Kahilu Theatre hosts the third “Applause from the Kahilu” concert at 4 p.m. Sunday — a showcase of Hawaii Island artists that will be recorded for broadcast by Hawaii Public Radio.
The concert is the last of its kind happening this year and will feature two talented bands, starting with the smooth island sounds of Kohala, followed by the funky Latin vibrations of Leche de Tigre. The event will be hosted on air and on stage by Kahilu’s artistic director Tim Bostock.
The music of Kohala is an acoustic blend of folk, island and jazz, reflecting the beauty of Kohala, where the band members live. The trio consists of lead guitarist, Grammy Award-winning Charles Michael Brotman, who performs a classical style on nylon strings, and Rupert Tripp Jr. and Charlie Recaido, who have a distinct finger picking style on steel-string guitars. Diverse cultural influences create their distinct sound. The trio has performed extensively throughout concert halls in Japan as well as the mainland U.S.
After intermission, Leche de Tigre will take the stage with a blend of musical styles referred to as “Latin gypsy funk,” laced with rock influence. The band’s sound relies on percussive grooves and the melodic impact of acoustic guitars and the Cuban tres to engage the audience, beckoning listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Nylon string guitars, drums, bass, Latin percussion, trumpet and vocals compose the group started in 2009 in Kona. Band members include Dan Brauer on guitar and vocals, Chris Wilson on drums, Robby Malovic on bass, Lee Motter on vocals, Dave Weaver on guitar and Michaeloha Elam on trumpet.
After attending the concert and putting their applause on air, audience members can tune in to Hawaii Public Radio to hear the recorded show Dec. 18. The second “Applause” concert, with Amy Mills, The Magic Strings Quartet and the Bill Noble Quintet will be broadcast Nov. 23.
Tickets are $20, $15 , $10 or $5, depending on seating, and are available at kahilutheatre.org, by calling 885-6868, or in person from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Kahilu Theatre box office.