Having a bang-up time with the band

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Jayden Loughmiller, 5, joins the Kekai Boys — back, from left, Avery Reis, CJ Kua, Tyron Nicolas and Johnathan Kua; kneeling, from left, Mike Kua and Ace Loughmiller (Jayden's dad) — for Saturday's concert. 'The Big Break' From 5 p.m. Saturday (gates open at 3:30 p.m.) Waikiki Shell Reserved seats: $25 for pools, $22.50 first terrace, $18.50 second terrace; general-admission lawn seats $10 for first 3,000, $16.50 general ticketmaster.com, (877) 750-4400 Featuring: Ooklah the Moc, Inoa'ole, Opihi Pickers, Keahiwai, Koa'uka, B.E.T., Kekai Boys, Ho'onu'a and Sean Na'auao

At 5, Jayden "The Show" Loughmiller, a Hilo kindergartner, is drumming his way to stardom. He's got his own drum set, complete with cymbals, and he twirls his drumsticks like a real pro.

"He's been playing drums since he was 3," said his dad, Ace Loughmiller, keyboarder with the Kekai Boys. "And he loves to practice."

On Saturday, Jayden makes his Waikiki Shell debut, joining his dad and the Kekai Boys in the "Big Break" concert. It will be the biggest gig yet in the little guy's emerging career.

Jayden, who goes to Kaumana School, already has played for his school chums. His credits include a "Thirsty Thursday" concert in Hilo, a private Christmas party and last year's Aloha Festivals Downtown Ho'olaule'a.

"It's just fun," Jayden said about drumming. In fact, that's all he wants to do — hit the skins and cymbals and make joyful noises.

"He's got great rhythm," said his dad. "I think he's better than some 35-year-old guys."

Jayden feels like a big boy. And he often acts like one, too, said his father.

"He likes to get dressed up," said Loughmiller. "He likes to put on what he calls his bling-bling."

That would be a necklace — a chain with a dog tag (no inscription yet) — and a pair of clip-on earrings. His cool duds include a cap.

And he's quickly learning about celebrity — and the obligation that comes with it.

"I always sign autographs," said Jayden about fan requests.

"But after signing five or six, he gets frustrated," said his dad. "Tired."

He adores attention and values rehearsals. Practice, after all, makes perfect. But with school work a priority, both Dad and Mom Robynne insist that Jayden do his homework (he's learning letters and numbers) before settling into his drumming.

Jayden became interested in drums because his father has a set at home. By trade, Ace Loughmiller is a drummer. But with the Kekai Boys, he is a keyboarder.

Jayden "used to walk around my drum set, hit it, and have fun," said his dad. Eventually, Loughmiller started giving the youngster some drumming lessons. "He learned how to do his right hand over the left, simple stuff like that. In the early stage, Jayden couldn't reach the bass drum on the ground because of his size."

So his dad bought a junior drum set, with five drums and cymbals, sending Jayden into nirvana.

Jayden's favorite drummer is Avery Reis, the Kekai Boys' resident drummer. And when Jayden is incorporated into the Kekai Boys' set, there are two sets of drums on stage — his as well as Reis.'

"Sometimes, it feels like he has more energy than me," said Loughmiller.

Jayden does have stamina: at a Hilo gig, Jayden was on stage and drumming for 25 minutes.

The Shell appearance should be about 20 minutes, and Jayden will be on for the whole set. But before the gig, he probably will work in a nap; after all, he's still a kid ... albeit one to watch.

Jayden got his nickname, The Show, as part of his Kekai Boys introduction, when band singer Mike Kua introduced, "You guys ready for The Show?" And yes, he does steal the show, so the label stuck.

"Jayden has a great outlook about drumming," said his dad. "He never stops (playing). It's not unusual for him to be playing till 8:30 at night. He'll sneak into the (rehearsal) room downstairs of our two-story house, and we'll hear him going at it."

Dad's original "adult" drum set sits idle for now. "But Jayden eventually will be big enough to play it," said his dad.

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