E-40 WITH NUMP TRUMP
» When: 11 p.m. Thursday
» Where: The Crown, 1837 Kapiolani Blvd.
» Tickets: $45-$150; 943-1700 or flavorus.com
Without the NFL Pro Bowl to help attract more of his fans to Honolulu, I’m worried the crowd will be a bit lacking at The Crown when Bay Area rap legend E-40 returns to Honolulu on Thursday. Still, it’s the night before a holiday, and 40 has always enjoyed a warm welcome during previous visits. This time he’s in town to support his 2013 album, "The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 4," with help from Filipino-American hip-hop artist Nump Trump.
MAYJAH RAYJAH 2014
» When: 4 p.m. July 25-26
» Where: Waikiki Shell
» Tickets: $29-$120; 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com
Now that the annual KCCN FM-100 Birthday Bash is gone, the title of Biggest Summer Concert of the Year is a toss-up between the Raymond "Ray Jr." Ho Jr.-produced MayJah RayJah and BAMP Project’s Republik Summer Music Festival, which was held June 8 at Kakaako Waterfront Park.
Ho consistently strives to outdo himself, so this year’s two-day event at the Waikiki Shell shouldn’t disappoint. J Boog will headline the first night, with support from more than two dozen opening acts that include Nesian N.I.N.E., Hot Rain, Backward Shaka, Ikena Dupont and DJ Osna. The following evening, Shaggy returns to Honolulu and will be joined by Anuhea, Kapena, Bo Napoleon, Sammy J and others.
The party doesn’t stop on Oahu, however. The MayJah RayJah will stage concurrent shows on Maui the same two nights, with the Saturday night Oahu lineup playing Maui on Friday night and vice versa.
For a full list of performers and details on special advance ticket deals, visit the MayJah RayJah Facebook page or mayjahrayjah.com.
JACK JOHNSON
» When: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1-2
» Where: Waikiki Shell
» Tickets: Sold out
Sadly, unless you’re one of the 17,000 or so lucky fans with tickets to Jack Johnson’s pair of August concerts at the Waikiki Shell, the only way you’ll hear the North Shore resident and international music star with opening act Michael Kiwanuka is to camp out in Kapiolani Park. Proceeds will benefit Johnson’s Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation.
Born in London to Ugandan parents, Kiwanuka grew up a fan of ’90s rock and grunge before his own music took him in a more acoustic direction. His debut album, "Home Again," was released in 2012; he followed that up with the single "You’ve Got Nothing to Lose" in February.
BACK IN THE DAY WITH KAPONO AND FRIENDS
» When: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 23
» Where: Waikiki Shell
» Tickets: $29-$150, VIP packages available; backinthedayhawaii.com.
The Waikiki Shell will wrap up a busy stretch of summer shows when Henry Kapono headlines an all-star lineup of local musicians during Back in the Day Hawai‘i on Aug. 23. The concert, presented by Oceanic Time Warner Cable, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts, Alaska Airlines and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, will serve as a benefit for Make-a-Wish Hawaii.
Joining Kapono will be a virtual who’s who of Hawaiian music: Kalapana, Jerry Santos, Brother Noland, Keola Beamer, Robert Cazimero, Willie K, John Cruz, Amy Hanaiali‘i, Robi Kahakalau, Sean Na‘auao, Ledward Kaapana, Mike Kaawa and Raiatea Helm.
COURTNEY LOVE
» When: 8 p.m. Aug. 26
» Where: The Republik, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd.
» Tickets: $40; 941-7469, bampproject.com.
Courtney Love returns to Honolulu on Aug. 26 at The Republik. Starting with Hole in 1989, Love, now 49, has been an indelible part of the American rock landscape for 25 years. She’s worked as a solo artist for more than a decade, although Hole did resurface with a new lineup and album in 2010. Love, who also has made her mark as an actress and author, released a new single, "You Know My Name," last month.
» For more coverage of Hawaii’s music, food and nightlife scene, visit honolulupulse.com
