–Courtesy photo
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DEC. 28-29
Pepper returns to the Aloha State sounding a little more grown up
Reggae-rockers Pepper, who released a new self-titled album in September, are showing they can still grow musically while keeping their laid-back yet edgy sound.
The band, originally from Kona, plays a pair of concerts with The Dirty Heads tonight and Saturday at The Republik.
This sixth album has provoked some consternation in fans who loved Pepper since the band formed in 1997 or released its first album in 2000, and from those who got in on the action since the band relocated to the mainland in search of wider exposure: Some fans have complained on iTunes that their favorite band has moved away from its reggae roots and gone “pop.”
In fact, “Pepper” is indeed a reflection of the band itself, with a more grown-up sound compared with its breakout hit “Give It Up” nearly a decade ago. (Although in concert, fans will undoubtably go nuts when they hear the intro line to “Give It Up”: “It’s been a while since I’ve seen your face.”) The single “F— Around (All Night)” is more melodic and laid-back than some of the punky reggae of the early days, but it’s still got that trademark Pepper mix of beach melodies and sometimes raunchy lyrics.
Opening act Dirty Heads formed in Huntington Beach, Calif., in 1996. The reggae band has had its biggest success in the past few years with the 2010 hit single “Lay Me Down,” featuring Rome, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative and Rock charts. The Dirty Heads’ latest single, “Cabin by the Sea,” off the band’s 2013 album of the same name, is yet another reggae-rock-hip-hop gem.
Where: The Republik, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd.
When: 8 p.m. today and Saturday
Cost: $39
Info: 855-235-2867, flavorus.com
– Stefanie Nakasone
FRIDAY, DEC. 27
Taboo to bring shoe line to The Modern Honolulu
–Courtesy photo
Taboo is best known for being a member of the Black Eyed Peas. But the creative and versatile DJ has also entered the world of fashion, and he’s doing the Hawaii launch of his TabooXJump shoe line at the monthly party Elements at The Modern Honolulu.
The high-end, futuristic footwear created by Taboo and Chinese shoe company Jump will be available locally at Japanese shoe boutiques Flag-J and Akakura House, in styles for both men and women.
The Elements event, which marks Flag-J’s first anniversary, will be a fusion of fashion, music, dance and entertainment. Taboo will make a special appearance and spin at 11 p.m. in the hotel’s lobby-level bar, The Study. Also performing are former “America’s Best Dance Crew” contestants Hype 5-0 and Tiara and Tamara Rapp of 8 Flavahz, along with local DJs.
Where: The Modern Honolulu, 1775 Ala Moana Blvd.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Cost: $10-$20
Info: 398-9332, eventbrite.com
SATURDAY, DEC. 28
Concert will aid storm-battered Philippines
–Courtesy photo
Broadway vocalist Kristian Lei, and Jasmine Trias of “American Idol” fame, pictured, “Little Albert” Maligmat and Grammy Award winner Pauline Wilson, formerly of the jazz-fusion band Seawind, are among those performing at the “Aloha for the Philippines Mahalo Concert” at the Hawaii Theatre on Saturday.
The concert, produced by Emme Tomimbang Multi-Media Enterprises, features prominent local recording artists of Filipino ancestry coming together to help raise money for the victims of Hurricane Haiyan and to thank those who have contributed their time and money to the relief effort.
Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Consuelo Foundation via the Filipino Community Center. The foundation has pledged to match up to $2 million in donations that come through the FilCom Center, using the funds to aid the Philippines.
Where: Hawaii Theatre, 1130 Bethel St.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $28-$53
Info: 528-0506, hawaiitheatre.com
SATURDAY, DEC. 28
Diverse musical acts to meet at Crossroads
–Courtesy photo
Got a hankering for some jazz? How about some bluegrass? Or rock? Get a taste of them all and more at the jam-packed Back 2 Back Music Extravaganza on Saturday.
Nearly 20 bands will take part in two concerts at Crossroads at Hawaiian Brian’s. With more than 60 local musicians on hand, the night is sure to be filled with awesome sounds and tons of electricity. It’s all in honor of Jackie Ward, a founder of Hawaii Public Radio and a longtime supporter of local music and the local performing arts community.
The first concert, which runs from 4 to 8 p.m., features Peter Factora and Jazz Clique, Adela Chu and Espiritu Libre, Tim McMaster and the Quiet Band, Amber Ricci and DragonFly Band, Ta’ltosh Trio, Jerome James and Activ8 Electro Jazz, and the PBS Little Big Band.
The second concert, from 8 p.m. to midnight, includes Stephen Inglis, pictured below, and the Piranha Brothers, Peter Factora and Soul Pilot, the Greg Martin Hawaiian Band, Taimane, The Dr. Larry Experience, The Irish Reunion Band, The Saloon Pilots, Tim McMaster and Funkofiles, and Rick Smith and Trailer Park Romeos.
In addition to music, there will also be a silent auction, a photo booth and a chocolate fountain. VIP tables are available.
Where: Crossroads at Hawaiian Brian’s, 1680 Kapiolani Blvd.
When: 4 p.m.-8 p.m. and 8 p.m.-midnight Saturday
Cost: $26.25 (single concert), $36.75 (both concerts)
Info: 888-5692, 228-8460, b2bmusicextravaganza.com
TICKER:
Brazilian acoustic guitarist Carlos Barbosa-Lima performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Hawaii Public Radio’s Atherton Studio; $15-$30. 955-8821, hprtickets.org