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Topic: On the beach in Waikiki! |
Ron Whitfield
From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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Posted 7 Jan 2003 4:28 pm |
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During lunch today the hands of time were turned back as a local trio traded off bass/uke and steel chores next to the statue of Duke Kahanamoku at Kuhio Beach. The group consisted of Bobby Ingano, Derrick Mau and the forum's own Jeff Au Hoy. This rare and impromptu sight was much enjoyed by passersby, and a few had the nerve and talent to join in on bass, uke and or vocals. Hopefully this will be an ongoing occurrance by not only these three diehards, but will encourage other pro/ams to do the same and restart a wonderful tradition that has been sorely absent from the Hawaiian music scene. Nothing makes a gorgeous day Hawaii even better than to hear and see fine traditional Hawaiian music played right were it belongs the most. Hope you can be there next time! 5-0
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Jeff Strouse
From:
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Posted 7 Jan 2003 9:54 pm
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Wow! I would have loved to have been there to enjoy, but I was at that statue 3 weeks too early (instead of my usual dollar short and a day late).
When I visited Hawaii in December, the highlight by far (even better than the erupting Volcano), was seeing Auntie Genoa Keawe and family perform at the Moana Terrace...with Alan Akaka on steel and Gary Aiko on the bass and vocals. Never in my life have I been to such a wonderful musical event. They were so warm and friendly, I felt as if I were in thier living room. Magic was created on stage that night -- the kind that only people who were there could fully appreciate. I literally had a permanent smile on my face the entire night. I wish I could be there every Thursday.
Being in Hawaii made me realize something, too...that it's high time we all *stop* to smell the roses, hibiscus, and orchids...or to watch the birds and sea turtles, or feel the cool trade winds as a breathtaking sunset slips below soft green seas. It made me think about how short life really is. If we would only stop more often to enjoy the simple pleasures that life has to offer, it might make the daily hustle and bustle we go through more worthwile. In the scope of time, we really only have 'moments' to live...but far too many of us (including myself) tend to dwell on the past, or become too preoccupied with the uncertain future, rather than enjoying the moment that we are in. Do we live to work, or work to live?
Hawaiians haven't lost the ability to relax, have fun, and enjoy the "moment" of life. Rather it be a sunrise, or stopping to enjoy an improptu musical trio as they share wonderful music with those who pass by. The Hawaiian people are so nice and friendly...the spirit of Aloha is definitely alive and well!
Sorry to ramble on so, but to make a long story short, there's some great music happening in Waikiki!!! |
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Jeff Au Hoy
From:
Honolulu, Hawai'i
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Posted 8 Jan 2003 6:49 pm
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Last edited by Jeff Au Hoy on 16 Jan 2018 2:49 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Jesse Pearson
From:
San Diego , CA
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Posted 8 Jan 2003 9:34 pm
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Hey, are you allowed to busk in Waikiki? If so, are you allowed to use a battery powered amp?
I started busking years ago on sax, playing Charlie Parker tunes and what ever worked from the ultimate fake book. It was paid rehearsal and a great way to meet the ladies. I would go to the main park in San Diego during the day. I made friends with artists and palm readers. We always Partied a little in the morning in the woods and then went and did our thing. It was the artists life for sure. You can make a living busking if your good and work alone. I've known guys in San Fran and New York who also made good money when the weather didn't cut into their act. No matter how slow the clubs would get sometimes, you could always fall back on the busking scene. I guess you need to be kinda desperate and have alot of heart to really get into it. I've found that at night you make the most money. I was surprised to find that playing guitar thru a battery powered amp with alittle delay does the best. Sol Ho'opi'i used to play the streets in Hawaii when he was younger. In fact alot of famous players have played the streets.
I might try and grab some cruise ships this summer down on the bay with a new Hawaiian/Hillbilly act since I'm starting to get it together on steel. I use a champagne bucket for tips, tied to a hi hat with a tambourine on the top for rhythm. The novelty kills let me tell you... |
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Gerald Ross
From:
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Jesse Pearson
From:
San Diego , CA
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Posted 9 Jan 2003 7:44 am
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There are no age limits to busking. I've seen old guys clean up because they could wail. Your right about the songs you play having a big impact. Also another key has to do with being able to last a long time and have some novelty. I know I'm on the money when nobody asks for requests, they just tip. I start at 5:00pm and go to 2:00 or 2:30am. I start with jazz and Beatles, around 7:00ish I start going into Texas blues rock "Stevie,Johnny etc.) Countrified blues funk and Hendrix ballads always work. I have played lap steel out there but I do better doing bottle neck, "old delta to Texas hillbilly", kills around 10:00 to 12:00.
A full moon and moisture in the air affects how much you will make. It also brings out the mean side of some people. You have got to be able to back your play at night or you shouldn't be there. I have heard that in alot of places people don't busk past 10:00pm cause it gets too dangerous. I have played open tuned Resonator out there, but the amp works better cause people hear it farther away. The biggest secret is to play alone and not let anybody hang out next to you.
If I do go and busk, I only do it on a Friday or Saturday night anymore. Having alot of clubs and drinking going on helps. And God bless all the service guys who really get into it!
I have had friends who play clubs, go downtown and try and busk and they don't make anything? Little Walter, the famous Harp player, played on the street till the day he died, the money was that good...When BB King first went to Memphis, he played the street and would make $400.00 in one night and that was in the 40's![This message was edited by Jesse Pearson on 09 January 2003 at 09:02 AM.] |
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mikey
From:
New Jersey
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Posted 9 Jan 2003 9:10 am
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Shoot Jeff,
Da REAL BEACHBOYZ are back 'eh...and at Duke's Statue...Right on...True Aloha Bruddah... Just like old times..you join the ranks of the great ones for doing it...meet you there next time in Honolulu!!!!!
Aloha Nui Loa,
Mike |
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Ron Whitfield
From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2003 2:01 pm
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The powers that be in Waikiki, have been trying to outlaw street performers for years now, but thanks to the ACLU, no luck, yet. The cops have mellowed on the subject too, no longer beating musicians and smashing instruments. There is a law saying you can't use anything with a speaker, but they must've liked what they heard via the steel as they've said it's ok as long as no one makes a complaint. At alohajoe.com there is a street cam that shows the area around Dukes statue, next time the gang jams I'll try to get the word out so those who want to see will have a chance. As far as busking, these boys play from the heart and usually don't think to put out a case for any $, but when the music is this good, people start flashing the dough wanting to show their appreciation. And as Jeff said, dancers and other musicians want to get into the fun once they see the real deal happening, making for a great time. And Jeff Strause, good thing you got to see Genoa when you did, at 80+ no telling how much longer that magic will be happening, especially at that hotel, the new owner/manager don't have any respect for the musicians and will probably drop live Hawaiian music soon, no class! You have to look hard, but the good stuff is still around for now. 5-0
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musicians with guitars out on the streets?
