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Once-a-Month Punk

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03.2.13 For the last couple of years there has been a small punk rock uprising at the Waikiki Sandbox every third Saturday of the month. It’s too easy for this one to pass under the radar if you’re not friends with um’ on Facebook. If you’re looking to truly experience local punk & hardcore at it’s finest from seasoned musicians who have been tearing the island a new one for years, look no further.

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The Melvins Lite: 51 Shows in 51 Days

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10.25.12 Yes, this actually happened. These photos have been sitting alone gathering dust in my computer for way too long. A stripped down version of The Melvins, dubbed “The Melvins Lite” ended their record breaking 51 Shows in 51 Days Tour here at The Manifest on Oahu. I’ve never witnessed an entire venue frozen as if they were staring at the face of god before.

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Times of Grace @ Tropics Cafe

03.08.12 I must admit I was a bit skeptical how Times of Grace and their entire audience would fit in a lil’ place like Tropics Cafe. The band is made of founding members of Killswitch Engage, and if you were one of the sardines packed up against the stage during their set at Pipeline Cafe a few years back like I was, you would be too.
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Carlos Cavazo & Big Dawg at Hawaiian Brians

Carlos Cavazo

12.08.11
Once again, Brett of Big Dawg out did himself by bringing Carlos Cavazo, former guitarist of the 80′s metal band Quiet Riot & member of the new reincarnation of the 80′s metal act RATT, to play their hearts out for a single night at Hawaiian Brian’s. Read the rest of this page »

Joe Galisa’s Rock Memorial @ Hawaiian Brian’s

Joe Memorial

05.22.11 I’ve never had the honor of meeting Joe Galisa but I’ve seen him play countless times over the years in Big Dawg & Slug. (I also just learned he played with the legendary band Hawaii with Marty Friedman) Seeing the outpour of compassion as Joe Galisa’s friends gathered to celebrate his life & times in the local hard rock scene was something to behold. Read the rest of this page »

David Choi @ Hard Rock Waikiki

David Choi

05.08.11 After googling this dude’s name you might be wondering what the heck I was doing there. The Honolulu Weekly described David Choi as an “Asian Emo” YouTube sensation. I’m just going put it out there and say, yes, my girlfriend asked me to go & even bought me a ticket. Read the rest of this page »

Waimea, Sunset, blasting Slayer on the way to Haleiwa…

05.03.11 As I wandered the streets of Chinatown after a show, a mixture of thoughts about Hawaii’s local metal scene started bouncing around in my head. How is it that so many bands fail at making a lasting impact here in the islands? Is it that we just lack the longevity to crack the boundaries of the national music scene? It can’t be a lack of talent. Maybe it’s a lack of originality? Read the rest of this page »

It’s OK, you can laugh and still be metal…

Immortal meets Pat Boone

So there’s a hilarious Facebook group dedicated to the awesomeness that is Immortal. It has been around for a while so this is far from being news but I still think it’s worth mentioning.
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To Awaken the mosh…

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04.07.11 In the beginning I started this blog in hopes to help promote underground music I witness here in Hawaii. I kept finding myself at a lot of random shows & events these last 10 years, alone & up front sometimes being the only one actually paying attention to the band. I never went to shows or concerts to get drunk (29yrs in this world explaining why not) or to “socialize.” I went because the music was calling me.
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Journal: Jesus Wears Armani @ Blue Ocean Thai

Jesus Wears Armani

04.02.11 It was a musically confusing night over at Blue Ocean Thai’s last Friday. Jesus Wears Armani was set to play @ Blue Ocean Thai for their final show of the year before being shipped off to Afghanistan.
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My camera is now a collector’s item…

During my last post I mentioned I left my camera in the hands of Marina Miller, photographer of all things awesome. With her husband/promoter Jason Miller keeping an eye on the “SHAKABOOTH”, she braved the pit with my camera, showing that she could most definitely kick my a$$ with her eyes closed if she ever wanted too. Thanks for the photography lesson, your humble Padawan is taking notes. Images by Marina Miller after the jump!
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Hawaiian Express’ 16th Anniversary

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MistermeaneR @ Boardriders

03.26.11 I headed out to Hawaiian Express’ 16th Anniversary Party in Kailua to bow before the awesomeness that is the Miller Clan & all the crazy punk bands that they’ve helped over the years. A few photos of 13th Legion, Saggy Teri & The Meat Curtains, Cronseedz, and MistermeaneR after this.
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Photos: A Night of Metal Mayhem @ 4Play

Benjamin @ 4Play

03.24.11 A cut lip, a nice headache & a week of restricted neck movement are just a few things I gained after showing up to last week’s Night of Metal at 4Play. Although I arrived a bit late & left before the final band had a chance to destroy my eardrums any further, I still managed to capture a few images to show what a dandy old time I had thrashing around in front of the stage with camera in-tow. Photos of Before Fire, Upon Golgotha, Nesta and Jesus Wears Armani after this.

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Photos: Twestival 2011 in Honolulu

Willow Chang @ Honolulu Twestival

03.24.11 It was an incredible night of music & charity at Honolulu’s Twestival which was held at the Venue on Thurs. night. Big props to Ryan Ozawa for organizing this tremendously successful event. All proceeds benefiting the Blood Bank of Hawaii.
Photos of Jason Tom, Kamuela Kahoano, Willow Chang & Emi Hart after the jump!
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Paul Shortino: The Interview II

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Part II of my interview with rock legend Paul Shortino
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