(The Stables, Hawaiian Beaches, 1.25.2025) Band Haven’s inaugural event was something very special. As anyone who attended could attest, the music and the food were over the top. President of Band Haven (bandhaven24.org,) Antonio Barsotti really put something unique together. This showed a bright future for music on the Big Island and beyond.
Kaktis started off the evening and caught MoshPlayLive’s attention quickly. Thomas on drums, Niles on guitar, and Dean on vocals and bass covered Tool, Boston (with Jimmy on the keys) and a bombastic version of Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name.“ Heads bobbed throughout the set as we all adhered to the ‘No Moshing’ policy, which was no easy feat. The Big Island is about to find out what Kaktis is all about and we expect their name will be appearing on some bills in the near future.
Phrogs on a Log were up next. Lighter in sound than Kaktis, they created a nice sound mix with harmonies from the two female vocalists combined with guitar work from friend of the metal scene, Turtle. They covered songs from Bush to Michael Jackson impressing the crowd, another band that you are likely to see on some bills later this year. Shout out for the backdrop design for the band, very well done.
Kaktis, Phrogs on a Log, Two Years Apart and Haastile.
Two Years Apart took the stage and turned the evening up a notch, covering Fugazi, System of a Down and performing an original song “Angel." They continue to impress audiences wherever they go. We are excited to be hosting Two Years Apart on February 15th at Kukuau Studio and hope you will come out to see them.
Haastile, coming off a successful first appearance at the 28th KWXX Ho'olaule'a, finished the evening. This band is made up of a collection of performers that showcase each other and shine when it’s their turn. They may be categorized as a Jazz band, they are so much more. They sent everyone home happy and excited to see more.
We came away with a new appreciation for what is to come for the music scene on the Big Island. Very special thanks to Antonio for organizing this. Find out what Antonio told MoshPlayLive about Band Haven here. We look forward to the next event. Learn more by visiting bandhaven24.org. To the parents who are supporting their kids, “THANK YOU!” And to members of the community who stopped by to see what all the noise was about, thank you, we hope you come back. Get out and support live and local music and we’ll see you in the pit.
Peace Love & Mosh Pits,
Grom
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