HONOKAA — Blues master and roots music aficionado Johnny Nicholas will perform with the young musicians of Dragon Jazz Band for three exceptional concerts on Hawaii Island in January.
The trio of shows kicks off at the Hilo Palace Theatre Jan. 25, followed by Gertrude’s Jazz Club in Kailua-Kona Jan. 26, and the Blue Dragon Tavern in Kawaihae on Feb. 2.
Led by Gary Washburn, music director of Grammy Foundation Award-winning Honokaa High School, the Dragon Jazz Band is a select group of students who have proven themselves as strong performers, ready for a professional music experience.
Now, they’ll be joined by a blues master, Nicholas, who grew up in musical hotbed Austin, Texas.
“The involvement of Gary’s very talented group of kids is a collaboration that has provided for a very exciting show and a tremendous learning experience for the fledgling Honokaa musicians,” said Nicholas, who has been involved in similar educational projects in Texas over the last 20 years. “It is amazing to see what kids can do when they get involved and excited by musical stimulus and exposure of this nature and professional level.”
Nicholas is no stranger to Hawaii, having toured with his band, Hell Bent, as well as backing up Delbert McClinton and Marcia Ball. Nicholas, described as one of the premier blues and roots music interpreters and artists alive today, has performed with blues legends BB King, Big Walter Horton and Johnny Shines. He was one of the lead singers, writers and multi-instrumentalist in the band Asleep at the Wheel when they won their first of many Grammy Awards.
He’ll spend an entire week prior to the shows working with Washburn and his Honokaa students.
“The opportunity to tour and perform with Johnny Nicolas offers many educational opportunities not normally offered in the high school education system,” said Washburn. “Students work with and experience the real professional tour and road expectations and responsibilities. Setting up, sound checking, rehearsing while on the road, and interacting with professional musicians offers a great mentoring opportunity.