August 15 is Admission Day, the day Hawaii was declared the 50th state. Many of us will have the day off, leaving work/school behind to frolic is the surf, sand and sun. Of course, spending the day at the beach is all well and good, but you know what would end your Admission Day holiday perfectly? A rocking concert at the Lahaina Civic Center. Here’s a quick guide for your aural pleasure, along with a state of origin.
Toronto, Canada isn’t even part of the United States. The entire theme of this article would have been completely thrown off if Battle of the Bands winner Erin Smith didn’t also call Kihei home. Her bluesy-jazzy vocals range form a soothing lullaby to a rambling, whiskey-filled night. Erin comes from a very musical background, having bands in both Maui and Toronto. That isn’t even mentioning her many other musical exploits, such as singing with Kanoa and Byron Brown. As the Battle of the Bands winner, it will be her responsibility to open for featured musicians, 311. Something tells me she’ll do just fine. Of course, it helps that she’s cute.
California was admitted as the 31st state in the Union. Its largest cities are Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and San Diego. Augustana, recently added to the playbill, hails from San Diego. You might know them from their 2005 single, “Boston.” They recently released their 2008 album, Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt in April. Their music is decidedly whimsical, with faint traces of melancholy. Kind of like a bridesmaid fantasizing about picking out china patterns at her true love’s wedding. This isn’t to say they’re pansies. Their rhythms are solid and the lead singer’s vocal range is impressive.
Nebraska was admitted as the 37th state. Some people might be wondering, “Why should I care about Nebraska?” Well, oddly enough, for all their ska-rock tunes, which bring to mind big wave riding and days spent at the beach, 311 originates from Omaha, Nebraska. Moreover, the band name refers to a skinny-dipping incident, in which a former member was charged with indecent exposure and escorted back home, clad in nothing but handcuffs. 311 is the headlining band amidst these stately shenanigans. I’m sure you’re all aware of this, but 311 has been wildly successful in its musical endeavors, which include more than 10 albums with another one due out in 2009.
With all of this excitement, I wonder if the boys from 311 will have time to surf? I mean, Nebraska means “flat water.” For all their globetrotting (they were in Japan last week), the waves of Maui must be alluring. Hey, it might not be their state’s admission day, but there’s a reason to celebrate.
Don’t stay home; sometimes, it’s okay to go a little crazy. With a musical line-up like this, the bands are bound to do you right. Unlike 311’s song, they won’t be here a while. So unless you want a sad state written on your face, it’d be best to buy a ticket now. MTW
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