MAUI'S MUSIC EXTRAVANGAZA OF THE YEAR!

FAMILY FUN!

Maui's Music Festival of the Year!!

ARTIST BIOS

BARRYFEST '08

Click on Entertainer below to isten!                    

John Cruz has been an icon in Hawaii for many years, following the huge success of his first CD, "Acoustic Soul."  Now he is achieving national prominence with the release of his eagerly-awaited second CD, "One of These Days," which was recorded at Jackson Browne's legendary studio.  With his unique sweet-yet-gravelly voice and his superb musicianship, John brings musical excitement wherever he goes!  Truly he is said to be "made of music."

   

"Hutch" Hutchinson has played bass for so many of the greatest names in music that it's hard to know where to start.  He has toured and recorded with Bonnie Raitt for over twenty years, as well as a host of other famous names:  Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Willie Nelson, Joe Cocker, Maria Muldaur, Ringo Starr, Ryan Adams, Delbert McClinton, Eric Burdon, Linda Ronstadt, "Pops" Staples, Johnny Rivers, The Chieftains . . .and many more.  You get the picture!  

Willie K has been voted "Maui's Best Musician" in Maui Time polls for several years running, and has a Grammy nomination to his credit.  Certainly he is among our most eclectic entertainers, with a range that goes from traditional Hawaiian mele to Hendrix to blues to rockin' Hawaiian contemporary.  His recent release, "Slack Key Circus,"  with co-Barefoot Native Eric Gilliom, has created a sensation both here and on the mainland with superb vocals and stunning instrumental expertise.  Both Willie and Eric are scions of generations of Hawaiian musical families, and are among the most popular of Maui musicians.

The all-star, all-styles, all-volunteer Mana'o Radio Orchestra consists entirely of Mana'o Radio on-air DJ's who are also professional  musicians.  Vince Esquire, one of the most popular guitarists and ukulele players on the island, has recently returned from a mainland tour as the opening act for The Gregg Allman Band, and also is the featured instrumentalist with Kanekoa, Maui's premier Hawaiian contemporary band.  Bob Jones combines the skills of guitarist, drummer, vocalist and songwriter.  He played for many years with blues legend Michael Bloomfield, as well as Otis Rush, We Five, Harvey Mandel, Nick Gravenites, Charlie Musselwhite, and many others.

Dorothy Betz and Les Adam  co-wrote much of the MRO's original material, and contribute their excellent vocals to the mix, along with Les' killer keys.  Their new CD, "Drive On," is soon to be released.  Alana Cini, of the world beat group Merkaba, is a master of the indigenous Australian instrument, the didgeridoo, and excels in bringing it to bear on modern music of all genres.  Bassist extraordinaire Don Lopez has played in the Willie K Band for almost twenty years, and also with the Planetary Bandits, Willie Nelson's Maui band, as well as just about everybody else on the island at one time or another.  Drummer Josh Greenbaum played with River Phoenix on the mainland.  On Maui, he works with The Howard Ahia Band, Gina Martinelli, and many others, as well as being one of the most sought-after session drummers on the island.  Also appearing will be Kerry Sofaly, drummer for Mojo Gumbo and a regular participant in the MRO's fundraiser at Charley's.  Together, the Mana'o Radio Orchestra is a dynamic, explosive band with an incredibly broad spectrum!

Lawa (pronounced lava) burst upon the Maui music scene recently, but with a very large bang, and they have already been voted "Best Band on Maui" in a recent Maui Time poll.  Built upon the amazing vocal talent of lead singer Kahala, Lawa offers a high-energy, positive, and charismatic presence with some up-to-the-minute original material.

Gypsy Pacific bases their wonderfully crafted and compelling repertoire on the works of famed Gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt.  But they branch far out into other genres, from Hawaiian jazz to country, while still creating their own unique sound.  They are known as some of the most accomplished instrumentalist virtuosos on the island. 

When they team up with dynamic singer Jennifer Weatherly, one of Europe's brightest country stars, the result is bound to be world-class!

The Voodoo Suns features the stunning and sensual vocals of lead singer Anastasia Gilliam, along with the incredible guitar wizardry of Nils Rosenblad.  Strong songwriting rounds out the accomplishments of this excellent band, whose last CD, "Songs from the Haleakala Kitchen," was nominated for a Hoku award for "Best Original Rock Album."

Joe Cano played with Santana before striking out on his own career in Latin jazz, where he has gained national recognition.  Today he will be joined by Maui favorite Dr. Nat, and an incredible, beefed-up, all-star band, composed of just about everybody who's anybody in the island's salsa scene! 

Gail Swanson is one of Maui's best-known and most loved singer-songwriters.  With her evocative and heartfelt lyrics, elegant flute-playing and husky, warm voice, she makes friends wherever she plays.

Master luthier Steve Grimes and  Mojo Gumbo lay it down from sweet to sassy and all points in between.  They feature a wildly eclectic repertoire, ranging from funk to jazz to ballads to folk-rock, in a unique style that will definitely set your toes a-tapping, with excellent original music, including the Steve's Barry Shannon tribute, "Over the Waves."

Randall Rospond and the Haiku Hillbillys specialize in bluegrass, newgrass and "funky, poetic" original folk compositions.  Infectious and energizing, these guys will get you movin' and groovin'!

Lonnie Williams and the Diggable All-Stars are all well-known to Maui's jazz afficionados.  Lonnie's soulful bebop sax and the outstanding abilities of the All-Stars make for a first-class jazz experience that is top shelf.

Zenshin Daiko is a large and enthusiastic youth ensemble, playing Japan's traditional taiko drum styles.  They play with vigor and an impressive grasp of their art.  It's the real "rolling thunder"!

Emcee Tita is the alter ego of Mana'o Radio's own Kathy Collins.  As Tita, the feisty and irrepressible "local girl," Kathy has toured all over Hawaii and on the mainland, delighting (and cracking up) her audiences, and warming hearts wherever she goes!