(Kukuau Studio, Hilo, HI. 2.15.2025) MoshPlayLive’s Masquerade Ball showcased a legendary guitarist and the future of rock ‘n roll on the same bill. Larry Dupio and his band took the stage after Two Years Apart. Worlds collided as fans of both artists intermingled on the dance floor with many of them dressed in black and red and wearing Masquerade Masks throughout the evening. Lighting designed to set the mood included uplights and vibrant colors bouncing around the stage while the bands played.
Opening band, Two Years Apart dressed in black with hints of red wore Masquerade masks and brought the younger crowd onto the dance floor. They covered a wide range of songs including “My Generation,” “Toxicity,” “Lonely Day,” and their original song “Angel.” They ended their set with the song that delights the crowd, Rush’s “Tom Sawyer.” Throughout the set the drummer interacted with the audience by playing opening beats for people to guess the song or the band.
Larry Dupio looking dapper in his black and white ensemble and his band took the stage next and for the next 90 minutes put on a performance that simply blew the crowd away, Larry covered a wide range of songs including “Oye Coma Va,” “The Joker,” and Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall Part II.” While MoshPlayLive has enjoyed many performances by Larry Dupio and his band, several songs were a treat for us because it was the first time we heard the band play them.
We appreciate the great support from Kukuau Studio’s curator, Bub Pratt. He donned a silver mask and played along. The studio hosts Monday night Jazz Jam, 2nd Tuesday Blues Jam. Between performances he announced a unique show for February 22, 2025 blending a Gospel Jam, sing-along and poetry night.
I enjoyed seeing Larry and his band talking with the members of Two Years Apart after the show. Special thank you to everyone who came out, including members of many different bands who made the trip out tonight, including Playing in Traffik, Rattlebonez, Whatever Heather, Phrogs on a Log, and Haastile! There’s plenty more to come in 2025 won’t you join us in the pit?
Peace, Love & Mosh Pits,
Grom
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