Hawaii’s own Rough Riders to perform in Waimea

The Rough Riders, comprised of Hawaiian music icons and award-winning artists Henry Kapono, John Cruz and Brother Noland, will bring their well-honed craft and power to Kahilu Theatre in Waimea on Sept. 19.

From their vast catalog of original hits, to some of Hawaii’s treasured classics, to their new sound and provocative collaborations, the Rough Riders will deliver an intoxicating experience of music. The show gets underway at 7 p.m.

The Rough Riders name is inspired by the famous trio of Big Island paniolo Ikua Purdy, Archie Kaaua, and Jack Low, who combined their skills, determination and style to shock the cow country world in 1908 by becoming World Rodeo Champions.

Over the past 40 years, the Rough Riders have individually, or with other bands, carved out quite a legacy of success. Henry Kapono Kaaihue, also know as “The Wild Hawaiian,” is a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner. Also an actor and author, his portfolio includes works from his Columbia Records days as Hawaii’s legendary duo Cecilio &Kapono. Among his many hit songs are “Friends,” Sailing,” “Highway in the Sun,” “Stand in the Light,” “Home in the Islands” and “Dukes on Sunday,” which was also covered by Jimmy Buffett.

Cruz is a Grammy Award-winning artist, as well as a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner, who hails from one of Hawaii’s great musical families. His father is Ernie Cruz Sr., the country western musician know as “The Waimea Cowboy,” and his brother, Ernie Cruz Jr., was a member of the popular Kaau Crater Boys. Cruz has performed for the president, is a favorite stage partner of Jack Johnson, was named best singer/songwriter in Hawaii in 2008 by Hawaii Magazine and his album, “One Of These Days,” was noted as one of Hawaii’s greatest albums of the new century by Honolulu Magazine. Known for his soulful vocals, Cruz is also a “Ki hoalu” (slack key) master and has distinguished himself with his unique acoustic style. His hit songs include “Island Style,” “Shine On” and “Sitting in Limbo”.

Brother Noland is an impactful player in Hawaii’s music scene and one of Hawaii’s most respected artists. Credited with the birth of “Jawaiian” (fusion of Hawaiian and reggae) music, he also excels in traditional Hawaiian music, slack key and Hawaiian swing. Honored in 2014 by the State of Hawaii for a “Lifetime Achievement in Music,” Brother Noland continually infuses Hawaiian music with creativity and innovation to pave new paths inspiring music around the world. His hit songs include “Big Ship,” “Pua Lane” and “Coconut Girl”.

Tickets are $68/$47/$37/$20 and can be purchased online at www.kahilutheatre.org, by calling 885-6868, or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office at 67-1186 Lindsey Road in Waimea from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.