Jazz Maui presents Sunset Jazz featuring SHELL YEAH, a quartet of Maui musicians including vocalist Sheryl Renee, guitarist Shawn McLaughlin, U-bass and bassist Barney Cortez, and drummer and cajon player Ian Hollingsworth. The group brings a fun and soulful flavor to cover popular songs that range from standards to dance hits. They have built an impressive following with those who love to call out “SHELL YEAH’.
Always an audience favorite, Sheryl Renee’s dynamic versatility comes from a lifetime in and around the entertainment business. She moves effortlessly between music genres, artistic avenues, and her entrepreneurial pursuits. She is a vocalist, actress, entertainer, and producer. Known as the “Lady with a Golden Voice” she has shared the stage with some of the best talent in the world including Candi Staton, Larry Dunn, Freda Payne, String Cheese Incident, The Contribution, and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra conducted by the late Marvin Hamlisch. Sheryl performed the national anthem for President Barack Obama and her vocals have been featured on countless recordings and commercials. She recently won the 2024 Broadway World/Hawaii Best Cabaret/ Concert, for “Sheryl Renee Salutes” tribute show series at the ProArts Playhouse, which is sponsored by Jazz Maui, ProArts Playhouse and Sheryl Renee Productions.
Originally from Los Angeles, bassist Barney Cortinez is a bassist, vocalist, guitarist. In 1999, Barney and his wife moved to Maui and fell in love with the island feel. One of his first music opportunities on Maui led him to a solo gig on a dinner cruise. Over the years, Barney was a member of various groups on Maui including Gina Martinelli, Jimmy Mac & the Kool Kats, Bad Kitty and Island Soul band.
Drummer Ian Hollingsworth, originally from Pennsylvania, backed several groups but it was with The Throwdowns, an American Canadian pop-island-reggae-dance band from Maui that he would enjoy his greatest success. The band released their first album, entitled Legs Of Our Own, on August 6, 2011. The Throwdowns were nominated for two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaiian Grammys). Today Ian is owner of the award-winning Imagine-It Builders, known to build some of the most stunning homes on Maui.
Also born in Pennsylvania but raised in California, guitarist Shawn McLaughlin has lived on Maui since 1980.Shawn is a recording producer and composer, has played at many of the best-known venues around Maui with most of the island’s musicians and vocalists.