Teen from 'Ewa now plays guitar for Ashlee Simpson
By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer
Two months ago, Braxton Olita was a student at the Art Institute of Orange County, a typical 18-year-old hanging out with friends and checking out concerts.
Aaron McMullen
On Thursday, the former 'Ewa Beach resident woke up at a Phoenix hotel and prepped to perform at the Fox Summer Music Mania, an annual concert that attracts hundreds of fans of artists such as Black Eyed Peas, Ludacris and newcomer Ashlee Simpson.
Braxton Olita, a former 'Ewa Beach resident living in California, is suddenly a guitarist in Ashlee Simpson's band.
Olita, a 2003 graduate of Campbell High School, is a guitarist for Simpson's band (yep, that's Jessica's little sis).
"It's been just unreal in every way," Olita said hours before his Phoenix gig. "It's a dream of just anyone who can appreciate music."
Before moving to California in October to attend school, Olita was in several local bands, such as Until September and Tryst. A musician for several years, Olita became friends with many artists, including members of the Hawai'i band National Product, who put Olita in contact with Simpson's people.
Featuring a musical segment with Ashlee Simpson and her band, which includes guitarist Braxton Olita of 'Ewa Beach
Olita auditioned for Simpson in March, making the band and joining guitarist Ray Brady, bass guitarist Zach Kennedy and drummer Chris Fox.
'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'
Already, Olita, his bandmates and Simpson have been busy promoting her upcoming album, "Autobiography," which debuts July 20. The band will appear on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" tonight on NBC and "Total Request Live" at 5 p.m. June 2 on MTV.
Also catch Olita in Simpson's new video, "Pieces of Me," her first single, which airs often on MTV. Olita's the local-looking guitarist.
"Look out for the 'shaka' sticker on the guitar," Olita said, laughing.
Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.
