'Walk in Country' heads for Shell

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

The Makaha Sons, from left, John Koko, Jerome Koko and Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, return to the Waikiki Shell for their annual blast. 'Take a Walk in the Country 2' An evening of Hawaiian music with The Makaha Sons 5 p.m. Saturday Waikiki Shell $10 lawn, $15 upper terrace, $17 lower terrace, $25 pool (877) 750-4400, 591-2211 Also featuring: Robert Cazimero, Auntie Genoa Keawe, Olana and Howard Ai and Halau Hula Olana, Sonny Ching and Halau Na Mamo 'O Pu'uanahulu, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Willie K, Ho'okena, Kapena, Na Palapalai, Three Plus, Maunalua and the Lim Family

"It is the Makaha Bash," said John Koko, who, with brother Jerome Koko and colleague Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, will assemble with a guest roster bursting with talent. But the group can't use the old name because it is registered by its previous management company, Mt. Kalihi Productions. Earlier attempts to earn back the rights proved too contentious.

"We talked about getting the name back ... we eventually dropped the issue," said Jerome Koko. "But going back to the Shell really accommodates our town people."

"We're OK (now) with 'Take a Walk in the Country,' " said John Koko.

The new tag was tried last year at the Makaha Resort, the first time the Kokos and Kauakahi performed in 20 years in the community where the group originated. A return this summer was too chancy, since the resort — now under new management — was up for sale. So the Shell was booked.

All this has been a learning experience for The Makaha Sons, who now manage themselves.

We're kinda having a good time, but it's a totally different ball game," said Jerome Koko. "I take care of the business end; John does some of the secretarial stuff. Ideally, we all should get more involved in everything, but we split the chores."

Chores are divvied up. Kauakahi mostly handles the musical responsibilities, including arrangements. He also is the unofficial engineer of the chugging train, desperately trying to avoid wrecks, and charged with working around his colleagues' occasional hang-loose attitudes.

"I hope they stick to the script," he said of the notes he works on for each concert. "Last year, the script went out the window; the sound and light crews were trying to follow, and I'm thinking, 'Uh oh, now where are we?' Can't do that once you plan."

Planning is something the band members are used to, these days.

The Makaha Sons know the importance of recorded music and the natural next step, DVDs. "I've been looking into making a DVD for the past year or so," said John Koko.

"We have some stock stuff, need to get some new stuff; maybe next year, we'll be able to finish a DVD," said Jerome Koko.

The group mixes Island gigs with Mainland and Japan visits. Kauakahi said the Nippon audiences have mushroomed over the years.

"Hawaiian music has gone beyond mere music and hula — anything Hawaiian will sell, including merchandise," said Kauakahi. "Jake Shimabukuro and his 'ukulele sound have been a huge boost for the Hawaiian acts; the awareness is huge."

"We go to Japan, on average, every other month," said John Koko. "The Japanese are the most attentive and polite audience you will ever find — my favorite place to go. And in close second is Las Vegas. See, I'll go to Japan and make my money, then go on to Vegas and lose it — just kidding."

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.