Welcome to Jazz Maui

Join Us for Our Next Event

Please join us for an exclusive private event featuring talented jazz pianist and Quincy Jones protégé Justin Kauflin and friends. Katie Thiroux – bass, Matt Witek – drums and Jake Thomas – trumpet.

An assortment of heavy passed appetizers and desert will be catered by Chef Ralph Giles of “In Home Chef Service”.

A selection of fine wines provided by hosts Nam and Mary Anne Le Viet.

This is a maskless event and to insure health safety for all, we kindly request that guests be fully vaccinated. Vaccination Cards will be required.

Justin Kauflin is an award-winning American jazz pianist, composer, producer and educator. He is a Quincy Jones artist and performs worldwide, has recorded on 32 albums (produced 6 as leader), composed the film score for 9 projects including the critically acclaimed documentary Keep On Keepin On and published 85 original compositions & arrangements.

“Simply beautiful Cat… You can feel it in every note he plays”
– Quincy Jones

“He’s a monster on the piano! And, one of the greatest people I know”
– Clark Terry

“His playing impressed me, and everyone I knew, tremendously!”
– Oscar Peterson

“There’s such beauty in his playing. His spirit and spirituality shine through”
– Mulgrew Miller

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals.

Watch Our
Exclusive “Save the Music” Virtual Gala!
A live event held on Friday October 30, 2020

A Benefit to support “Virtual Jazz In the Schools”

Gene Argel Trio

GENE ARGEL

Gene Argel, native of the Pacific Northwest, studied piano and composition at the University of Puget Sound, and played in various clubs and venues in Seattle while completing his degree in education.
Gene says: “I’ve always had a Hammond B3 organ”; “I’ve played in Las Vegas, Denver, and on the road in the 70’s, and in Los Angeles in recording studios and clubs.”

In 1980, Gene moved to Honolulu to play for the Dick Jensen show, with saxophone player Gabe Baltazar at the Cavalier jazz club, and with trumpeter Joe Burnett (“Joe B”) at Valentino’s.

DOUG WHITE

Over 40 years ago Doug White began his career on Maui playing bass at some of the world’s most beautiful resorts with many talented musicians performing Jazz, Hawaiian, Rock ‘n Roll and Blues.

PAUL MARCHETTI

Paul Marchetti is from Englewood, New Jersey. He started his career in 1973, touring and recording with Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary. During this time Paul appeared on such TV shows as the Tonight Show, the Merv Griffin Show, the Mike Douglas Show, Midnight Special, In Concert with Dick Clark, and many local shows in various cities.

In 1976 Paul recorded with Brazilian musician, composer, arranger, and producer, Eumir Deodato, and also worked with Brazilian percussionist Rubens Bassini. In 1977 he recorded the rock opera “Intergalactic Touring Band “, a project for Passport records. In 1978 Paul worked with vocalist Martha Velez and recorded the album “American Heartbeat “, for Sire Records. Later that year he toured Japan with Japanese rock star Joe Yamanaka, recorded the album “Joe Yamanaka Live at Nippon Budokan “, for Atlantic Records.

The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals.

Join the “J Krew” as they perform a myriad of music styles fused into a jazzy format including Freedom Jazz Dance by Eddie Harris, Come Together– The Beatles, Creepin’ – Stevie Wonder, Chain Lightning – Steely Dan, Jojo – Boz Scaggs and more.

“The J Krew” Band Bio

Jerry Kovarsky / Keyboards:

One of Maui’s most “in demand” keyboard players for gigs and sessions, Jerry Kovarsky moved to Maui from New York after a 30 year career in developing and marketing electronic keyboards for Ensoniq, Casio and Korg. and is also the author of “Keyboards for Dummies”. He has a B.A. in Jazz Studies and has played with; Gerry Niewwod, Bill Evans, Michael Paulo and Jeff Kashiwa of the Ripingtons. Jerry also plays with many of Maui’s top artists.

John Zangrando / Sax:

John Zangrando or “Johnny Z.” came to Maui in 1980 from New York and has been one of the busiest sax players on the island since. He has played or recorded with; George Benson, John Mayall, Michael McDonald, Bill Champlin, Dionne Warwick and Gladys Knight. Also with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Danny Gottlieb and Mark Egan of Elements and was musical director for singer Jon Hendricks for his Hawaii tour. He plays tenor, alto, soprano, baritone and bass saxophones, as well as flute, piccolo, bass clarinet and electronic wind instrument (EWI). John is always in demand for gigs and sessions.

Josh Hearl / Guitar:

Josh Hearl is the youngest member of the J Krew but plays well beyond his years. His touch, feel and understanding of music make him one of the most talented guitarists in Hawaii. Josh was born on the east coast and raised in Maui. He started playing guitar the when he was 12 and was taught by some of Maui’s premier musicians. After graduating from high school in 2012 he started working with local musicians including Gene Argel, Shea Derrick, Natalie Nicole, The Chop Suey orchestra and many other talented artists. He’s also getting well known on the studio circuit too. When he’s not gigging or recording he can be found working on his family’s farm in Kula.

James Somera / Drums:

James Somera started his career early gigging at a young age. After high school he continued his music education in Los Angeles at the Dick Groves School of Music followed by the Los Angeles Music Academy. He has played lived and played professionally in Los Angeles and New York. After returning home he continues to play with many of Maui’s top acts. He is also an endorsee of Sabian cymbals.

Jay Molina / Bass & Vocals:

Jay Molina started playing the electric bass and singing when he was 12. After graduating from high school he moved to Oahu and joined Asian Blend based on Oahu at the time and started working in Waikiki. He also co-formed a jazz fusion band called Music Magic that recorded 2 albums and opened for Bob James and the Average White Band. He has played or recorded, with well known local artists, The Aliis, Loyal Garner, Kalapana, Henry Kapono, Amy Hanaiali’i, and Kapono Beamer. He also co-formed jazz-funk band SLAM! with some of Maui’s most talented players.

“The J Krew” is a collection of some of Maui’s finest musicians playing “Deep grooves and sophisticated tunes” covering a mix of genres. We call the band “The J Krew” because everyone’s name in the band starts with “J”.

The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals.

Louise Lambert and Jose Ortiz met on Maui in 1997. Jose sat in with Louise and Curt Lee, to their and the audience’s total joy and amazement, creating himself a lifelong invitation to join the band anytime.

Percussionist Jose Ortiz, recently returned to his Maui home from Florida, and he is continually writing, recording, gigging and entertaining.

Born in the Bronx, raised in Cleveland, where as a young, talented, highly motivated musician, he had free access to top musical acts at the infamous Leo’s Casino. Schooled in Connecticut, he trained with the world renowned soul drummer Bernard Purdie, and precisely carries on Purdie’s advice ‘lock it in the pocket,’ which makes Jose our groove master. Jose played Cool Jazz Festivals with vibe player Roy Ayers and vocalist DeeDee Bridgewater. He toured with the Jerry Garcia Band and played in acts who opened for Stevie Wonder, Buddy Miles, Billy Cobham, and Frank Zappa and more.

On Maui, Jose played with Jazz saxophonist Frank Morgan and was the house drummer at Pizazz Jazz Club, frequented by Prince, George Benson and Oprah. He joined Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. of Fifth Dimension fame as well.

Jose plays music with bands of multiple genres: Rock, Jazz, Funk, Soul, Latin, Reggae and Country, and should be a rep for Roland’s Handsonic for the virtuosity he displays on the instrument.

His local musical gig experience is like a Who’s Who of Maui Bands including Crazyfingers, Zero Gravity, Steve Sargenti, Sly Dog, Eric Gilliom, Gene Argel, Kelly Covington, Fulton Tashombe to name a few …

Originally from New York, Louise Lambert is an Internationally acclaimed vocalist, pianist, songwriter and bandleader who left Toronto for Maui in 1997, and plays Concerts, Clubs, Weddings and Special Events in Canada, US, and Europe. Louise has a diverse catalog of original songs and her shows include Jazz, Swing, Blues, Broadway, Cabaret, Folk, Motown, Big Band and Beatles Singalongs. As a songwriter / recording artist, Louise has placed songs in TV shows and Films and she held a number #3 Adult Contemporary Chart Hit in Canada with “Peace In Our Hearts.”
In 2016, her song ‘O Keanae’ won a Na Hoku Award as part of The Institute of Hawaiian Music CD, “Aloha ‘Ia No ‘O Maui.” Louise was opening act for Buddy Rich, entertainment at a party for Roberta Flack, and when James Brown got turned back at the border, Louise’s band was called in to sub for them at the Forum in Toronto. Louise was lead vocalist with the Maui Symphony Jazz Orchestra, and performed at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center with Gabe Baltazar and Howard Johnson, and multiple Maui Big Band events. Louise teaches voice and piano and how to be in a band classes of which writer/ publicist Richard Flohil says: “Louise has the uncanny ability to teach what she does so well.”

“Queen of torch jazz and blues”
– Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star
“Highly Addictive”
– Bob Pennington, Toronto Sun
“Louise has a rich voice with a lot of range and power and masterful technique that’s pure magic, highlighted by her Jazz scatting.”
– Randy Urgola, Callback Magazine, Las Vegas
“This blue eyed singer can sing the blues like Billie Holiday or jazz up a dreamy Joni Mitchell tune”
– Jaqueline Zambrano, Maui Weekly
“She’s so good, she’s dangerous”
– Dale Anderson – Buffalo Evening News
“My favorite new jazz vocalist”
– Don Cunningham, Renowned Jazz Vocalist, Las Vegas
“Clever. A cheerful delight”
– Edinborough Evening News

The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals.

Jazz Maui Presents

A Post Vaccine
“Chicago Blues”
Celebration

featuring

The Blues Rock and Soul Revue
with special guest Jerry Kovarsky

RON METOYER – Guitar and Vocals
JERRY KOVARSKY – Keyboards
TIM HACKBARTH – Bass
JESSE SMITH – Drums

Dinner & Show
Saturday May 15, 2021
Live at the Empanada Lady in Wailuku Town

2 Seatings – 5PM & 7:30 PM
$10 tickets
Adults only – 18 Yr Minimum

Come join us for a great evening of classic Chicago Blues.

Jerry Kovarsky is Maui’s most in-demand keyboard player, proficient on piano, organ and synths, and able to cover all genres of music. He came to Maui after a 30-year career in developing and marketing electronic keyboards, and is also the author of “Keyboard For Dummies”. He has a B.A. In Jazz Studies and has played with artists such as Gerry Niewood, Bill Evans, Michael Paulo and Jeff Kashiwa.

The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals.

Jimmy C has history imprinted in his musical brain cells, and his style reflects the decades of changes he’s seen.
His stick-wise drumming style results from years of layering Jazz-fusion, dixie-cowboy, Philly doo-wop, & Jersey shore sweat-bang.
His chops are mercurial.
He’s a chameleon. 
Jimmy C. – proud survivor of dozens of grooves, & dozens of influences

Phil Smith has been performing and recording for over six decades as a Master Woodwind Musician. He has a lifetime of experience playing all the saxophones and in addition, plays a superb clarinet and has a rich baritone voice for vocals and funny Cajun stories. Phil Smith’s passion includes playing all styles of jazz, rhythm ’n blues, latin, swing, and danceable classics.

Phil’s talents have been sought after for performance and recording by such notable talent as: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bloomfield, Charlie Rich, Dinah Shore, Joe Williams, Johnny Mathis, Big Joe Turner, San Francisco Medicine Ball Band, Bourbon Street Irregulars, Cami Thompson, Vic Damone, Edy Gorme, Mac Davis, Henry Mancini, Doc Severenson, Earl “Fatha” Hines, Michael Buble, Englebert Humperdinck, The Smothers Brothers, Buddy Morrow, Claude Thornhill, Les Elgart, and Willie K to name a few.

Mark Johnstone makes his living hopping from gig to gig on the island of Maui. Best known for his keyboard work with the Grammy- nominated Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, he can also be found in a variety of settings as a soloist or sideman, displaying skills on guitar, harmonica and vocals. While working and touring with Fleetwood he has found himself sharing the stage with many accomplished artists including Carlos Santana, John Mayall, John McVie, Christine McVie, Paul Rodgers, Rick Vito, Michael MacDonald, Alice Cooper, Steven Tyler, James Hetfield, Sammy Hagar, Questlove, and many others. As a jazz pianist on Maui he has supported such visiting artists as Bobby Watson, Delfayo Marsalis, Donald Harrison, Javon Jackson, Joe Louis Walker, Corey Ledet, Chubby Carrier, Kenny Neal Jr, Eric McFadden and the list goes on. When not gigging, Mark enjoys the laid back island lifestyle and is an avid windsurfer. “He is a player’s player who keeps it in the groove.”- Mick Fleetwood

The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals.

Jazz Maui Presents

Priscilla Sanders

“UNCORKED”
Album Re-Release Dinner & Show

Saturday, May 1, 2021

2 Dinner Show Seatings  5PM & 7:30 PM
$10 tickets

Priscilla’s 2019 album “UNCORKED” delivers edgy satire, ironic humor and heartfelt ballads. Her folky, comedic originals songs harken back to the 60’s and 70’s folk era as they tell personal stories and reflect on our world. Imagine Carol Burnett meets Joni Mitchell. Her songs dive deep, letting you know that you’re not the only one going through the trials of life and that we can laugh at ourselves along the way.

She’ll also tell stories behind the songs including tales of living in Nashville and competing in the music business as well as navigating the world of relationships.

The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals.

Jazz Maui Presents

Soul Kitchen Trio

Acoustic Soul

Friday, April 30, 2021

2 Dinner Show Seatings  5PM & 7:30 PM
$15 tickets

Soul Kitchen is acoustic-infused musical alchemy, entertaining Maui audiences for over 9 years, with riveting vocals and 3-part harmonies combined with unique, creative song arrangements. The stirring, smoldering voice of award-winning lead vocalist Tempa Singer Nave (Best Colorado Blues Band, Best Soul Album Award) and effortlessly buoyant rhythms of guitarist Naor Nave, melding with the subtle and sustaining tones of keyboardist Michael Elam round out the mix to make this exquisite mess of soulful flavors an essential Maui experience for the musical senses.

The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held on Friday, April 30, at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals.

STAX HISTORY
Stax Records is synonymous with Southern soul music. Among the many artists who scored hits on Stax and its Volt subsidiary during the Sixties were Rufus and Carla Thomas, Booker T. & the MGs (an interracial instrumental quartet that also served as the company’s rhythm section and house band), Sam and Dave, Johnnie Taylor, Albert King, and Otis Redding.

Stax Records is critical in American music history as it’s one of the most popular soul music record labels of all time – second only to Motown in sales and influence, but first in gritty, raw, stripped-down soul music. In 15 years, Stax placed more than 167 hit songs in the Top 100 on the pop charts, and a staggering 243 hits in the Top 100 R&B charts. Contemporary artists who have recorded for Stax Records include Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, and others.

Stax artist we’ll be covering:
Sam & Dave, Songs written by Isaac Hayes Johnnie Taylor, Booker T & the MG’S, Little Milton, Albert King

Multi-instrumentalist MARK JOHNSTONE makes his living hopping from gig to gig on the island of Maui. Best known for his keyboard work with the Grammy- nominated Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, he can also be found in a variety of settings as a soloist or sideman, displaying skills on guitar, harmonica and vocals. While working and touring with Fleetwood he has found himself sharing the stage with many accomplished artists including Carlos Santana, John Mayall, John McVie, Christine McVie, Paul Rodgers, Rick Vito, Michael MacDonald, Alice Cooper, Steven Tyler, James Hetfield, Sammy Hagar, Questlove, and many others. As a jazz pianist on Maui he has supported such visiting artists as Bobby Watson, Delfayo Marsalis, Donald Harrison, Javon Jackson, Joe Louis Walker, Corey Ledet, Chubby Carrier, Kenny Neal Jr, Eric McFadden and the list goes on. When not gigging, Mark enjoys the laid back island lifestyle and is an avid windsurfer. “He is a player’s player who keeps it in the groove.”- Mick Fleetwood

The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held on Saturday, April 17, at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals.

Jazz Maui Presents

“The Benny Uyetake Quartet”

performing
“A little bit of this and a little bit of that” 

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Benny Uyetake – Guitar and vocals
Jay Molina – Bass
James Somera – Drums
Jeff Hornbeck – Guitar

2 Dinner Show Seatings  5PM & 7:30 PM

Benny Uyetake is an accomplished Maui based musician and Educator.  He has entertained on Maui for more than 35 years having opened for Herb Alpert, Diana Ross, America, Big Vodoo Daddy, Boz Scags, War and performed with Delfayo Marsellis, Paula Fuga, Henry Kapono, Larry Coryell, Les McCann, Judy Collins and many others.   The “Na Hoku Hanohano” recipient performs regularly at Kimos Restaurant in Lahaina.

The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held on Saturday, April 10, at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals.

MUSICIANS

PAUL MARCHETTI
Paul Marchetti is from Englewood, New Jersey. He started his career in 1973, touring and recording with Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary. During this time Paul appeared on such TV shows as the Tonight Show, the Merv Griffin Show, the Mike Douglas Show, Midnight Special, In Concert with Dick Clark, and many local shows in various cities.

In 1976 Paul recorded with Brazilian musician, composer, arranger, and producer, Eumir Deodato, and also worked with Brazilian percussionist Rubens Bassini. In 1977 he recorded the rock opera “Intergalactic Touring Band “, a project for Passport records. In 1978 Paul worked with vocalist Martha Velez and recorded the album “American Heartbeat “, for Sire Records. Later that year he toured Japan with Japanese rock star Joe Yamanaka, recorded the album “Joe Yamanaka Live at Nippon Budokan “, for Atlantic Records.

GENE ARGEL
Gene Argel, native of the Pacific Northwest, studied piano and composition at the University of Puget Sound, and played in various clubs and venues in Seattle while completing his degree in education.

Gene says: “I’ve always had a Hammond B3 organ”; “I’ve played in Las Vegas, Denver, and on the road in the 70’s, and in Los Angeles in recording studios and clubs.”

In 1980, Gene moved to Honolulu to play for the Dick Jensen show, with saxophone player Gabe Baltazar at the Cavalier jazz club, and with trumpeter Joe Burnett (“Joe B”) at Valentino’s.

DOUG WHITE
Over 40 years ago Doug White began his career on Maui playing bass at some of the world’s most beautiful resorts with many talented musicians performing Jazz, Hawaiian, Rock ‘n Roll and Blues.

PHIL SMITH
Phil has been performing and recording for over six decades as a Master Woodwind Musician. He has a lifetime of experience playing all the saxophones and in addition, plays a superb clarinet and has a rich baritone voice for vocals and funny Cajun stories. Phil Smith’s passion includes playing all styles of jazz, rhythm ’n blues, latin, swing, and danceable classics.

Phil’s talents have been sought after for performance and recording by such notable talent as: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bloomfield, Charlie Rich, Dinah Shore, Joe Williams, Johnny Mathis, Big Joe Turner, San Francisco Medicine Ball Band, Bourbon Street Irregulars, Cami Thompson, Vic Damone, Edy Gorme, Mac Davis, Henry Mancini, Doc Severenson, Earl “Fatha” Hines, Michael Buble, Englebert Humperdinck, The Smothers Brothers, Buddy Morrow, Claude Thornhill, Les Elgart, and Willie K to name a few.

The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held on Saturday, April 3, at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals.

Jazz Maui Presents

“A Musical Tribute to
B.B. King”

A Dinner Show to Benefit Music Education

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Featuring Music by

Ron Metoyer, Tim Hackbarth, Jesse Smith, Tanama Colibri, Sarah Black and special guest Gene Argel

2 Dinner Show Seatings  5PM & 7:30 PM

“A Musical Tribute to BB King”, a retrospective of classic blues inspired by the legendary BB King performed by some of Maui’s most accomplished musicians. The show features music by Ron Metoyer, Tim Hackbarth, Jesse Smith, Tanama Colibri, Sarah Black and special guest Gene Argel.

The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held on Saturday, March 20, at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals. For tickets and more information, visit jazz maui.org.

Jazz Maui presents “A Tribute to Chick Corea”, to honor the late, great jazz pianist featuring music performed by some of Maui’s most accomplished musicians and special guests. The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held on Saturday, March 13, at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku. The show features music by Sal Godinez, keyboards; Eddie Aviles bass; and, Estaire Godinez, vocals/percussion; Paul Bunyan, sax; along with special guests Gene Argel, keyboards, guitar; and, D’Vonne Lewis, drums.

The keyboardist, composer and bandleader Chick Corea, considered one of the most revered figures in contemporary jazz, as well as an artist whose work spanned fusion to classical , died on February 9, 2021 at age 79. As a member of Miles Davis’s band in the late 1960s, he participated in the birth of jazz fusion. In the 1970s he formed the jazz fusion band Return to Forever. He continued to collaborate frequently while exploring different musical styles throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His compositions such as ”Spain”, “500 Miles High”, “La Fiesta”, “Armando’s Rhumba”, and “Windows” are widely considered jazz standards. Regarded as one of the foremost jazz pianists of the post-John Coltrane era, Corea was named a “Jazz Master” by the National Endowment of the Arts, won 23 Grammy Awards and was nominated 67 times.

Times for the two dinner show seatings are 5PM and 7:30PM. Show tickets are $15 and are available at Jazzmaui.org. Seating is limited and table reservations may be made by calling (808) 868-4544. This event is semi-outdoor with socially-distanced Covid-19 policies in effect for your protection and comfort. Adults only, 18 year minimum, ID required.

Composer, bandleader, poet and drummer D’Vonne Lewis has become one of the most frequently seen and widely respected artists on Seattle’s music scene. As first-call drummer to many musicians, he gigs with styles ranging from jazz, funk, hip hop and rock to Brazilian and African. Aside from his work as an in-demand sideman, Lewis works regularly with his own bands: Triplifried, D’Vonne Lewis’ Limited Edition and the award-winning Industrial Revolution. Many thanks to Patrick Dours and Ian Bag of Rodeo General in Makawao for their support in bringing D’Vonne to Maui.

Pianist and vocalist Sal Godinez is a well-known favorite on Maui. He has played with some of Hawaii’s most popular entertainers including Benoit Jazz Works, Amy Hanaialii Gillom, Willie K, and Melveen Leed. Originally from California, Sal has been a professional musician since the age of 15. His first interest was classical music but in college his horizons broadened to jazz, funk, salsa, Brazilian and indigenous genres. Before moving to Maui, he toured across the mainland United States playing with different bands.

Estaire Godinez, grew up in the San Francisco, California Bay Area and has lived and performed throughout Europe and the USA. She has toured and performed with Prince, George Benson, the Brothers Johnson, and Larry Graham and has played on more than 80 albums. She now lives on Maui where she performs with her own group and with John Cruz.

A Tacoma, Washington state native, Gene Argel left the Pacific Northwest in his early 20s to gig in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and points west – the westernmost being Maui, Gene’s home since 1982. As both leader and “house pianist” for countless club gigs, Gene has backed visiting class acts who came to the island including stars such as Branford Marsalis, Emil Richards, George Benson, Bill Perkins and Steve Gadd. He has also played with fellow islanders Gabe Baltazar and Henry Allen. Whether on piano, keyboards or his beloved B-3, Gene distils the full quantum of beauty and passion in his performances.

Bassist Eddie Aviles was born in New Jersey and started playing guitar at 11and bass at age 18. He has performed metal, country, rock, soul and Latin with different bands in the bay area. He moved to Maui in 1984, where he presently lives and performs.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals. For tickets and more information, visit jazz maui.org.

Swing Star plays Gypsy Jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt’s Hot Club of France.

This musical style includes swinging jazz, Waltz, passionate Ballads, Bossa Nova and Waltz, as well as the sound of European Gypsies.
The group of guys; Steve Elliott on guitar, Loren Tilley on guitar, and Michael Guzalak on clarinet and sax, got together on Maui in early 2018.

Steve is the founder and instigator of the group, so you can blame him. His burning passion for Gypsy Jazz drew in Loren next, and Michael soon joined in to form Swing Star.

All the members are multi-instrumentalists and over the years have played in many different bands and styles of music, from Accordion to Zydeco.

Joy Renee Fields is one of Maui’s own premier entertainer and Vocal coach.Her entertainment history on Maui is vast.

Some of her favorite gigs include working nine seasons with Jimmy Mac and the Kool Kats; A wonderful duo in the Four Seasons Lobby for eight years; and a short time with Darren Lee, Elvis impersonator for the Burn’n Love Show.

Vocal Coach Joy has trained hundreds of voices through the years, and vocal rehabilitation has become her passion.

Dinner reservations required. Call (808) 868-4544 for table reservation.

Semi-outdoor event – socially distanced. Covid-19 policies in effect for your protection & comfort. 2119 W. Vineyard St. in Wailuku.
Tickets are $10 for the music portion at jazzmaui.org and benefit “Virtual Jazz in the Schools”. Adults only – 18 yr. minimum. ID required.

Visit JazzMaui.org for more information. (text) 808-283-3576

“A Musical Tribute to Black History Month”, a retrospective of classic African American inspired music performed by some of Maui’s most accomplished musicians. The dinner show, a benefit for music education programs, is being held on Saturday, February 20, at the Empanada Lady Restaurant in Wailuku. The show features music by Sal Godinez, Ron Metoyer, Jesse Smith, Jay Molina, Tanama Colibri, Sarah Black and Prem Brosio along with poetry by Bryant Neal and Ayin Adams.

Times for the two dinner show seatings are 5PM and 7:30PM. Show tickets are $10 and are available at Jazzmaui.org. Seating is limited and table reservations may be made by calling (808) 868-4544. This event is semi-outdoor with socially-distanced Covid-19 policies in effect for your protection and comfort. Adults only, 18 year minimum, ID required.

Pianist and vocalist Sal Godinez has been tickling the ivories on Maui for years and has played with some of Hawaii’s most popular entertainers including Amy Hanaialii Gillom and Melveen Leed. Coming from a musical family, Sal spends his days composing, rehearsing and performing.

Originally from Oakland, California, guitarist and vocalist Ron Metoyer was a member and songwriter for Rhythm Riot and released a self-titled LP on the San Francisco-based Infransonic records. He moved to Maui in 1983 yet left soon afterward to tour with platinum-selling Canadian rock artist Kenny Shields. Upon his return to Maui he has become a regular performer with his band, The R. E. Metoyer Blues, Rock &Soul Revue since 2011 and the Island Soul Band since 2015.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Jesse Smith began playing drums at the age of four. He feels his experience is too extensive to list but is always happy to answer any questions. As a drummer, he continues to pursue his primary goal of playing with sensitivity and taste.

Jay Molina has a long history of outstanding musical collaboration in his home state of Hawaii-from Music Magic to Asian Blend, one of the State’s most popular event and nightclub bands, to Slam featuring David Choy. Most recently he can be seen playing bass with his son Andrew, a well-known ukulele player, here in the Islands and traveling the world.

Sarah Black is a contemporary jazz and soul vocalist from the West Coast who got her professional start in San Diego. She spent years visiting Maui and recently moved to the island to be closer to her family as she pursues a remote graduate degree in psychology. Sarah’s vocal style is greatly influenced by gospel and soul traditions and she layers modern, jazz and neo-soul styles to create her unique sound.

Prem Brosio is a professional guitarist and music educator from Maui. He studied jazz guitar in Switzerland and earned a Bachelor of Education in Music from UH Manoa. Prem currently calls Maui his home and is where he spends his time teaching and (since Covid) making music online.

Singer, songwriter, author and poet, Tanama Colibri is of Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. Her multi-lingual and experimental style encompasses world, pop, spoken word and soul which she expresses with authenticity and fervor. Tanama attended the Edgard Varese Conservatory of Music in Paris studying Afro-Cuban percussion. She opened for world-renowned Katie Thiroux Trio during the 2017 Jazz Maui Music Festival and in 2018 was a guest singer with trumpeter Mike Lewis at the Blue Note Hawaii. Tanama is presently working on a new EP and performs weekly at family-owned Empanada Lady Restaurant.

The Empanada Lady restaurant, located at 2119 W. Vineyard Street in Wailuku, offers traditional Caribbean food from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica using fresh ingredients and exotic flavors.

Jazz Maui, a nonproft organization, provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances for students of all ages. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Jazz Maui presented live festivals, clinics and workshops and now offers them virtually, creating a venue for student performers to learn from and establish connections with music professionals. For more information, visit jazz maui.org.

Dinner reservations required.
Get Tickets at Jazzmaui.org
Call (808) 868-4544 for table reservation.

Semi-outdoor event – socially distanced. Covid-19 policies in effect for your protection & comfort. 2119 W. Vineyard St. in Wailuku.

Tickets are $10 for the music portion at jazzmaui.org and benefit “Virtual Jazz in the Schools”. Adults only – 18 yr. minimum. ID required. Visit JazzMaui.org for more information. (Text) 808-283-3576

A night of Eric and Nat’s favorite romantic tunes put together for this special event.

Special 3 course Valentine’s dinner with a glass of champagne. $75 pp ( gratuity included)

PERFORMER BIOS

Eric Gilliom is an award-winning musician and entertainer whose multi-hyphenate talents have taken him from his roots in Hawaii to performing live on the stages of Broadway, the Grammy Awards and into the mainstream through his various concerts and appearances in films and television.

He is currently the lead singer of Mick Fleetwood’s Island Rumours Band, based on the island of Maui. As a native Hawaiian singer, songwriter, and musician, he’s won the Hoku Award (Hawaiian Grammy) for Best Album with his partner Willie K as ‘The Barefoot Natives.’

His versatility allows him to sing everything from Rock, Soul, R&B to Hawaiian and Broadway show tunes. He has played with and opened for a who’s who of musical legends including Earth Wind & Fire, Steven Tyler, John Legend, Willie Nelson, Jamie Foxx, Michael McDonald, Dave Mason, Dave Koz and Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers just to name a few.

A graduate of the Goodman School in Chicago, as an actor, singer and performer, he’s worked with Debbie Allen on Broadway (Carrie & TV’s Fame,) in television on The Jamie Foxx Show, and on the big screen with Gene Hackman in Hoosiers, and starred in the award-winning comedy Get A Job.

Currently, Eric is playing and touring with Barry Flanagan of HAPA and writing his one man show which is set to hit the road this fall

Dr. Nat

For over 30 years on Maui, Dr. Nat has been a physician by day and a musician by night. A Naturopathic physician, Dr. Nat specializes in Regenerative and Physical medicine. As a musician, Dr. Nat feels grateful to have evolved in his music by having had the opportunity to play and grow with many of the island’s talented artists.

Born in Argentina to Chilean and American parents, Latin music has always touched a part of his soul. He started the band “Dr. Nat and Rio Ritmo” in 1998, a source of Latin rhythms and dance for the Maui community to enjoy for over two decades. While delighted to play Cuban salsa and Brazilian samba all night, he also loves any chance to play Funk, Reggae, Rock, and Jazz as well.

Together these “Brothers From Another Mother” have been affiliated at different times in different projects for 30 years most memorably playing the roles of Dr. Frankenfurter and Rocky in the various Maui Rocky Horror Show incarnations.

Dinner reservations required.
Get Tickets at Jazzmaui.org
Call (808) 868-4544 for table reservation.

Semi-outdoor event – socially distanced. Covid-19 policies in effect for your protection & comfort. 2119 W. Vineyard St. in Wailuku.

Tickets are $75 for dinner and show at jazzmaui.org and benefit “Virtual Jazz in the Schools”. Adults only – 18 yr. minimum. ID required. Visit JazzMaui.org for more information. (Text) 808-283-3576

Jazz Maui is pleased to present a new dinner show series showcasing some of Maui’s best musicians at the Empanada Lady restaurant in Wailuku Town.

“We are excited to offer music of this caliber while enjoying great food in an intimate covid safe environment..”  Bryant Neal, founder Jazz Maui

Jazz Maui is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for participation in high quality music education and performances and is supported by, Arts Education for Children Group, and Makana Aloha Foundation.

PERFORMER BIOS

Phil Smith – Phil has been performing and recording for over six decades as a Master Woodwind Musician. He has a lifetime of experience playing all the saxophones and in addition, plays a superb clarinet and has a rich baritone voice for vocals and funny Cajun stories. Phil Smith’s passion includes playing all styles of jazz, rhythm ’n blues, latin, swing, and danceable classics.

Phil’s talents have been sought after for performance and recording by such notable talent as: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bloomfield, Charlie Rich, Dinah Shore, Joe Williams, Johnny Mathis, Big Joe Turner, San Francisco Medicine Ball Band, Bourbon Street Irregulars, Cami Thompson, Vic Damone, Edy Gorme, Mac Davis, Henry Mancini, Doc Severenson, Earl “Fatha” Hines, Michael Buble, Englebert Humperdinck, The Smothers Brothers, Buddy Morrow, Claude Thornhill, Les Elgart, and Willie K to name a few.

Pianist, Brian Cuomo has been a major player on the Maui music scene for over 30 years.  Arriving on Maui from New York, he has accompanied Bill Perkins,  Etta James and Freda Payne on piano and has created arrangements for Martha Valez, Inter Gallactic Touring Band, Eon and Fireballet.

Jesse Smith – Born and raised in Hawaii, Jesse began playing drums at the age of 4. Although extensive, rather than listing his experiences, he is ‘always happy’ to entertain any questions. As a drummer, his primary goal is to play with sensitivity, taste and to never be offensive.

Sarah Black is a contemporary jazz and soul vocalist from the West Coast who got her professional start in San Diego and Southern California. Sarah has spent years visiting Maui and moved to the island last year to be closer to her family as she pursues a remote graduate degree in psychology.

While in San Diego, Sarah was recognized as a new premier vocalist and performed in the Young Lions Series put on by internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. Sarah’s vocal style is greatly influenced by gospel and soul traditions, and she layers modern, jazz and neo-soul styles to create her unique sound.

Dinner reservations required.
Call (808) 868-4544 for table reservation.

Music begins at 6:00pm. Semi-outdoor event – socially distanced.
Covid-19 policies in effect for your protection & comfort. 2119 W. Vineyard St. in Wailuku.

Tickets are $10 for the music portion at jazzmaui.org and benefit “Virtual Jazz in the Schools” – Adults only – 18 yr. minimum. ID required. (text) 808-283-3576