What's in a name, anyway?

The Makaha Sons' summertime songfest — originally called "The Makaha Bash" in its heyday at the Waikiki Shell, but tweaked to "Take a Walk in the Country" five years ago when it was first presented at the Makaha resort — unfolds tonight at The Waterfront at Aloha Tower Marketplace.

Its theme is "Take a Walk in the Country 6," the numeral signifying the sixth such event since those "bash" days, and there's even a subtitle: "The Waterfront Bash."

Despite the mouthful, don't expect a name change anytime soon.

" 'Country' isn't so much about location as it is a state of mind," said John Koko, one third of The Makaha Sons. "I think 'Take a Walk in the Country' is established after six years. I would hate to change the name and start all over again."

In theory, it's still The Makaha Bash, except the group does not own rights to use that name; hence the "Country" tag.

"We'll be doing a more intimate show (at The Waterfront), since it's a venue we can handle with not too much work," brother Jerome Koko said of being at the water's edge of a working harbor.

Tomorrow, The Makaha Sons embark on a tour of Japan, so a smaller show in a downsized site meant fewer overnight struggles to make the international flight.

"We were a little concerned about the capacity (between 800 and 1,000 at The Waterfront, compared with 5,000 to 7,000 at the Waikiki Shell), so the ticket price is a little higher to cover some of the bills," said John. "But we have great fans; all of our VIP seats ($200) are sold out." Limited additional space was added last week to accommodate demand.

"I like it better when our audience is closer to us when we're performing," said John. "This year, the front row is about 12 inches from the stage ... that's close."

The gig means re-thinking how and where you sup before show time.

You may buy food, which will be available for purchase. But unlike the Shell, you can't bring your own Spam musubi and other nibbles for picnicking.

"Most of the people that go to our concert at the Waikiki Shell usually stop at Sam Choy's, Kuru Kuru Sushi, Tanioka's or Zippy's, to name a few," said John. "There are a lot of places to eat at Aloha Tower before the concert; only thing, they can't take it into the concert. But The Waterfront will be selling drinks."

The event also will feature Kealo Koko, Halau Hula 'O Hokulani, Halau Hula 'O Kawaili'ula, Ka Leo 'O Laka I Kahikina O Ka La, and Puka'ikapuaokalani Hula Halau. Other guest artists include Hawaiian Connection, a trio composed of Barry Kimokeo, Bernard Kalua and Alika Odom. Billy V will host.

The Waterfront might be a one-time-only venue for the summertime concert.

"We're hoping to take it back to the Waikiki Shell," said John. "Taking the concert on the road next year — to the Mainland, to Japan and other places — is being planned, too."

"Yes, we're looking at the bigger picture," Jerome echoed. "Taking it on the road ... that's an idea from a long time ago."

The group, which also includes Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, just performed last Saturday in a Hawaiian music concert at Carnegie Hall, with local artists Nina Keali'iwahamana, Marlene Sai and Beverly Noa, plus Hokulani and Larry de Rego and Halau Hula 'O Hokulani, and the Danny Akaka Trio. Harry B. Soria emceed. A group of Japanese acts also performed.

The Japan tour will be through June 14; then Sons embark on a Northwest tour June 17-29.

Along with the preparation for the Honolulu concert and the Carnegie Hall jaunt, there was a funeral, too, before the New York trip, for William Kahele Nahale'a, father of the Koko brothers.

"We're so blessed to be busy and very thankful to the Man above for always being there for us," said John.