Tip-offs
Blues Traveler coming to Hawai'i

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Blues Traveler, a New York-based blues-rock group formed in 1988 by John Popper, a singer-harmonica player, will make a four-island concert tour of Hawai'i beginning Nov. 16.

The schedule includes:

• Nov. 16, 7 p.m., Maui Arts & Cultural Center Amphitheater.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

• Nov. 17, 7 p.m., Waikiki Shell. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
• Nov. 18, 8 p.m., Hilton Waikoloa Village Grand Ballroom.
• Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., Kaua'i Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom.

Blues Traveler is known for its extended jamming style exemplified by acts of the '60s and '70s such as the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin. Besides Popper, the band includes Tad Kinchla, bass guitar; Chandler Kinchla, guitar; Ben Wilson, keyboards; and Brendan Hill, drums. Wilson replaces the late Bobby Sheehan.

The group's discography includes the freshman album, "Blues Traveler," in 1990; "Travelers & Thieves," in 1991; "Save His Soul," in 1993; "Four," in 1994; "Live From the Fall," in 1996; and "Bridge," in 2001. Popper also had a solo disc, "Zygote," in 1999.

Largely popular on the concert circuit, Blues Traveler has had one chart hit: 1995's "Run-Around."

Tickets go on sale this weekend; the specifics:

• Maui: $30 in advance, at the MACC box office, Tropical Disc in Kihei, Groove 2 in Lahaina; $37.50 at the door. Charge by phone: (808) 242-SHOW. Information: (808) 242-7469.
• O'ahu: $40 for pool seats, $35 for first terrace, $30 for second terrace, $20 in advance for general admission lawn seats ($30 at the door), at Blaisdell box office, plus Ticket Plus locations, including House of Music Ala Moana, Foodland and Sack 'N Save stores, University of Hawai'i Campus Center, MWR in Kunia. Charge by phone: 526-4400. Information: 591-2211.
• Big Island: $40 general admission (table seating), on sale at MJS Music and CD Wizard in Hilo, Byrds in Waimea, Mele Kai Music in Kona, Sack 'N Save in Hilo, Kona and Puainako. Information: (808) 526-4400.
• Kaua'i: $40 general admission, limited $50 Golden Circle reserved seats available at Foodland at Waipouili and Princeville, and the Marriott concierge desk. Information: (808) 245-5050.

World Cafe lands former MTV comic

Pauly Shore, the stand-up comic and comedic actor, will return to Hawai'i for a concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at the World Cafe. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Shore gained national acclaim in 1990 when his MTV show, "Totally Pauly," was launched, running for four seasons and establishing him as a comic. The program was a stepping stone to a movie and TV career, with roles in such films as "Son-in-Law," "Encino Man" and "In the Army Now," and appearances on the Howard Stern, David Letterman and Craig Kilborn shows.

Shore recently wrapped up his directorial feature debut, "You'll Never Wiez in This Town Again," in which he stars; he also wrote and produced. It is a dark comedy co-starring Earl Brown of "There's Something About Mary" and Jamie Bergman of "Son of the Beach."

Tickets: $22.50 in advance, went on sale Saturday at World Cafe box office, Tower Records Kahala Mall and Pearl Kai, Tower Video, Cheapo Music Puck's Alley and Pearl Kai, Hungry Ear, Pearl Harbor Bloch Arena and ITT Kane'ohe Marine Corps Base Hawai'i.

Information: 585-2877.

Black Eyed Peas performs Nov. 3

Black Eyed Peas, the hip-hop hotties influenced by soul, jazz and Latin rhythms, will give a concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at the World Cafe.

Also on the slate: Todd G, EG, Jr. Boogaloo and Aiga.

Black Eyed Peas is led by co-founder Will.I.Am, prime mover of the group's soul; Apl.de.Ap, the acrobatic member; and the hypnotic Taboo.

The group's "Behind the Front" reflects cultural influences that have penetrated its music — a sliver of soul on "The Way You Make Me Feel," a Latin stamp on "Que Dices," blues on "Joints & Jams."

Tickets: $18 in advance, all ages; on sale at Tower Video, Tower Records Kahala and Pearl Kai, Hungry Ear Kailua, World Cafe, Cheapo Puck's Alley and Pearl Kai.

Charge by phone: 599-4450.