Tag Archives: concert industry

Gail Swanson, Elaine Ryan and Sebrina Barron Help Play It Forward

Posted by on April 25, 2011 1 comment
Elaine Ryan

Gail Swanson. Photo by Al Scheck

Play it Forward Concerts presents a Mother’s Day benefit concert for Maui’s Women Helping Women May 8 at Stella Blues Cafe. The show will feature Gail Swanson, Elaine Ryan and Sebrina Barron in a songwriter circle, sharing the stories and inspirations behind their music. All three women are widely known to be prolific songwriters whose work reflects the intensity of their feelings, spark of their intellects and the joy of their spirits.

Play it Forward Concerts is a social entrepreneurship that was inspired by people who are dedicated to helping others despite their personal challenges. Like the film Pay if Forward, instead of paying a favor back, we pay it forward; we repay the rewards in our lives with new good deeds done for new people.

Our Play it Forward philosophy is two-fold: we use music and the arts to raise money for and increase awareness of a variety of causes; at the same time, we invite established artists to help us pay it forward by highlighting up-and-coming musicians, painters, photographers, writers and others.

Elaine Ryan

Gail Swanson, whose charitable heart inspired our mission, is one of  Maui’s most treasured singer/songwriters. She has touched the lives of locals and visitors with her music for more than two decades. She has written and recorded five award-winning CDs. Her most recent album, Simple Truth, features three songs produced by Patrick Simmons of the Doobie Brothers. It also features  guest appearances by Willie Nelson, Michael McDonald, John McFee, John Cruz, Hutch Hutchison and others. Swanson’s albums have been nominated for three No Hoku Hanohano awards (Hawaii’s version of the Grammys); her 2000 release, Living in a Movie, won the Hoku award for Best Rock Album of the Year.

Gail will be joined by international indie recording artist Elaine Ryan. The part-time Maui resident is quite successful in her Canadian homeland and we are honored to turn people on to her pristine voice, humble nature and musical storytelling.

“Elaine’s voice is incredible, and I love the way she writes,” said Gail. “Nobody on Maui sounds like her – we are lucky to have her.”

Sebrina Barron. Photo by Joyce Chin

Gail and Elaine will be joined by aspiring singer/songwriter Sebrina Barron, whose fresh voice, insightful songwriting and bubbly spirit makes new fans every time she performs.

“Sebrina has a very special stage presence” Swanson said. “There’s a very genuine, down-to-earth vibe about the way she interacts with the audience – and the way she writes songs and sings – it’s really very endearing.

“It’s great to have an opportunity to showcase local talent while shining a light on a worthy cause like ‘Women Helping Women,’” Gail said. “Plus it’s Mother’s Day. It couldn’t be more perfect.”

Stella Blues will be offering a dinner and show package with a four-course meal for $60; tickets for the show only are $30. Call Stella Blues for reservations (808) 874-3779

For more about the artists, visit their websites: Gail Swanson, Elaine Ryan and Sebrina Barron

Doobies Did Bring Surprises

Posted by on April 2, 2011 No comments
The Doobie Brothers' Patrick Simmons and Willie Nelson.

by Suzanne Kayian

The Doobie Brothers welcomed special guests Michael McDonald, Willie Nelson and Mick Fleetwood to their concert at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center Friday night, April 1. It was a great show and a ton of fun to see these legendary players share the stage.

The Doobie Brothers' Patrick Simmons and Willie Nelson.

Michael McDonald

Fleetwood Mac's grandmaster, Mick Fleetwood

Electric Willie Nelson

Patrick Simmons, Willie Nelson, Tom Johnston, John McFee and Michael McDonald

Big thanks to Tom Johnston from Willie Nelson

Mick Fleetwood, Willie Nelson, David Choy and Pat Simmons Jr. show their love for Maui local and Doobie Brothers co-founder Patrick Simmons.

Prior to the concert, Pat Simmons sat down with Maui Zan for a chat about touring in support of the Doobie Brothers new album, “World Gone Crazy.” Visit Zan’s Rhythm & Views blog at Maui No Ka Oi Magazine for the full article.

All photos copyright Suzanne Kayian 2011

Dave Bauss Turns Me On

Posted by on February 23, 2011 No comments

It never fails. David Bauss always turns me on to cool music. It could be any genre — from Grateful Dead-flavored shows to DJs from New York City — getting a tip from Milagro’s top bartender always leads to a great show. I ran into him the other night and by the next day, I was a fan of DJ Sabo, who is playing at Charley’s Restaurant and Saloon in Paia March 4. Check out my Rhythm & Views blog. And celebrate Mardis Gras with Bauss, Sobo and friends.

Bass Player Theme Continues

Posted by on February 21, 2011 No comments
Kanekoa bass-man Shawn Michael rockin' Halloween at Longhi's

The recent post about Wolf received such great feedback, I thought I’d dig up another cool bass player photo. You know what they say about positive reinforcement. It works. Thanks for checking out my work. This photo was taken the first time I saw Kanekoa — one of my favorite bands. It was Halloween 2010 at Longhi’s in Wailea. Shawn Michael was particularly wicked on the bass that night. Boo!

Kanekoa bass-man Shawn Michael rockin' Halloween at Longhi's

Distracted by Willie's Haircut

Posted by on May 24, 2010 No comments
willie 2 edit

Willie Nelson’s Haircut Takes My Mind Off The Music

As I prepared for my next Rhythm & Views blog, I began thinking about all of the things happening this past weekend on Maui. Slightly Stoopid was in Lahaina — and on my plane flight back from California. Jim Gaffigan was at the MACC — and on some plane flight from the Mainland to Maui. And The Reflectacles were going to play two shows — Friday night at Stella Blues and Saturday night at Charley’s — apparently flying in all the way from sunny Los Angeles.

I managed to make it to the MACC and Charley’s, hoping that a great blog idea would find its way into my brain before Sunday arrived.

I saw a good comedy show and several great bands between May 21-23; but the one thing that will always make the weekend stand out in my mind had nothing to do with comedy or a rock concert.

For me, the weekend — specifically, Saturday night at Charley’s — will always be memorable because it was the day I first saw Willie Nelson without his long braids.

Yes, Willie cut his hair. I thought of describing it like McDonald’s without the Golden Arches, Snoop Dogg not stoned or Courtney Love with a good attitude — but none of those capture the wallop upside my head when I spotted Willie without his long locks.

Maybe Bret Michaels without his bandanna would meet my needs.

As my mind processed the reality — it’s just hair, Zan — I think back on the music. There was some good stuff going down Saturday night in Maui’s little North Shore hippie town.

The evening opened with the Sugarcane String Band whose mix of bluegrass, country, rock, island and blues had people dancing and singing along as if they were listened to their favorite classic rock act.

Next up was Folk Uke, a duo that has not forgotten the importance of humor in music. The one song people kept telling me about, “S*#t Makes The Flowers Grow,” did not disappoint. With lyrics that explore the life-purpose of less-than-desirable people in our lives — Cathy Guthrie and Amy Nelson’s music has helped them carve out a niche of their own while growing up in the shadow of two very famous musician fathers, Arlo Guthrie and Willie Nelson.

You can read about The Reflectacles in my Rhythm & Views blog on Maui No Ka Oi Magazine’s website. They were pretty great on their own, and rocked when Willie joined them for a set.

By the way, Willie wails on the electric guitar. Having only seen him play his acoustic “Trigger,” I was delighted to see that Nelson can break out the rock chops on demand.

What a rock star, braids or no braids! His kids and their friends aren’t to shabby either.

You can find more information on The Reflectacles, Folk Uke and Sugarcane String Band on their respective MySpace. Facebook and web pages.

Maui's Anuhea, Gail Swanson and The Throwdowns Among Na Hoku Nominees

Posted by on April 15, 2010 No comments
Anuhea

Anuhea, The Throwdowns and Gail Swanson are among the 2010 finalists for The Hawai’i Academy of Recording Arts Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

Anueah Jenkins was nominated in the Most Promising Artist of the Year category along with Rodney Cazimero, Kolohe Kai, Kulewa and Alvin Okami. The Maui native’s debut album, “Anuhea,” also was nominated for Contemporary Album of the Year along with Cecilio and Kapono’s ”C & K,” Iolani and Natalie Ai Kamauu’s ”Love & Peace and Unity,” Nohelani Cypriano’s “Pulelehua..My Precious Butterfly,” and Don Tiki’s “South of the Boudoir.”

Rock Album of the Year nods went to Gail Swanson for “Simple Truths,” The Throwdowns for “Don’t Slow Down,” Kona for “Acoustic-Me,” David Tamaoka for “Canefield Hero” and Linus! for “White Marks on a White Wall.”

More on the Na Hoku awards nominees, ceremony and music festival in the next edition of Maui Zan’s blog.

Zan Throws Down in New R&V Post

Posted by on April 13, 2010 No comments

Maui No Ka Oi Magazine just published the newest edition of Rhythm & Views, the magazine’s new entertainment column. What is the difference between a blog and a column? Could it be a blogumn?

Oh wait, there’s a chicken.

Check it out. The Throwdowns are either the hottest band on the island or Suzanne was in a gushy mood when she wrote the piece.

Either way, it’s a lot of fun. Not as much as going to a Throwdowns concert–but fun none the less. Well, maybe a little less.

Random Bits

Posted by on April 1, 2010 No comments

My new Rhythm & Views column for Maui No Ka Oi Magazine came out on Monday (3/29). It would be cool if you checked it out. I went to the Maui Pops and admitted I’ve seen the Jonas Brothers in concert.

Enough about me, for now.

On Saturday, thousands of people lined the streets of Kihei for a chance to work as an extra in the upcoming Adam Sandler/Jennifer Aniston movie, which is being filmed in Wailea in late April/early May.

Apparently, it was madness with long lines, slow processing and hot sun. The casting directors may announce another opportunity for extras soon.

Speaking of casting, “Pirates of the Caribbean 4,” is casting extras on Oahu and Kauai for the upcoming filming on the islands. They are looking for men to play pirates, sailors and stand-ins for primary cast members.

For the pirates, the potential extras must be authentic-looking scavenger-types 18-60s, all ethnicities, especially extreme character types: thin, tall, short, emaciated, odd features, huge nose, eyes, ears, lazy eye, grizzled and wrinkles faces, odd body types, missing limbs, teeth, etc.

Sailors must be thin and average build, good looking to extreme characters, British types, Spaniards, and other ethnicities, ages 18- into their 50s.

The Oahu casting call is set for April 24 and Kauai April 25.

Additional information is available at Sande Alessi Casting.

So, us movie fans are asking, no “Pirates” on Maui? Maybe the cast will make Maui their secret get-away home during their time on the Islands. Johnny Depp, Maui No Ka Oi.

Speaking of celebs on Maui,  Cher was here this week. She apparently rented a house across from the beach in Wailea and spent one afternoon taking stand-up-paddle lessons.

Here’s a cool story/blog that Maui Surfer Girls posted about teaching Cher to SUP.

Those who are tweens, or parents of tweens, will know who I’m talking about when I say Jake T. Austin was on the island this week, too. “I want to find him,” my precious almost 10-year-old said. I didn’t have many details for her except that he Tweeted he was roaming the streets of Maui a few nights ago.

Jake T. Austin is one of the stars of Disney Channels “Wizards of Waverly Place.” He is now back in LA for the premier of his new movie “The Perfect Game,” which opens April 16.

The movie is based on a true story about a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico, who became the first non-U.S. Team to win the Little League World Series in 1957. The film also stars Clifton Collins Jr., Cheech Marin, Moises Arias and Louis Gossett Jr.

BIG NEWS:  Snoop Dogg is coming to Maui in July! At least that’s what Brian Evans posted on his Facebook page. Brian is the man behind The Maui Celebrity Series, a new entertainment offering that already has brought the likes of Roseanne Barr, William Shatner and Paul Rodriguez to the Valley Isle.

Next up for The Maui Celebrity Series is David Spade April 30 in Lahaina. There are rumors of surprise guests.

Also a couple of cool things: Zofia, my daughter, and I got to go with our friends to take their son Jaxon to see Jake Shimabukuro last weekend at the MACC. Jaxon, who is an 8-year-old ukulele player, was celebrating his birthday and got to perform a few of his original tunes for Jake. Then Jake gave a shout-out to Jaxon during the concert. More about the adventures of Zofia and Jaxon to come.

Also, Sebrina Barron and Gail Swanson are playing Upcountry Sundays Acoustic Style Sunday April 4 at Casanova in Makawao. It is a benefit for Mana’o Radio, the only listener-supported radio station on Maui.

More on these and other tid-bits of info coming soon.

Willie Nelson Wins Concert Industry Award

Posted by on March 24, 2010 No comments

Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp‘s 2009 tour won the Pollstar Concert Industry Award for Most Creative Tour Package, according to Pollstar.com. The award was presented Feb. 17 at the 21st annual awards event at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

The biggest award of the evening, Major Tour of the Year, went to U2. The band and its team also were honored for Most Creative Stage Production.

The Best New Touring Artist Award went to Kings of Leon. The band’s manager, Andy Mendelsohn, took home the award for Personal Manager of the Year.

Festival awards went to Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, CA, and Glastonbury Festival in the U.K.

The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas won for New Major Concert Venue. Arena of the Year went to Madison Square Garden. The Hollywood Bowl was named Major Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year and Club Nokia L.A. Live received the honor for Nightclub of the Year.

The International Theatre of the Year award went to London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Pollstar’s Concert Industry Awards are voted on by the movers and shakers of the concert business including promoters, artist managers, booking agents and venue managers. In addition to artists and venues, awards are given to personal managers, booking agencies, promoters and tech companies.

Part-time Hawaii resident Bill Silva (Bill Silva Presents) was named Independent Promoter of the Year.

The Bill Graham Award for Talent Buyer of the Year went to Jim Glancy of Bowery Presents. The Bobby Brooks Award for Agent of the Year went to Marc Geiger of WME Entertainment.

A complete list of winners can be found at Pollstar’s website.

Pollstar Adds Hotstars To Archives

Posted by on March 12, 2010 No comments

Pollstar has added Hotstar cover stories dating back to 1997 to its online archives. The Hotstar is a weekly feature about up-and-coming artists who are touring pretty regularly at the time of publication.

MauiZan (aka Suzanne Kayian) has written numerous Hotstar features on artists ranging from Dave Matthews Band and No Doubt, to Usher and Faith Hill.

Here is a list of some of Zan’s Hotstar profiles that are posted on Pollstar.com’s website:

Space, Medeski Martin and Wood, Jamiroquai, Jonny Lang, Type O Negative, Matchbox 20, Third Eye Blind, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Bill Engvall, Our Lady Peace, Blink 182, Insane Clown Posse, Usher, Creed, Susan Tedeschi, New Radicals, Shawn Mullins, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Orgy, Molotov and Godsmack.

Pollstar, the leading concert industry trade publication, also has posted an extensive archive of Concert Industry Award winners on its website.

For music business professionals, Pollstar is a must read. For fans, the website is THE BEST place for up-to-date touring information on artists from all genres of music.

Music industry professionals call Pollstar the “Bible of the Concert Business,” so it is important for up-and-coming bands to make sure your representatives submit itineraries and boxoffice reports. It is one of the best ways for promoters, club owners and talent buyers to know you are out there.