THE BEST OF GINAI

My name still shows up in a Google search, no matter how hard the internet trolls (they hide under bridges and swipe at us when we drive by) try to suppress my true numbers. That is what will come to my rescue during this painful break up between myself and Hawaiian Soul. My strategy always was to announce, "We are Hawaiian Soul! I'm Hawaiian....(and Michael Cobb would chime in, ) "I'm Soul!" Why did I do that? To be honest, it was never a nefarious plan to undermine the band's brand. But it was always my intention to state the obvious, being the only Hawaiian in the band that has been together without me for 10+ years. I added 5 more and legitimized the name. They never had a Hawaiian in the front line until me, not really. I am of kanaka maoli descent, indigenous bloodline descending from high chiefs of Maui and a Kings guard by the name of Samuel Maika'i. I proudly proclaim I have the right to call myself Hawaiian. That being said, now that the 'Hawaiian' has left the band, should they change the name? Only you can decide that one. I am not trying to organize a boycott of the band, but merely pointing out the awkwardness of the situation. I left over a matter of ethics, and comment here on the subject of ethics. Is it ethical to call it by a name that is only a partially correct description of the group? Perhaps, "Hapa Soul" or "Asian Soul" depending on who the new female singer will be? Ah....marketing. Again, that is up to you. But as far as this Hawaiian is concerned, I am paddling my canoe into the sunset!

My new show coming up on May 3, 2025, is called, "The Best of Ginai". I call it that because I am putting all my Blue Note shows (from2017 - 2019) into one comprehensive dinner show then do my tried-and-true dance floor packing favs to close out the night. I bring 40+ years of entertainment experience to the local venue now known as Mango Street Grill as a homecoming of sorts. I live in Wahiawa, transplanted from Waianae.  Speaking of which....on April 4th, I will be onstage as an Alumni of Waianae High School to help with a football fundraiser. I am proud to add my mana'o to this effort! Also, on April 12, 2025, Lilikoi Lounge has hired me to rock the house at their Makaha Country Club east range event. Watch my social media for more on that. 

"The Best of Ginai" will include the music of successful tribute shows I have done here and abroad. Whitney Houston....Natalie Cole...Anita Baker...and lastly, Sade. I will be performing classic dance tunes from the 70's and 80's because none better can be found! I hope you will be in the house when the lights come up and the downbeat hits! For reservations, call (808) 627-5451. Pre-sale (which ends on May 2nd) seats are only $15, $25 at the door. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Check out more at www.cengtraloahueventcenter.com