Your favorite heavy metal hippie has been enjoying the sand, surf and everything that the Big Island has to offer. There is one thing, for me, that has been missing, and that is concerts and music in general. Before you say “there’s a music scene in Hawaii,” you are correct.
Part of arriving in a new area is getting used to the scene around you, and after a few weeks of poking around the community we have found that scene and it is nothing short of amazing. When we first arrived in Hilo, we saw a flier for Lucky Seven’s a Grateful Dead tribute act performing at the Hilo Palace Theatre. Lucky Seven’s will be performing the Grateful Dead’s May 7th 1977 show at the Boston Gardens. A classic show in Dead lore, I am looking forward to it.
This past week we were able to attend a Jazz Jam night at the Kukuau Studio in Hilo. A little venue hidden on a small side street off Kilauea Avenue. Very talented local musicians get together to play. You can bring an instrument or your vocals and join the band. Kukuau has an amazing atmosphere with locals and tourists blending into what feels like a ceremony of music, magic and community. It was a packed house all night long, 2 floors with theatre and bleacher sitting. Entry is free, with the place staying open through donations. This is all about the community and it is a thriving scene.
My last note on music is what we have experienced on one of the beaches here. Being a fan of drum circles, I was more than happy to discover a huge drum circle that meets on Sunday starting after lunch and jams until sundown. It takes effort to get to this location and is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of daily island life. Imagine finding yourself lying on the beach listening to surf and the sound of an incredible drumming circle going on all day. To me it’s heaven.
We are super excited to be where we are at, and it appears that there are many secrets yet to be discovered. Do I miss the big time concerts? Of course, do I miss high ticket prices, long drives to shows and people recording whole shows with their camera’s? Not at all. But the sound and vibe here fill my heart and sould with energy that could light up a room.
I still receive emails from venues showing off their latest shows, one of my favorite venues the Hampton Beach Ballroom and Casino in Hampton Beach, NH has been announcing killer shows this summer one after another, including Ween, Living Colour, and Jethro Tull, while in Maine Pantera and Goose flock to the Vacationland. It makes me miss the North East somewhat, but after discovering the wonders of the Island, I find myself to be in good hands.
Peace Love and Mosh Pits,
Scott and Veronica
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