THURSDAY
>> The Interrupters revive ska-punk sound
The Interrupters are proving that punk rock still burns in the hearts and minds of many.
The high-energy ska-punk band from L.A. got started in 2011, well after the punk scene was thought to be oh so over, but immediately started making waves with eponymous debut album in 2014. The single “Take Back The Power,” ostensibly about fighting government intrusion, resonated with fans in a variety of ways. It was heard in a cell phone commercial, as theme music for the Major League Home Run Derby, and in the Michael Moore film “Where To Invade Next.”
The band hit it big again with last summer’s “She’s Kerosene,” a song about a bad breakup for lead singer Aimee Interrupter (formerly Aimee Allen). The song wound up being chosen as No. 3 on Billboard’s critic picks for The Best 25 Rock Songs of 2018. Billboard called it a “surprising hit, a ska-punk rager without precedent on the airwaves this millennium.” Meanwhile, Altpress.com was calling the band a “hidden gem” on last September’s Riot Fest Chicago bill.
Along with Aimee Interrupter, the band consists of brothers Jesse Bivona on drums, Justin Bivona on bass and Kevin Bivona on lead guitar.
Honolulu ska-punk band Black Square opens the show.
THE INTERRUPTERS
With local openers Black Square
>> Where: The Republik
>> When: 8 p.m. Thursday
>> Cost: $27.50
>> Info: 941-7469, jointherepublik.com
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
>> Performance honors musicians buried in O‘ahu Cemetery
O‘ahu Cemetery is Hawaii’s oldest public graveyard, founded in 1844 as a burial site for whalers and sailors who died after staying behind in Honolulu after their ships left port.
The cemetery also is the final resting place for many noted musicians, and this weekend eight of them will be commemorated in performances of music, hula and chant in “A Musical Journey through O ‘ahu Cemetery.”
Kumu Hula Ka‘anohi Aipa, founder of Ka‘anohiwaianuenue Hula Studio, and Nathan Aipa, an attorney and member of the Palapu Street Band, will lead the concert, with a band composed of local musicians and dancers. Nanette Napoleon, a local historian and trustee of the cemetery, pictured above, organized the program.
Classical music will be represented in tributes to Ululani McQuaid Jabulka and Charles Keonaonalaulani Llewellyn Davis, both of whom trained and performed overseas as opera singers, as well as in local opera productions, at clubs and social gatherings.
Hapa-haole music, the popular blend of Hawaiian and Western pop themes, gets its due in tributes to R. Alex Anderson, composer of songs like “Soft Green Seas” and “Blue Lei,” and Johnny Noble, the great conductor and composer whose “Hula Blues” and “Little Brown Gal” made him one of the prime forces in the genre.
Other musicians featured are James Makee, credited with composing the popular Hawaiian tune “Makee ‘Ailana”; Nathaniel Emerson, also known as a historian of Hawaiian culture; Mele Aloha ‘Aina master Eleanor Prendergast; and composer Bina Mossman.
With seats limited to 80 each night, reservations are highly suggested.
A MUSICAL JOURNEY THROUGH O’AHU CEMETERY
>> Where: O‘ahu Cemetery, 2162 Nuuanu Ave.
>> When: 5-8:15 p.m. Friday-Saturday
>> Cost: $60 (includes pupu and drinks)
>> Info: historichawaii.org
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
>> Acclaimed bluesman Keb’ Mo’ has lots to play and say
The innovative and versatile blues artist Keb’ Mo’ brings his sweet guitar playing and insightful songs to Blue Note Hawaii this weekend.
Born Kevin Moore, the four-time Grammy winner brings a wealth of experience to his sound. For more than 20 years, he played backup for a number of blues artists, including Papa John Creach, before striking out on his own as a recording artist.
His second album, 1996’s “Just Like You,” a collection of mostly original tunes, revealed a singer-songwriter quality in his music, with Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne collaborating on the title song about two former lovers meeting together as friends. The album won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Keb’ Mo’ would win the award again for 2018’s “TajMo,” a collaboration with Taj Mahal that also featured Raitt, Joe Walsh and Sheila E.
His most recent album, “Oklahoma,” came from a collaboration with songwriter Dara Tucker, who is from Oklahoma and told him about the history of her state. The album also has a social commentary edge to it, with songs like “Put a Woman in Charge” and “Don’t Throw It Away,” and other tunes addressing immigration and depression.
Keb’ Mo’s sound incorporates folk, bluegrass, rock, jazz, pop and country, played on electric, acoustic and resonator guitars. His excellent slide playing and fingerpicking provide a fine counterpart to his deep gravelly voice.
KEB’ MO’
>> Where: Blue Note Hawaii
>> When: 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday (one show each night)
>> Cost: $65-$125
>> Info: 777-4890, bluenotehawaii.com
SUNDAY
>> Red Bull Party Wave competition closes Duke’s Oceanfest
As Duke’s Oceanfest concludes this weekend, the ever-popular Red Bull Party Wave competition makes its stand, featuring a passel of jury-rigged, themed “vessels” manned by equally wild and strange crews.
Up to 20 teams are expected to take on the waves, with judging based on criteria like costuming, showmanship, choreograpy, as well as how well — or if — the vessel actually stays afloat.
The competitions makes a welcome return after last year’s event had to be canceled because of Hurricane Lane.
More Oceanfest attractions are also on the schedule in Waikiki, including a beach volleyball tournament at Queen’s Beach courts and a surfboard waterpolo competition at the Kapahula Breakwall. Both of those start at 9 a.m. Sunday, a bit before the Party Wave wrecking crews hit the surf.
RED BULL PARTY WAVE
>> Where: Kuhio Beach, Waikiki
>> When: 10 a.m. Sunday
>> Cost: Free
>> Info: redbull.com/partywave, dukesoceanfest.com
