Kenny G tops music club’s grand opening

New Waikiki jazz club Blue Note Hawaii will bring out some top names to help open the room that used to showcase the Society of Seven.

Following a series of soft-opening events from Dec. 28 through Jan. 10, American Music Award-winning recording artist Kenny G will play two shows daily from Jan. 14 through 17.

“With the opening of Blue Note Hawaii, the next chapter begins,” said Outrigger Enterprises Group President and CEO David Carey in a statement. “Music lovers from around the world can look forward to the perfect melding of the best in island talent with world-renowned musicians.”

The soft opening will feature Maya Azucena, a regular performer at Blue Note’s New York flagship club. The 9,000-square-foot space with seating for 300 at the Outrigger Waikiki will feature Jake Shimabukuro as its first local entertainer, on Jan. 1 and 2. The Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans will perform Jan. 11 through 13.

Other upcoming performances include the Roy Hargrove Quartet (Jan. 18-23), Earl Klugh (Jan. 26-31), Roberta Gambarini (Feb. 2-7), Dee Dee Bridgewater (Feb. 9-14), Joe Robinson (Feb. 23-24), John Scofield &Joe Lovano Quartet (March 1-6) and the Pedrito Martinez Group (March 8-13).

Blue Note Hawaii will offer two shows nightly with a 15 percent discount on tickets for Hawaii residents and military. Call 777-4890 or visit bluenotehawaii.com for more information and to purchase tickets.