MAY 12
Musician and activist Michael Franti does a little bit of everything — rap, funk, jazz, folk, spoken word, poetry — and does it all well. He’s bringing his equally diverse and talented band, Spearhead.
8 p.m. / The Republik / $38 / jointherepublik.com or 941-7469
MAY 13-14
Though born in Japan, violinist Sayaka Shoji is steeped in the European tradition, having trained in Italy and in Germany, with a Russian teacher. She joins the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra for Resphighi’s gorgeous “Concerto Gregoriano.”
7:30 p.m. May 13, 4 p.m. May 14 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / $34-$92 / ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000
MAY 20
“Hear” silent movies as you’ve never heard them before, when maestro Rick Benjamin, pictured, returns with original music composed for silent classics from Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd, performed by Chamber Music Hawaii musicians.
7:30 p.m. / Orvis Auditorium, University of Hawaii at Manoa / $35-$45 / chambermusichawaii.com or 489-5038
MAY 21
Gin Blossoms (“Hey Jealousy,” “Til I Hear It From You”) headline the Honolulu Ekiden Music Festival, the relay race/music festival imported from Japan. Dirty Heads and two Japanese entertainers also join in on the fun.
5 p.m. / Waikiki Shell / $30-$100 / ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000
MAY 24
Maria Muldaur is known for her 1970s hit “Midnight at the Oasis,” but her jazz/gospel/blues/Americana artistry lends itself to a lot more. She’s touring the islands with her Red Hot Bluesiana Band through May 28; visit lazarbear.com for info.
6:30 and 9 p.m. / Blue Note Hawaii / $30-$50 / bluenotehawaii.com or 777-4890
“American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks brings his soulful sound. 6:30 and 9 p.m. May 12-14, Blue Note Hawaii, $21.25-$35. bluenotehawaii.com or 777-4890
Pianist Andre Watts with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. June 10 and 4 p.m. June 11, Blaisdell Concert Hall. $34-$92. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000
