Launch of SOS Las Vegas prompts shuffling of bands
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
The impending launch of the Society of Seven Las Vegas, the cloned combo of the original Society of Seven Honolulu making its Waikiki debut tomorrow night, has triggered the reorganization of two other Island show bands.
Opening 8:30 p.m. tomorrow; 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, through May 26 Main Showroom, Outrigger Waikiki $35, $20 students 13-20, $19 children 5-12; kama'aina rates, $22.50, $18, $14; validated parking at the Outrigger East Hotel 922-6408, 923-7469 Opening 9 p.m. May 19; 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Saturdays, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Sundays and Mondays thereafter 8:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Fridays Esprit nightclub, Sheraton Waikiki $3 cover, validated parking 922-4422
The Krush, which lost Richard Natto plus earlier Krush member Freddy Von Paraz to the SOS Las Vegas, is disbanding temporarily, after May 13. Its lead vocalist, Tino Ibach, will front a new act, called Tino and the Rhythm Klub, which will premiere May 19 at the Esprit nightclub at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, where The Krush had been performing.
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Society of Seven Las Vegas
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Tino and the Rhythm Klub
The band Honolulu, which added members Bobby Gonzales (previously a Krush member) and Amado Cecho (lately of H-3), was prodded to regroup with the departure of Glenn Miyashiro and Jonathan Kaina, who joined SOS Las Vegas. Honolulu alternates at the Esprit with The Krush.
The domino effect is sparking mixed emotions among the musicians.
"It's time to rest for a few weeks and spend more time with my family," said Edwin Ramones, a founding member of The Krush, best known for his lead vocal on the group's "My Hawai'i." Ramones, a keyboarder who has served as Krush leader from the start, will return to his full-time day job as a travel executive. Two other Krush regulars, Jesse Gamiao, who works in travel sales, and William Daquioag, who does music production, will also concentrate on their day jobs.
The Rhythm Klub will feature Lucky Salvador, a Krush colleague of Ibach, plus Elmo Custodia, Les Fernandez and Hemingway Jasmine (an ex-Krusher, summoned back to duty), plus newcomers Adney Atabay and Ricky Ricardo.
Courtesy Tino and the Rhythm Klub
Ibach, who performed under the name of Tino Isaacs, impersonating Stevie Wonder on the syndicated "Your Big Break" TV show, had been contemplating a move to become an SOS member, too, but opted to continue with his own group, now with title billing. Tom Moffatt and George Chun, principals in Bluewater Records, have committed to doing two CDs with Tino and the Rhythm Klub.
Tino and the Rhythm Klub, from left: Adney Atabay, Elmo Custodia, Hemingway Jasmine, Tino Ibach, Lucky Salvador, Les Fernandez and Ricky Ricardo. The group includes former members of The Krush.
"I've learned the importance of teamwork with The Krush," said Ibach, in the midst of staging new material for Tino the the Rhythm Klub. Ibach said the Rhythm Klub will not be locked into a "show" format but will present tributes to acts such as Tower of Power, Earth Wind and Fire, Bob Seger and Miami Sound Machine.
Partner Salvador said he's pleased to be working with the new configuration: "The Krush guys are like brothers to me."
Courtesy SOS Las Vegas
Besides Miyashiro, Kaina, Natto and Von Paraz, SOS Las Vegas also includes Johnny Fernandez, Jan Luna and John Salvatera. They will fill in while the original SOS are on leave but are expected to front a showroom production in a yet-to-be-named Las Vegas casino down the line. It's an unprecedented move designed to extend the life, and franchise, of a Waikiki institution, because the SOS Honolulu has been ensconced at the Outrigger for the past 31 years.
Society of Seven Las Vegas, front, from left: John Salvatera, Jay Luna, Jonathan Kaina, Freddy Von Paraz, Johnny Fernandez; rear left, Richard Natto; rear right, Glenn Miyashiro.
Though inactive, The Krush intends to periodically re-convene for convention shows and will appear in the Army's July 4 celebration at Schofield Barracks. Original members have committed to appear with the band whenever possible.
