Ka Leo Blogs

So, not only is Jack Johnson a good musician, but he is a good guy. This year marked the fifth Kokua Festival and brought together some of today’s talented artists (two of which played their first show in Hawaii last weekend) and local organizations benefiting a great cause, the education of kids and the community on the environmental impact we have on this island and on our planet.

I was out in Kapiolani park on Saturday night, along with many other fans who didn’t get tickets to the sold-out event. While the sound isn’t as clear, a seat in the park was definitely adequate for listening and dancing. Plus, watching the full moon appear out of a glow from behind Diamond Head was the most beautiful scene I have witnessed in quite some time.

Getting there just in time for Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds to play, I missed not only 3 great sets I’m sure, but apparently the fence between the back of the venue and the park got knocked over somehow…a rushing mob of mischievous fans, perhaps? Don’t take my word for it though, it is just speculation on my part.

This was my first opportunity to hear Matthews and Reynolds play together since the last time Live at Luther College Disc 1 made it into rotation on my much-neglected portable CD player. Even without One Sweet World played in either of their sets last weekend, the live recording does no justice for this duo when you are actually hearing them play together…LIVE. For Matthews’ first show in Hawaii no less. Playing many DMB hits like Crash Into Me, Don’t Drink the Water, Ants Marching, Crush, Two Step, Dancing Nancies and Tripping Billies, among others–they played over an hour each night– the highlight for me was Gravedigger, no doubt. Plus, Reynolds’ solo reinforced all those compliments about being a master of his trade. I have to admit, as much fun as a DMB show is (and, yes, I have been to my fair share of those, too) I absolutely love the Matthews/Reynolds collaboration. What took so long?! Better late than never I suppose.

Mason Jennings, Minneapolis-based musician born in Honolulu, returned for the first time in over 20 years to play his first show in Hawaii. I had the opportunity to interview him last week by phone, and I have to say he is probably one of the most genuine people I have interviewed in my budding journalism career. It was like talking to a friend about something they love–in this case, music and the environment–which eased my nerves very early in the conversation. Like all the other artists at the festival, Jennings’ records do no justice to his musicianship and live performance, even when stopping mid-song to re-tune his guitar. Live, his sound is even more reminiscent of Bob Dylan than his CDs suggest. Listening to him play took me back to a time when music was more raw; when boys didn’t wear eyeliner and skintight pants and sing songs with 14-word titles to screaming hormonal teens. I admire his ability to attract audiences of varying ages and generally varied musical tastes. I think with all of the artists at the festival, the common factor is their ability to close the ever-expanding generational gap and produce music that kids can listen to with their parents–even their grandparents (…maybe).

Paula Fuga and Go Jimmy Go rounded out the lineup with a little bit of local flare. Paula’s sweet voice has so much power behind it, and you can see it in her face when she sings that it is from the soul. And local ska band GJG had the high-energy performance of the night, complete with lots of jumping around onstage and a tattooed brass section that knows how to groove.

North Shore’s own Jack Johnson played a nice mix of old and new songs both nights. Flake, Bubble Toes and Banana Pancakes both nights, with Angel, All At Once and If I had Eyes. Sleep Through the Static, Mud Football, Wasting Time, Breakdown, Inaudible Melodies, Better Together and Taylor were just a few of his other hits played. The addition of ALO’s Zach Gill on keyboards gave me a whole new perspective on Jack Johnson’s music. His bluesy-pop undertones (think Ben Folds) give a little bit of edge to Johnson’s typical mellow surfer vibe, apparent not only in the songs off Johnson’s latest album, but even on his older stuff. Gill and Johnson’s personalities work well together onstage as well, making it a fun experience for all.

As was the case last year, and I am sure in previous years, Jack Johnson invited the other acts onstage with him for some killer collaborations, like he and Mason Jennings on Jennings’ Living in the Moment. Or Jimmy Buffett’s A Pirate Looks at Forty with Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds. And, of course, The 3R’s, Johnson’s take on that old School House Rocks favorite Three is a Magic Number, with the entire lineup of artists onstage for the final song each night. I have to admit I was pretty stoked when I heard Matt Costa Saturday night, and they even played Sunshine, which left me disappointed on Sunday when Costa did not join Johnson at all. Oh well.

The eco village was so busy every time I tried to walk around. I didn’t see a booth without inquiring festival-goers, and each was manned with well-informed members of each organization ready to answer any questions you had. The lines for the delicious organic dishes from places like Down to Earth were seemingly endless. I just hope people take the information they received and actually implement at least one positive change into their lifestyles, whether it is participating in beach clean-ups, recycling, eating organic foods or even donating to a green cause. Every conscious effort made by an individual to do something good for the environment has an impact, I just don’t think enough people realize the power of a million individuals doing just one good thing. It adds up!