While there are Blues, Brews and BBQs happening all over the world, the stage will be rocking on Saturday night with a one-of-a-kind beat — the heartbeat of aloha!
Down home blues artist Kirk James is bringing his Ragtime, Texas Shuffles and funky grooves to the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea at 6 p.m. Saturday to benefit Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii — Hawaii Island.
VASH has become a beacon of hope for Hawaii Island visitors affected by adversity, but adversity will be the last thing on anyone’s mind at the concert. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, and listening to such greats as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Reverend Gary Davis, James became known early for his unmistakable phrasing mixed with bottleneck slides. When he plays both original material and also classics from the Blues Masters, he conjures images of T-Bone Walker, Elmore James and Lightnin’ Hopkins.
“I wanted to bring something unique and fresh to the island. Blues isn’t something we are often exposed to in Hawaii, but listening to Kirk, you’ll feel like you’re vacationing on the Mississippi Delta,” said Karen Rose, executive director of VASH — Hawaii Island, who is also a freelance writer for West Hawaii Today and the Big Island Entertainment Scene. “Kirk has a great vibe, and a great voice.”
A blues performer for over 28 years, Kirk has been a musician since the age of five.
“I grew up in a musical family,” he said. “It has always been a part of me. I can’t imagine living without music.”
VASH’s Rose can’t imagine living in Hawaii without the supportive network of the Aloha Society, either. When she took over the reins of VASH in June, she knew how vital their work was in helping guests who are victimized by crime, lose personal items, face medical situations, or even experience the death of a loved one.
“Our vision is to ensure that every visitor touched by adversity, is also touched by the aloha spirit. We want visitors to return to our island. Our economy depends on tourist dollars for much of our livelihood, so we want visitors to know that they were cared for while they were here, especially after having a negative experience,” she said. “We typically receive referrals from the police department, the hospital, the airport, and others in the hospitality industry. We do our best to help every visitor that is referred to us.”
That includes helping people to enjoy a great blues artist in Hawaii for this one show only.
“I think people are going to have a great time,” she added.
Beer from Kona Brewery, wine, and BBQ from Da Bomb BBQ will be available at the Kahilu Theatre event. Tickets are $37 and all proceeds benefit VASH. To purchase tickets online, go to www.kahilutheatre.org or call 885-6868.
Anyone interested in volunteering or donating to VASH, can visit www.vashbigisland.org or VASH Hawaii Island on Facebook.
Contact writer marya.mann@gmail.com