THURSDAY-FRIDAY
>> Multitalented saxophonist Polson eases through town
Jazz saxophonist Kenney Polson drops by from Portland, Ore., for a swing through the local jazz scene.
The saxophonist, below, is an acclaimed performer and teacher, having performed with Kenny Burrell, David Sanborn and Wynton Marsalis, among many great artists. Early in his career, he worked extensively in South America, teaching in Colombia and living for a while in Brazil, where the great Antonio Carlos Jobim was one of his neighbors.
He’s covered a range of musical genres, from R&B to hip-hop to straight-ahead jazz — but most recently he’s recorded some fine smooth jazz albums, which complement his warm sound. His most recent album is “For Lovers Only,” released in February.
Polson’s preferred instrument is the alto sax, but for “For Lovers Only,” he also played soprano sax, bass clarinet and keyboards.
KENNEY POLSON
>> Where: Jazz Minds Honolulu, 1661 Kapiolani Blvd.
>> When: 7 p.m. Thursday
>> Cost: $15
>> Info: 485-9264, jazzhonolulu.com
>> Note: Also 7:30 p.m. Friday at Medici’s, Manoa Marketplace; $20, honolulumusicat medicis.com or 779-5363, and at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Aug. 1 at Blue Note Hawaii, $25-$45, bluenotehawaii.com or 777-4890
FRIDAY
>> ARTafterDARK takes to the waves
With the Honolulu Surf Film Festival still going strong at the Honolulu Museum of Art – screenings continue until Aug. 4 – what better way to take in the museum’s other offerings at a surf-themed ARTafterDARK?
This month’s art event, themed “Summer of Love,” is intended to be a nostalgic look at the surf culture of the ’60s and ’70s. So bring out those colorful surf jams, the tie-dyed sundresses and drop in. Photographer Dave Miyamoto will be on hand with a 3-D backdrop from Curate Decor & Design to catch you riding the wave of fun in the sun.
Entertainment for the evening includes street artists from Pow! Wow! Hawaii decorating boards, and music by DJ Mermaid and contemporary island musician Elijah Sky. The surf film festival will also be screening Zak Noyle’s “Rising Tide.”
Take in some art, as well. The museum will have docents on hand to provide background at exhibits. “21st Century Women” features contemporary artists addressing the #MeToo movement, gender identity and self-representation. In “Melissa Chimera: Migrant,” the Hawaii island artist explores her Lebanese and Filipino roots. “Marian Bijlenga: Constellation — drawing in space” features the Dutch artist’s use of fiber, thread or horsehair to create wispy sculptures that play with light and space.
ARTAFTERDARK: “SUMMER OF LOVE”
>> Where: Honolulu Museum of Art
>> When: 6 p.m. Friday
>> Cost: $30 (free for members)
>> Info: 532-6097, honolulumuseum.org
SATURDAY
>> Renowned DJ to bring light to darkness of occult masked ball
Feeling lucky this weekend?
Even if not, you can still take your chances at the 8th annual Venetian Mask Ball this weekend, where you can get your fortune told. The event, hosted DJ Nocturna, has a mystical theme, celebrating the ancient festival celebrated in Venice, Italy, where people don masks to hide their identity and let loose their inhibitions.
This evening features a specially produced DJ set of evocative “soundscapes” and “dreamscapes” created especially for live club play by John Fryer, above right, original member of the moody, dream-pop music collective This Mortal Coil. Fryer is one of the most acclaimed electronic music producers of the last 30 years, having worked with artists including Depeche Mode, Sarah McLachlan and Nine Inch Nails.
“It sounds like the whole evening will be fantastic,” Fryer said. “We’re really looking forward to getting dressed up, playing the music, hiding behind the mask.”
Tarot card readers Loretta Sofia Tarot of Seattle and TC Luckey of Hawaii will be on hand to foretell your future, if you dare, while Violetta Beretta appears with dance troupe Cherry Blossom Cabaret. Shakti Dance Movement and several bellydancers also will provide their own brand of daring entertainment.
Wear a mask to join in the spirit of the event, or come in full costume and take part in the contest for Most Original Interpretation of a Tarot Card.
8TH ANNUAL VENETIAN MASK BALL
>> Where: Nextdoor, 43 N. Hotel St.
>> When: 9 p.m. Saturday
>> Cost: $30
>> Info: djnocturna.com
MONDAY-TUESDAY
>> Ohio Players got that walk, bring that talk
“Fiii-yuh!”
Doesn’t take much more than that to “knock you to your knees,” does it? That’s what will happen when the Ohio Players, one of the quintessential funk bands of the ’70s, comes to Blue Note Hawaii.
The group turned out a string of fun, funky hits, many of them driven by a catchy baselines by bassist Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner and an energetic, joyful presentation that made everyone want to dance, no matter what your groove. (“Fire,” while topping the Billboard Top 100 and soul charts, also hit No. 10 on the disco charts.)
The band has had numerous members over the decades, but its sound created by longtime members like James “Diamond” Williams (drums), Billy Beck (keyboards), Clarence Willis (guitar) and Robert Kuumba (percussion) lives on in hits like “Love Rollercoaster,” “Skin Tight” and “Funky Worm,” which have been sampled by modern-day artists including Snoop Dogg, Puff Daddy, Soundgarden and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
THE OHIO PLAYERS
>> Where: Blue Note Hawaii
>> Cost: $55-$75
>> When: 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
>> Info: 777-4890, bluenotehawaii.com
For more events in Honolulu, visit staradvertiser.com/calendar.
