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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, May 16, 2008

THE NIGHT STUFF
Skank to reggae pulse at 'On the Rocks' concert

By Kawehi Haug

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Jamaica's Freddie McGregor is one of the headliners at Saturday's Reggae on the Rocks concert at Waikiki Shell.

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Sure, we like our hip-hop and R&B, and '80s night always makes us feel like dancing, but it's still the skank that really moves this city. And if love of the offbeat hasn't faded by now, it's a pretty sure bet that we'll always be taken with reggae.

And what's not to love? It sounds good, it makes us feel good and it fills the rock-with-a-conscience void that was left behind when new wave took over. (Cue whining punks and hippies.)

And even if the only thing in your reggae record collection is the Bob Marley box set and you'd rather see Bjork in concert than Bunny Wailer, there's no denying that on these Islands, the best crowds are reggae crowds.

I haven't met a reggae crowd I didn't like — they're mellow, friendly and inclusive (and I don't care how they get that way — whatever works).

On Saturday, the friendly folks gather for one of the biggest reggae concerts of the year.

REGGAE ON THE ROCKS

Where: Waikiki Shell, with headliners Half Pint, Freddie McGregor, Da'Ville and Mad Cobra

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

Tickets: $20-$30 at Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 877-750-4400

Meet the headliners:

Who: Half Pint

Real name: Lindon Roberts

Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica

Sing along to: "Substitute Lover"

You'll like Half Pint if you like: Barrington Levy, Eek-a-Mouse, Steely & Clevie

Who: Freddie McGregor

AKA: Little Freddie McGregor

Hometown: Clarendon, Jamaica

Sing along to: "Big Ship"

You'll like McGregor if you like: Gregory Isaacs, King Tubby, Maxi Priest

Who: Da'Ville

Real name: Orville Thomas

Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica

Sing along to: "This Time I Promise"

You'll like Da'Ville if you like: Boyz II Men, Shai, Jodeci (to a reggae beat)

Who: Mad Cobra

Real Name: Ewart Everton Brown

Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica

Sing along to: "Flex"

You'll like Mad Cobra if you like: Buju Banton, Mikey Spice, Capleton

MAKE THE REGGAE FIX LAST WITH THESE ONGOING EVENTS

  • Wild Wednesdays at Fashion 45 with live reggae from 10 p.m. to midnight.

  • Live reggae every Thursday at Lulu's with Danny Kennedy from 8 to 11 p.m.

  • Redda Fire every Thursday at the Living Room, Fisherman's Wharf, from 11 p.m to 4 a.m. with reggae and dancehall all night long.

  • Meanwhile, downstairs at the Living Room: The Furnace also takes place every Thursday night from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. with live reggae, live hip-hop and spoken word.

  • Re:Fresh Fridays at Che Pasta with reggaeton, dancehall, hip-hop and soul from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

  • Friday Night Live every Friday at Cirque Hawaii with live reggae and dancehall from 9:30 p.m. to 4 a.m.

  • The Penthouse every Friday at Aaron's from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. with a mix of reggae, reggaeton, dancehall and hip-hop.

  • Reggae-infused jazz Saturday nights at Jazz Minds Art & Cafe from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

  • Mark your calendar: Groundation is scheduled to play Pipeline Cafe at 7 p.m. May 29. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and are available at www.pacificlimits.com.

    Reach Kawehi Haug at khaug@honoluluadvertiser.com.