound
        Don't blame us if we ever doubt you
        You know we couldn't live without you
        Tessie, you are the only only only

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

          dude, just do what I do...listen to hawaiian music on the net. Hawaiian KINE, etc. Not great, but better than nothing.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

            There are lots of small venues here where artists could play. I just wonder if they would be interested in coming this far. I will actually look into it - I have a friend who runs a concert series here that is mostly folk music. That is the kind of crowd that would dig it.
            [SIGPIC]

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            • #7
              Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

              Originally posted by tvguy View Post
              Also remember that a majority of local acts are not full-time musicians and work regular jobs. Making music is a "side job" for them, so their ability to travel to the mainland is limited.
              That is true. Believe me I know, I am a musician also
              [SIGPIC]

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

                Originally posted by ebrandon View Post
                I am a musician also
                Problem solved! Work out an exchange program - get Hawaiian musicians to come to Ann Arbor, while you get to go to Hawai`i! Even in winter, you could probably get Dennis Kamakahi to do it --- he seriously considered moving to Alaska (until his wife told him that he would go alone.)

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                • #9
                  Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

                  I also forgot to add -- the Japan market.

                  Hawaiian musicians know that the Japan market brings in tons 'o $$$. Most of the time they'll go alone, but I remember when Holunape, Na Palapalai, `Ale`a, Sonny Lim, Lopaka Kanaka`ole, etc. etc. all went to Japan as a big group...HO MAN. You can only imagine what kind of show that was (not to mention the shenanigans that went on backstage )

                  That said, if Japan comes calling -- there goes their bulk of time off work.
                  Tessie, "Nuf Ced" McGreevey shouted
                  We're not here to mess around
                  Boston, you know we love you madly
                  Hear the crowd roar to your sound
                  Don't blame us if we ever doubt you
                  You know we couldn't live without you
                  Tessie, you are the only only only

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

                    O.K. This one is for all the lonely for local music.....
                    This weekend at Northstar casino in Seattle Wa. My Ohana`s group "EKOLU' will be up there bringing local vibes to the ohana`s up in Seattle.....
                    Who say`s our local musicians no go bring music to the people..
                    Keil`i Reichel, Hoopi`i Brothers, and many more go to entertain, not only in the U.S. but in Japan too!!!
                    So for All Da Braddah`s `n` Sista`s in Washington hope you go check out the awesome group of EKOLU............
                    bin dea-dunn dat.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

                      "Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?"

                      "Another Guitar Stolen From Hawaiian Musician!"


                      asked and answered?

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

                        Originally posted by kimo55 View Post
                        "Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?"

                        "Another Guitar Stolen From Hawaiian Musician!"


                        asked and answered?
                        'Twas stolen in Aiea Heights, though.
                        Last edited by Leo Lakio; January 18, 2007, 06:03 PM. Reason: Had the location wrong - thanks, LN

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                        • #13
                          Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

                          my bad.
                          shoulda resisted da kine.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

                            Originally posted by Leo Lakio View Post
                            'Twas stolen in Hilo, though.
                            ??? Whose was? I think Kimo's reference was to this article in today's Star-Bulletin, about the theft of Tiffa Cruz-Garza's guitar. Stolen in Aiea Heights, not Hilo.
                            Somebody better return that guitar quick, before the Cruz family and their tons of friends catch the thief.
                            Thankfully Cyril Pahinui got his two back, but I don't think Makana got his back. Wonder if Ken Makuakane ever got his laptop back, with all the lyrics and production notes and unpublished songs on it.
                            Man, these folks gotta be more careful!
                            .
                            .

                            That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Why don't Hawaiian musicians tour the mainland more?

                              Originally posted by LikaNui View Post
                              Stolen in Aiea Heights, not Hilo.
                              Right you are - sorry. I misread this quote, by skimming too quickly:
                              Tiffa (Imua's wife) had her guitar stolen right before we left for our Hilo gig.
                              Have edited the original post, thanks to LikaNui's sharper eyes.

                              Comment

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