So its about a week into the Right Love Tour... its our first day off and I'm catching up on the pic/vid/vlog update-age.
After Seattle and the amazing hot dogs, we bounced down to Oregon for our show at Pacific University. I was very excited to see my sister who's a student there, and everyone else in my mainland family.... plus college shows are always a blast! The place was RAGING! Its like the kids hadn't seen a good reggae show in months! So much good feedback and aloha.
Got to have a drink with the mom, she finally met JP and Warren and the rest of my main peeps in real life, and we had a drink with her and her coworkers and my uncle at a local pub. Dropped off my suitcase of Hawaiian snacks and goodies (mochi crunch, shrimp chips, li hing mui gummies, iso peanuts, etc.) to my sis, and then we had to bounce to the city by the bay!!!
Our show in San Francisco was killer! Pulling into that city was the best feeling ever! The Broadway Studios was such a rad venue, so much character... and i got my own little green room to chill in. We also had enough time to run down to the Pier and get some classic SF seafood!!!
The turnout was great! Ikaikas sister and his family came out, lots of classmates, and random fans as well. We actually had the option for peeps to buy a ticket to come early, cruize with us for dinner and chatting, and I met a friend (Shanna) who I only knew on Twitter until then! Another testament that Twitter is the shit.... :)
We stayed there that night, then headed out the next morning to San Jose. It was freeeezing in SJ! We checked into our awesome hotel, The Fairmont San Jose and I called dibs on sleeping in the room that night! Sound checked then started the show. It was an awesome venue... it was a Sunday night, so we didn't know what to expect with the turnout for our first time, but there was a lot of good vibes! The Bay area got mad love for reggae and island influence music... much love.
THAT night however, I was trying to be funny and I started to run alongside the equipment truck with everyone inside as it was cruising down the street. I ended up twisting my ankle in a pot hole and going DOWN. My ankle felt BROKEN! Was so insanely sore... I was carried into the Taqueria where everyone was teasing me as I cried, then hobbled back to hotel where I got hooked up with a wheelchair. Sleeping that night was painful. No painkiller (other than a couple of shots of Crown Royal) and no compression. I needed to get to Rite Aid or something pronto.
Next day we were heading to San Luis Obispo, but not before a heavy WalMart stop. I still couldn't walk, and needed some stuff to make me better. So JP hooked me up with a motorized wheelchair and I got my shopping done. Ace Bandages, Aleve, Icy Hot, and ice packs. It was very humbling being in that wheel chair. Hard work. Makes me thankful for everything I may take for granted at times.
We arrived in FREEZING SLO and unloaded our stuff at Downtown Brew. Again, a Monday night we weren't sure about, but we were greeted with posters of mine lined throughout the venue, and a bunch of fans waiting in the upstairs restaurant for us to start! Great vibes, and a bunch of our Santa Barbara peeps came over for this show. Can't wait to return on a weekend and just RAGE it. Awesome show in SLO.. thanks to Korey and the crew!!
It was off on the bus again the next morning to Los Angeles which brings me to YESTERDAY. Last nights show at The Mint was amazing... one of our best so far ever. It was a very important show to me, not just because there were a lot of big wigs in the house, but also because I had played The Mint about 8 months ago, and it wasn't a homerun for me personally as a performer. I just really wanted to knock it out of the park at that legendary awesome LA venue, and I think last night we succeeded. I Love playing with The Green... they are some of my best friends so being up there is just millions of times more comfortable. Makes a huge difference.
The band that played with us in San Francisco and here in LA was this band SAGE. You guys gotta check them out! Super interesting sound, like Pepper and Jake Shimabukuro put together!
After the show was over we all just hung out and enjoyed our Kona Beers that the Kona Brewing Company hooked up for us!
Anyway, so right now me brad and JP are in the back of the bus watching "Longest Yard". Prolly gonna watch 3D Alice in Wonderland later tonight with everyone! Don't want to overdo it tonight, our first night off since the Right Love Tour started. Tomorrow we bussing it super early to the OC area and playing at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.
We're having a hard time getting everyone's videos from their Vado to this site, just because things have been so hectic! But I'm working on it slowly but surely... and be sure to check my first edited video Vlog here on this page.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO THURSDAY!!! SAN DIEGO FRIDAY! ARIZONA SATURDAY AND SUNDAY!!!
Aloha always,
Anuhea
Pepper supports the Anu-Nation! ;)
posted: 3/10/2010
Check out this video that the boys from Pepper made promotin the show in San Juan Capistrano! So rad...
Seattle in the books! Now on the trail blazing to Oregon!
posted: 3/8/2010
Official day one of our Right Love Tour was all that I imagined it would be... with a few crazy twists to keep it exciting!
We woke up at the hotel had some breakfast at a local by-the-airport-diner called Dave's Diner, then packed up our hotel. Waited anxiously for our bus to arrive, and finally it pulls up! It was so much better than we expected... leather couches, 2 flat screen tvs, wifi, 12 beds, full fridge, etc etc.... so lush and so pimp. We picked our bunks and semi settled in. Still missing our 7 bags, I realized I had to rock the show without my hat that night... Brad hit up Urban Outfitters since most of his clothes were lost in the air.
We did a small in-store performance at Silver Platters Record Store at around 530. Met a few girls from Lanai and some other locals. Then we zoomed back to Chop Suey for soundcheck.
Chop Suey was a hip lil venue and we were greeted by the local band Island Bound (comprised of mostly peeps who lived/has family in Hawaii). Once the doors opened it started getting flooded with local peeps... lots of flowers in the ears, Maui Built shirts and hats, college kids and young local music lovers wide. So stoked with the turnout.
We slept for our first night on the bus as it was parked behind the venue, after having one of the most amazing late-night-hot dogs (made with grilled onions and cream cheese!) As I was falling asleep we would all look at eachother and just stop and realize... OH MY GOD we're on our tourbus, on tour, playing music every night!!! HOW stoked are we.
Woke up the next day later than everyone, and we were at the Seattle airport FINALLY picking up our lost luggage. Once we got that down, we stopped at a grocery store to meet Warren and grab some stuff for the bus. As we were pulling away, JP gets a call from Shniggs. Yup, sure enough we accidentally left him in the parking lot! LOL... had to get Julie out of bed and pick him up, and meet us a bit up the freeway since it was too late to turn all the way around! So classic.
So now we're on the bus to Oregon where pretty much half of my family is currently living. Sis is in college, brother in school, mom is living there, and that's where my grandparents, uncles, aunties, and cousins live too. So trying to swing it to have dinner with them tonight... mom wants to feed all 11 of us at my grandpszz house.. I'm warning her these Hawaiian boys can EAT! beware....
Tonight at Pacific should be awesome! Our first college show, and my sis is telling me all her peeps are super stoked we're coming. Lots of Hawaii people at Pacific U, so let's entertain them and those who appreciate the island vibes!
Free to students, $10 donation to all else. All welcome! We'll start around 930, open mic starts at like 7pm.
Its a piece of cheese!
posted: 3/8/2010
Right Love Tour Episode 1 "Hawaii Times to Seattle Vibes"
posted: 3/8/2010
Check this article about us returning to SXSW!
posted: 3/7/2010
SXSW 2010 Texas hana hou
Several acts from Hawaii hope to make an impression on attendees at an annual music conference in Texas
By Gary C.W. Chun
For the second year in a row, a little bit of aloha hopes to make its mark at this year's South by Southwest Music Conference in Austin, Texas. Starting on March 17, several local acts will be among many from the United States and around the world vying for the attention of its multitude of attendees.
Anuhea Jenkins and Pimpbot return to SXSW for another go-round, this time with Erving "Kona" Chang, Tavana McMoore and Sabrina Velazquez.
"We want to show that the islands are not just about tikis or your typical Hawaiian music," said Pimpbot's Eric Lagrimas.
Hawaii's official music reps gathered at the Manifest downtown bar Tuesday night for a group interview that also turned into a mininetwork gathering, as they traded contact info and conference tips.
On the Austin schedule are two promotional events and a Hawaii artist showcase to be held from March 18 to 20, including a sunset luau on the roof of the flagship Whole Foods Market and a happy-hour gathering at Roy's restaurant.
"I hope to do the same things I did last year, only better," said Jenkins, who's hoping her backup band the Green will get as much attention as she does. Besides a promotion deal with Whole Foods, the current Anuhea Right Love Tour has materialized in part because of her appearance at SXSW last year.
By the time their tour bus arrives at SXSW, the band will have done 10 gigs in Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona.
"We should be on fire by the time we hit Texas," Jenkins said.
Warren Wyatt, president and CEO of WorldSound and One Hawaii Music, who also manages Jenkins, said efforts last year were "specifically to bring attention to an unknown artist on the mainland, who even though has Hawaiian influences in her music, is strong enough to go larger than the local and tourist markets."
Things worked out well enough that Jenkins' mainland sales are now closing in on 60,000 physical and download sales.
"She's been the biggest-selling Hawaii artist outside of Jack Johnson over the past six months," he said.
The Green has their own local radio and national download hit "Love I" to promote.
"Hawaii has a renewable resource in contemporary music, much like agricultural products ... and it's an export crop that the state government has recognized by their support of the Hawaiian presence at SXSW," said SXSW's Australia/New Zealand rep Phil Tripp. Tripp organized Hawaii artists' participation alongside the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
One potential trailblazer is Chang, who has been performing music since he was 13. He spent 12 years as the drummer of Tropical Knights; now, with guitar in hand, he is a solo musician in Waikiki. His two albums include last year's "Acousti-me."
"I pray for big doors opening up for my music career that could take me to the next level," he said.
Velazquez, who starts recording her new album in Portland, Ore., three weeks after SXSW, has already made a connection with prominent Austin power-pop band What Made Milwaukee Famous.
"I'm thrilled to be playing there because it's always been on my bucket list," she said.
Even though McMoore is new to the Hawaii contingent, the "bluesman at heart" has taken it upon himself to commute to Austin over the last five or so months, playing upward of four gigs a week in Texas' main music city.
"I originally went there because Stevie Ray Vaughan is my hero," McMoore said of the late singer-songwriter-guitarist. "Now I'm there to really work on my craft. It's really killer to play there, and it's taken my music to a whole other level."
But Austin is just another stop for him on his way to expand his fan base, much like his extended stays in Northern California. "I've been doing this for the last couple of years, and it's a successful way to get to know people."
McMoore will be bringing copies of his new album, "Electric Monkey," back to Austin.
Pimpbot goes back to SXSW better prepared. Since they were not part of last year's official contingent, the ska-punk band relied on their do-it-yourself wits and relentless energy to make the most of being at the event.
"We printed up fliers at the local Kinko's, pasting our faces onto a page bought by DBEDT in the conference's program," said Lagrimas.
The band also worked trade shows in the convention center, where they met a rep from Armed Forces Entertainment. They joined in June, and a month later they were told they would be part of an Asia tour in September of U.S. military bases.
"We'd like to see Hawaii build up a showcase that is as big as other cities that feature their acts at SXSW, like Chicago, Nashville and Seattle," Lagrimas said.
"We're certainly going to be offering up an eclectic group of talent," said Jenkins. "We'll be saying, 'Look, this is the new face of Hawaii's music.'"
Seattle in the books! Now on the trail blazing to Oregon!
posted: 3/5/2010
Official day one of our Right Love Tour was all that I imagined it would be... with a few crazy twists to keep it exciting!
We woke up at the hotel had some breakfast at a local by-the-airport-diner called Dave's Diner, then packed up our hotel. Waited anxiously for our bus to arrive, and finally it pulls up! It was so much better than we expected... leather couches, 2 flat screen tvs, wifi, 12 beds, full fridge, etc etc.... so lush and so pimp. We picked our bunks and semi settled in. Still missing our 7 bags, I realized I had to rock the show without my hat that night... Brad hit up Urban Outfitters since most of his clothes were lost in the air.
We did a small in-store performance at Silver Platters Record Store at around 530. Met a few girls from Lanai and some other locals. Then we zoomed back to Chop Suey for soundcheck.
Chop Suey was a hip lil venue and we were greeted by the local band Island Bound (comprised of mostly peeps who lived/has family in Hawaii). Once the doors opened it started getting flooded with local peeps... lots of flowers in the ears, Maui Built shirts and hats, college kids and young local music lovers wide. So stoked with the turnout.
We slept for our first night on the bus as it was parked behind the venue, after having one of the most amazing late-night-hot dogs (made with grilled onions and cream cheese!) As I was falling asleep we would all look at eachother and just stop and realize... OH MY GOD we're on our tourbus, on tour, playing music every night!!! HOW stoked are we.
Woke up the next day later than everyone, and we were at the Seattle airport FINALLY picking up our lost luggage. Once we got that down, we stopped at a grocery store to meet Warren and grab some stuff for the bus. As we were pulling away, JP gets a call from Shniggs. Yup, sure enough we accidentally left him in the parking lot! LOL... had to get Julie out of bed and pick him up, and meet us a bit up the freeway since it was too late to turn all the way around! So classic.
So now we're on the bus to Oregon where pretty much half of my family is currently living. Sis is in college, brother in school, mom is living there, and that's where my grandparents, uncles, aunties, and cousins live too. So trying to swing it to have dinner with them tonight... mom wants to feed all 11 of us at my grandpszz house.. I'm warning her these Hawaiian boys can EAT! beware....
Tonight at Pacific should be awesome! Our first college show, and my sis is telling me all her peeps are super stoked we're coming. Lots of Hawaii people at Pacific U, so let's entertain them and those who appreciate the island vibes!
Free to students, $10 donation to all else. All welcome! We'll start around 930, open mic starts at like 7pm.
"Right Love Tour" Starring Anuhea & The Green
posted: 3/4/2010
From Hawaii, 6 boys, 1 girl, tour bus across America. The Right Love Tour featuring Anuhea and The Green. Check anuheajams.com for tour details!
Just arrived in Seattle!
posted: 3/4/2010
So we got here a few hours ago... its pretty fricking cold! But we're in good spirits. One little problem:(well its actually a huge problem but we're not letting it get us down) is that most of our bags are still in Hawaii! Yes, we checked in 20 bags (including instruments) and a keyboard, some controls, all Zions clothes, Brads clothes, all The Green's merchandise and one of my suitcases, are all NOT HERE! We were having trouble getting ahold of someone from Hawaiian Air, but finally did and they realized that almost half our stuff was still on Maui for some reason... saying they'll get it to us by tomorrow night.. which won't work.. major bummer.
We're staying in a hotel tonight, then hitting the tour bus tomorrow. Can't wait to get on that thing!
2 shows in Seattle tomorrow to kick off the tour: a small acoustic set at Silver Platters Record Store at 530pm, then playing our big show at Chop Suey at like 9 with special guest DJ and local band Island Bound. I go on at about 11.
Lets see what tomorrow brings!
So stoked to meet some Seattle fans and friends in real life! We're doing all this for the FANS so thank you soooo much for all the support!!!
Aloha always,
Anuhea
We leave tomorrow!!!!
posted: 3/2/2010
Last night at RumFire was the kickoff party for our Right Love Tour. The Green and I played for about 300 of our friends, family and fans who came to the swanky spot to give us their blessings and aloha for the mountain that we're about to climb! Tomorrow we all leave from Honolulu to Seattle where we'll hit Costco and Walmart and stuff to stock up on our last minute necessities for the bus, then our first show kicks off at Chop Suey in Seattle that night! I absolutely cannot wait. I'm so excited to get on that bus... Like I said, we will be sharing the experience with you all along the way, so please check back on to www.anuheajams.com and the developing website for the tour, www.rightlovetour.com.
Now my mission is PACKING. I haven't cleaned my room in a week cause I figure, hey we're leaving...PLUS the tsunami scare on Friday night, I quickly packed like a weeks worth of clothes and haven't put them back. Whew... here we go!!!
More later...
PS check this pic from a fan friend in Seattle! Get your tickets peeps!
Countdown to the Right Love Tour!!!
posted: 2/21/2010
As of today, 2/21, we are one week and 2 days away from our flight to Seattle, which will kick off the mainland leg of the "Right Love Tour", taking us from WA, down the West Coast to San Diego, over to South by Southwest Music Festival for a week, then to New York City. 31 days, 25+ shows, and no doubt a billion funny stories and lifelong memories.
I haven't really seen the US. Living in Hawaii 99.9% of my life the furthest I've ventured past California was changing planes in Phoenix (other than our first SXSW experience in Austin last year). So I'm thrilled to be passing through more of Texas, Tennessee, New Orleans, the Carolinas, DC and of course NYC!!! The road trip of a lifetime with some of my favorite people.
For those who aren't from Hawaii or haven't been listening to the radio lately, The Green is a local band comprised of 4 guys from Oahu: JP Kennedy, Ikaika Antone, Caleb "Shniggs" Keolanui, and Zion Thompson. Read their bio and hear more of their songs on www.myspace.com/thegreenband808 Their song "Love I" has been a hit in Hawaii for like 6 weeks straight, and their self-titled debut album came out on Feb 2nd, and has been the #1 album in Hawaii since. Not only are they amazing songwriters and singers, they also play their instruments, so they are going to be backing me for my set as well (with the addition of Leslie "Big L" Ludiazo on drums and Brad "BW" Watanabe on bass.) Truly an allstar band. I'm so proud of them, as I watched the development of each of them as artists, and the development of their album pretty much from the start. We've been doing tons of shows together here in the 808 in preparation for this tour, and although they are way more reggae than my album is, our vibes blend together super well, and the combo is undoubtedly going to be a KILLER show. I'm beyond excited.
This week we are in mad rehearsal mode, really preparing our set and making the dynamic of the song list/transitions/harmonies/etc all cherry. Also shopping for some warmer attire (its fricking cold out there!!) and staying healthy for the germ battlefield that will be our tour bus!
Today I recorded day 1 of the "Right Love Wrong Time" music video (finally!) in the bamboo jungle of Jackass Ginger with the creative genius brothers of Kai Media. Also today we wrapped up the final mix of "Come Over Love", my first cover song that I'm going to release as my new single. Originally performed by Estelle, this song has been my absolute favorite for a couple years now... and I'm honored to be making a version of my own. BIG UPS ESTELLE! LOVE YOU!
Bye for now!
Aloha always,
Anuhea
On kaua'i
posted: 2/16/2010
We got to Kauai on Wednesday. I love this island so much. Half of The Green and I went up and stayed with JP's cousin Kimo and his family on their farm in Anahola. Kimo's family is amazing. Their two kids Tea and Heath are true country kids! Running around in their pig farm, riding dirt bikes, horseback, fishing, jiu jitsu, hula, jamming uke, all the while being respectful helpful children to their awesome parents. I loved being at their place. Watched Kimo shoot a pig in the head, rode a mini dirt bike, cruized with the boys on a completely empty beach, got chased by dogs while running in a padeo, bathing suit and slippers on the Anahola homestead, ate some amazing food, and relaxed a bit!
Had an eventful night last night out and about in Kapa'a. Ate some awesome sushi at Kintaros (awesome) over a nice cold Kona Brew.
We then went over to Lava Lounge to preview our venue for the show Friday.... Mad love from Kaua'i peeps. Friday night was ridiculous! We got picked up by the Tamba-zine (full on awesome SUV limo decked out with crown, champagne, vodka and all the mixings, we rolled up from the hotel to Sushi Bushido for an awesome spread of our fave sushis, then we headed over to Lava Lounge.
Already packed before we walked in the door, Chanel Flores opened with some beautiful tunes on her yuke. The Green killed it to the awesome raging crowd, then by the time my set came up the popos were trying to shut the place down! I could only do like 5 songs! But it was all good... No complaints!
Koko Productions, Tamba and Bud Light did an amazing job. Big ups to Koani and Tamba, cousin Kimo and Lauren, and all the peeps of the Garden Isle! We love you!
Kealakehe High School show...
posted: 2/16/2010
I love Kona. Two weekends in a row we played there, this past Saturday was the Kealakehe High School fundraiser for their Project Graduation. We shared the stage with Ekolu and had such a blast checking our the sick vintage cars and trucks, meeting the students and taking pictures. Of course I had to throw in some preachin' in quoting call back rappage from Nas "I know I can... I know I can... Be what I wanna be... Be what I wanna be... If I work hard at it... If I work hard at it... I'll be where i wanna be... I'll be where i wanna be..."
Our California endeavors
Aloha friends and Anu-Nationals!
So its about a week into the Right Love Tour... its our first day off and I'm catching up on the pic/vid/vlog update-age.
