[REGGAE] What do you call a Hawaiian girl without a boyfriend? Brah-less. What do you call a surfer without a girlfriend? Homeless. What do you call six local braddahs playing straight old roots-styley music and makin’ it sound cherry? Inna Vision. This group of 20-somethings—Cody “Koko” Nemit (vocals), Curtis “Mr.83” Helm (vocals), David Bailey (drums), Jason Pokipala (guitar), Rojah Mon (Keyboard) and Koa Lopes (bass)—has only been together for about seven months but they’ve already played with Alpha Blondy and even opened for Midnite on their very first show. Nemit and Lopes had been jammin’ together for years until last summer, when they decided it was time to start a new project. So Lopes gathered up the rest of the fellas based on their raw talent as well as their passion for the music. According to him, “It’s conscious roots music. We have songs about love, everyone can relate to love. There are some militant style rebel songs as well, about life’s struggles.” Inna Vision doesn’t want to sound like anyone else, that’s why they manage themselves and play either their own originals or covers of old, old roots tunes that you won’t be hearing on the radio. But how do six people just cruise together, problem free? “It’s not for the fame. It’s not for the chicks. We’re all just here for the music. We all share the same vision. That’s why we’re Inna Vision”, says Koa. So what lies ahead for the band? They’d like to make it big enough to play at Reggae on the River. And this summer they’ll be making their CD of all original tracks straight from Lopes’ studio, Cultural Vision Maui. Until then, catch ‘em live at the Bob Marley fest this Sunday, at Unisan (March 10) or Lahaina Civic (April 1). And if you want a sample disc, they sometimes have them so you should definitely ask. Lopes’s been known to get one out of his own car stereo to hook a fan up. The second annual Marley Fest ’06, a celebration of the life and music of Bob Marley, is featuring Gregory Isaacs & the Live Wyya Band, Morgan Heritage, Ooklah the Moc, Inna Vision and more. Gates open at 4 p.m. Tickets: $26 advance, $31 day of show. Call 242-7469. [HEIDI KING]
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