Mahalo to Emi and Yelp Hawaii for another unique and educational experience! My +1 and I had a chance to go to the Oceanic VIP Music Hall to see Ka'imi Hanano'eau who is the lead singer and guitarist for the band, HiRiZ.
We got free validated parking across the street at the Dole Cannery parking structure! We waited in the lobby of the Castle & Cooke Building where our Escort checked our names off the list and led us to the 4th Floor. Along the way, the walls were filled with portraits of previous performers such as Jim Brickman and Na Leo Pilimehana. Impressive!
After walking around to what seemed to be the back of the building, we entered a large living room full of sofas, ottomans, barstools and tables. We were warmly greeted and invited to partake in refreshments of shrimp platter, croissant sandwiches, fresh fruit, pasta salad and bottled water.
The Emcee, Kevin Jones of Star 101.9, kept things lively by introducing the band members, asking engaging questions , and adding interesting trivia. He really helped make this event a more comfortable and intimate one.
My friends and I sat in the first row where we could check out the jewelry and shoes (and bare feet) of the band. We enjoyed watching them communicate through gestures and eye contact and how they pressed the buttons of the amplifiers with their feet! I truly enjoyed watching Ka'imi's fingers glide over the frets of his guitar so effortlessly. ..He's a very talented songwriter even though he sang songs from the Doobie Brothers, Prince, and the Pixies, too. I was also amused by his playfulness as he approached the electric fan which blew his long hair wildly around his face!
We're grateful to be invited to the Oceanic VIP Music Hall. It's a very special place! Hope to get another chance to return! read more