On the Scene with Jeannette Trevias

Jeannette Trevias fell in love with the piano when she was 3. Trevias’ talent shaped her life — playing most sports was forbidden because of the risk to her hands, but she became a prize-winning teenage pianist, studied music at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, and became a professional musician.

And then Filipino superstar Martin Nievera asked her to be the musical director for his American tour. Trevias played the tour, fell in love with a Filipino-American musician, and, after four years of a long-distance relationship, left Manila for Honolulu in 1993. The move led to a marriage that eventually ended, but she’s been a full-time working musician here ever since.

Trevias, 56, returns as the headliner Monday at the Blue Note Hawaii.

JOHN BERGER: How often do you play at the Blue Note?

JEANETTE TREVIAS: This is my second time being featured. Usually I’m playing at Blue Note backing up people but Mama Cha (Thompson) asked me. It’s her fault!

JB: How did you get involved with the Society of Seven?

JT: The first time, the keyboard player, Roy Guerzo, had to go home because his mom passed away. I had to do everything Roy did, so we had rehearsal for three hours right after their show, and then I had to play the next day! I was just going to play (keyboards) and then (SOS leader) Uncle Tony (Ruivivar) said “Come do the skits with us, come dance with me,” so I did.

JB: You are the only woman I’ve seen work with either version of the Society of Seven as a full member of the group alongside the guys. The other women who worked with them would do a song or two with the SOS backing them and then go back in the dressing room. When you were working with the younger SOS group — the SOS-Las Vegas — you did everything they did and were out there for the entire show. How did that happen?

JT: The SOS-LV had been practicing for about three months and Uncle Tony called me again. They had to open in two weeks and it wasn’t working, and they needed (someone) to whip them into shape. That was me. Doing the show — the skits, the dancing, the (celebrity) impressions — with the guys was fun.

JB: Is there something you miss about the Philippines?

JT: I miss the nightlife. By 11 p.m. or 1 a.m. everything is done here. And I miss my musician friends over there, but when they come here it’s fun.

JB: What is something about you that would surprise people?

JT: I was a cheerleader in high school, and I love playing drums. When I was in the Honolulu band and the boys were up front doing their Village People medley, I was in the back playing drums.

JB: What do you like to do when you’re not working?

JT: I like to go shopping, and go eat with my girlfriends — and I go to the gym as much as I can. I like spontaneity. Nothing planned. Once you plan something it never happens.

JB: If you could have one wish fulfilled what would it be?

JT: For (Grammy Award-winning record producer) Quincy Jones to notice me. I’m a fan. He can produce me or he can train me or anything.

JB: What’s your next big project after Monday?

JT: I’m recording (a CD) with Johnny Valentine producing it.