Blues festival jams across Islands

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

The Jack Daniels Hawaiian Islands Rhythm & Blues Mele 2001 will be held on three Islands beginning May 17.

The Texas Guitar Slingers will be featured. Performers include:

• Eric Johnson and Alien Love Child, Texas blues and rock Grammy Award-winners.
• Smokin' Joe Kubek Band, featuring Bnois King, Texas guitarist and Mississippi vocalist.
• Chris Duarte Group, Texas guitarist.

The play dates:

• Maui: May17, 7:30 p.m., at Castle Theatre, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului. Tickets: $28, $25, $22; on sale at the box office. Schedule: 7:30 p.m., Duarte; 9 p.m., Kubek and King; 10 p.m., Johnson. Pre-show party in Founders Court, from 5:30 p.m., with music by Kona Storm; free to public; beverages and food. Reservations: (808) 242-SHOW (box office) of The Connection outlets.
• O'ahu: May 18, 6:30 p.m., at Kaka'ako Waterfront Park. Tickets: $25 ($22 in advance). Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Schedule: 6:30 p.m., Duarte; 8 p.m., Kubek and King; 10 p.m., Johnson. A fund-raiser for the Kaka'ako Improvement Association and the Children's Discovery Center. Reservations: 732-6699; outlets include Tower Video Kapi'olani, Tower Records Kahala and Pearl Kai, Rainbow Books, Hungry Ear, and MWR Kunia.
• Big Island: May 19, 5:30 p.m., at Kona Brewing Co., Brewhouse Oasis. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 ($22 in advance). Schedule: 6:30 p.m., Duarte; 7:30 p.m., Kubek and King; 9 p.m., Johnson. Reservations: (808) 334-1133, (808) 334-2739. Outlets: Kona Brewing Co., Mele Kai Music, Byrds CD Waimea, Kipuka Smoke Shop Hilo and Kona, MJS Music, CD Wizard, Huna 'Ohana Pahoa, Kilauea General Store Volcano.