NOVEMBER, 2 2010
| PACIFIC RIM JAZZ FESTIVAL
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| DEAR SUBSCRIBER,
Once in a while, we'll share a special event - whether it's a theatre production, concert or foodie extravaganza - that warrants special attention. The Inaugural Pacific Rim Jazz Festival constitutes one of these events.
Hawaii jazz legend Michael Paulo has assembled an A-list of musicians who will come to our shores on November 13 for a one-night-only concert at the Ihilani Resort & Spa.
Read what Paulo has to say and find out who'll be jazzing up the local music scene.
Aloha and mahalo,
Simplicio Paragas
Publisher/Editor
simplicio@insideouthawaii.com
InsideOut Hawaii Magazine
www.InsideOutHawaii.com
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National, local artists to stage jazz festival
By Simplicio Paragas
He's been trying for seven years to produce a jazz festival in Honolulu, but it wasn't until March that Michael Paulo started calling on musician friends to participate in the inaugural Pacific Rim Jazz Festival at JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa.
The all-star cast of artists will feature some of the biggest names in the international jazz scene, including Hiroshima, Bobby Caldwell, Rick Braun, Brian Simpson, Pauline Wilson and, of course, the father-and-son team of Rene and Michael Paulo. Local musicians DeShannon Higa and Rocky Brown Higa will also perform, as well as Jordan Segundo, and Kathy and Keoki Hirai. The evening's emcee will be Al Waterson.
"It's in the blood," says Paulo, referring to his musical roots that can be traced back to his dad, Rene, who was the first-ever musician from Hawaii to be accepted at the prestigious Julliard School of Music. "I actually started late; I was 15 when I first joined the Saint Louis School's band."
He has since made a name for himself, not only as a saxophonist, but a producer as well. He even once toured with Al Jarreau for 12 years and credits that time on the road as a valuable learning experience. A veteran at producing concerts, Paulo has staged the Temecula Wine and Music Festival in California for the past six years and spent 15 years as the musical director and host of the Dolphin Days Music Festival on the Big Island. Recently, he has also been active as a musical coordinator and an artist-in-residence at The Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia, one of the largest international music festivals in the world.
"I want to pull everyone into this event," Paulo says of the upcoming Pacific Rim Jazz Festival. "I always hear from locals that Hawaii needs more jazz venues ... well, this is the big one."
Scheduled for Saturday, November 13 in the Hokulani Ballroom at Ihilani, the one-night-only jazz concert will run from 4 to 10 p.m., starting with a VIP Sponsorship dinner, followed by the show at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets cost $65 (backrow seating), $75 (middle row) and $130 (reserved). Sponsorship tables for 10 are available, starting at $300 per person, which includes front-row seats, a five-course dinner by the resort's executive chef, Scott Higa, wine tasting and a special pre-concert show from 4 to 6 p.m.
"Some of the proceeds of the event will go toward the Kapolei Foundation," Paulo notes, "One of the goals of the festival is to raise money for a Leeward student music scholarship program. This is a great cause and it will be a great show that you won't want to miss."
Stephen Oliva wouldn't dream of passing on this concert.
"My dad raised me on jazz, so I wouldn't mind taking him to this festival," Oliva says. "I think jazz is a neglected market here but I think there are a lot of fans like me who wouldn't mind seeing more jazz venues."
"But it has gotten better from two to three years ago," Paulo points out. "And hopefully this festival will attract even more attention to this genre of music."
Pacific Rim Jazz Festival Saturday, November 13 at JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa Hokulani Ballroom www.pacificrimjazzfestival.com
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GUEST ARTISTS
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Hiroshima
The Grammy-nominated band returns to celebrate their 35th anniversary and will feature music from their latest CD Legacy. Nominated for Best Instrumental recording, their new music features June Kuramoto on koto, band leader Dan Kuramoto on sax and flute, and Hawaii's own Kimo Cornwell on keyboards. After two sell-out performances last year at Smooth Jazz Nights, this is one group you won't want to miss.
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Yvette Nii
Born and raised in Ewa Beach, Yvette Nii is living the dream. Starting in 2002 at the age of 18, Nii was the youngest singer to perform at the prestigious Hano Hano Room at the Sheraton Waikiki, as well as nominated for a Hawaii Music Award for her original composition, Through Someone Else's Eyes. In 2008, after being crowned the first Miss Ko'Olina, she flew to Los Angeles where she had the first opportunity of singing the national anthem for the Los Angeles Lakers, and appeared on the Fox nationally-televised reality show, The Search for the Next Elvira. As a final-five contestant, she moved her from a ghoulish black ensemble to blushing bride where she starred as the lead role in the longest running national stage show, Tony N Tinas Wedding, at the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. While currently residing in Hollywood, she continues to pursue the dream of one day performing on Broadway and has accepted a surprise career opportunity that will move her to New York City in the Spring of 2011.
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Bobby Caldwell
One of the most prolific songwriters of our generation, Bobby Caldwell wrote and sang the mega hit pop song, What you won't do for Love, as well as other hit songs, most notably Heart of Mine for Boz Scaggs, The Next Time I Fall for Amy Grant and Peter Cetera, Janet for the Commodores, Niagara Falls for Chicago, The Real Thing for Kalapana and All or Nothing at All for Al Jarreau. Caldwell remains one of the smoothest vocalist of all time. A great performer who won't disappoint his audience. |
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Rick Braun
Arguably one of the most well-known and versatile jazz trumpet players of our era, Rick Braun boasts a string of #1 smooth jazz hits. Throughout his career, Braun has had success with Boney James, R&R and Jazz Attack. He has alos collaborated with numerous instrumental jazz stars, such as Norman Brown, Richard Elliot, Peter White, Philippe Saisse and Jeff Lorber. A consummate showman, he will leave you wanting more.
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Brian Simpson
With his debut solo release in 1996, pianist Brian Simspon has been around the block. A longtime music director of Dave Koz's band, Simpson is no stranger to Hawaii. Following up his number one hit song, It's All Good, he is back to debut material from his brand new release South Beach, which features special guests George Duke, Peter White and Euge Groove. Simpson is undoubtedly the hottest new solo artist this side of the Pacific.
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Pauline Wilson
A longtime member of the legendary band Seawind, Pauline Wilson rendition of Follow Your Road has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. Wilson is one of the few Grammy Award winning artists from Hawaii. Born in Hilo, she will be gracing the festival with her presence and will bring her powerful vocals to the stage.
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Michael Paulo
One of the most prolific and successful saxophonists from Hawaii, Michael Paulo has been touring internationally for the past three decades.
The host of the immensely popular Smooth Jazz Nights, Michael is well loved by Hawaii's jazz fans. He is also this event's producer and host.
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Rene Paulo
Commonly known as Hawaii's "King of the Keyboard," pianist Rene Paulo is one of the most respected musicians of his generation. Breaking down barriers, he was one of the first ever musicians from Hawaii to be accepted into the prestigious Julliard School of Music. Since then, Paulo has warmed the hearts of people with his unique style of piano playing and showmanship. He will make a special guest appearance at this year's festival.
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 | | DeShannon Higa |
 | | Rocky Brown |
 | Jordan Segundo
 | Kathy and Keoki Hirai
 | Henry Kaleialoha Allen
 | | Al Waterson |
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