Monday, May 17, 2010- Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Show choir? No. Professional choir? Yes.
I've been in my High School Choir for 4 years now. It's been the most fun, greatest experience in school...the class I actually look forward to attending. However, it hasn't been nearly as professional as this year. For our spring pieces, we spent two full, long days advertising and publicizing our concert evening of the 18th.
Monday, May 17, 2010:
What time do/did you get up on a school day? 7 or 8? Well, on the 17th, I got up at 4:30am in order to be at school at 5:30am just for a "short" news debut to advertise for our concert the following day. It was incredibly hectic. We performed three of our songs, instead of four, because the NEWS INTERVIEWER was late. The rest of the TV crew was set and ready to go, but the interviewer/broadcaster was late! We were all a bit annoyed but put our smiling faces on for the camera. Sadly, we were told not to wave and say "hi mom."
Tuesday, May 18, 2010:
This is the day. The day we've been practicing for! No turning back now. Yet another event was planned before our concert, day of, to get more of an audience. From around 10: 15am-1:40pm choir went to the Hale Koa hotel to sing for over 800 veterans. It was quite the show, too. Since we were the "featured entertainment," we were served a 3 course meal that was incredibly delicious. We lead the Star Spangled Banner and Hawaii's State song, and performed our special song originally for our concert, Voices That Care. Since David Foster, Linda Thompson-Jenner, and Peter Cetera, writers of Voices That Care, intentionally picked a story about soldiers going to war, our performance spoke very dearly to multiple veterans.
Concert Time! The evening has come and the curtains are opening. It's show time. Everyone's in their pretty red dresses and pearl necklaces, and set for stardom (it's an all girls choir, explaining the dresses). We walk up to the stage and start off our concert with the classic, Star Spangled Banner. Following that, we have a short section of the younger, middle school choir, singing their songs before the suspenseful, tear-causing half. We close the concert with two songs featuring both choirs, middle and high school, Vois Sur Ton Chemin and Voices That Care. These pieces really set the night apart from any other school choir concert.
I can truly say a lot of hard work went into those two days just to give us a couple hours in the spotlight. It was all worth it in the end and I'm greatful I got to be a tiny slice in the cake we spent months slaving over a hot oven for. I can't wait till junior year when I hopefully return to get my next 15 minutes of fame.
'Till next week,
musicbytori
musicbytori
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Born A Star
Not only did this week's contestants on American Idol get to feel like a music star, but a movie star. The 'songs from the movies' theme consisted of only 20 or so songs that the contestants had to choose from, not MILLIONS as Simon says, but the contestants dealt with what they had. This week was special on American Idol in that the contestants not only performed solo songs but duets as well.
Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox sung "Falling Slowly" from the film Once. Once is one of those few movies that shapes you as a person and sticks with you for the rest of your life, even in a subconscious form. "It's a love story that never happens"-Crystal fully suiting the plot. "Love stories" never end like this one... like they should, realistically. Once reshapes your way of viewing life; seeing it through a passion for love and music.
With choosing this song, Lee and Crystal have just about guaranteed themselves as the "finale couple" by showing great connection throughout the performance and harmonizing like they're voices were made to suit the other's. Casey James is great when he's acoustic but can't possibly be talented enough to compete with Lee and Crystal no matter how much he flirts with Kara, or how much she blushes as mrs. robinson.
For Lee Dewyze's solo performance, he sung Kiss From a Rose playing his home-port instrument, the guitar. I love seeing him with his guitar, giving him look more of a singer/songwriter vibe and more of a "real" feeling in his songs.
Michael Lynch, before saying his goodbyes, sung a duet with Casey that was also inspirational, but not at the same level as the "power couple." However, Mike was much more connected and "giving" than Casey...probably because he's just bigger and has more room for sound and soul. On the other hand, Casey is doing the best with what he's got, hair and country-loving voice, to stay in the competition.
It's all up to you, America, to choose the final two. The end is nearing with more suspense than ever. Who. Will. You. Choose?
musicbytori
Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox sung "Falling Slowly" from the film Once. Once is one of those few movies that shapes you as a person and sticks with you for the rest of your life, even in a subconscious form. "It's a love story that never happens"-Crystal fully suiting the plot. "Love stories" never end like this one... like they should, realistically. Once reshapes your way of viewing life; seeing it through a passion for love and music.
With choosing this song, Lee and Crystal have just about guaranteed themselves as the "finale couple" by showing great connection throughout the performance and harmonizing like they're voices were made to suit the other's. Casey James is great when he's acoustic but can't possibly be talented enough to compete with Lee and Crystal no matter how much he flirts with Kara, or how much she blushes as mrs. robinson.
For Lee Dewyze's solo performance, he sung Kiss From a Rose playing his home-port instrument, the guitar. I love seeing him with his guitar, giving him look more of a singer/songwriter vibe and more of a "real" feeling in his songs.
Michael Lynch, before saying his goodbyes, sung a duet with Casey that was also inspirational, but not at the same level as the "power couple." However, Mike was much more connected and "giving" than Casey...probably because he's just bigger and has more room for sound and soul. On the other hand, Casey is doing the best with what he's got, hair and country-loving voice, to stay in the competition.
It's all up to you, America, to choose the final two. The end is nearing with more suspense than ever. Who. Will. You. Choose?
musicbytori
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Ruler of Swag & The King of Cool
Being the American Idol fanatic I am, I'll base this week's post on Frank Sinatra (the author of the songbook the contestants on A.I. had to choose from this week). Sinatra is the ruler of swag and is mainly known for his trade mark: 'crooner' music.
Frank Sinatra started out growing up on the streets of Hoboken, New Jersey as a singer in musty little dives (he carried his own P.A. system). He got his first major break in 1935. In 1942, Sinatra instantly found fame as the king of the bobbysoxers, the young women who were his fans. Making appearances on Anchors Aweigh, Magnum P.I., and MUCH more, he quickly became the most popular singer of the era among teenagers.
Sinatra's first album released in 1949, The Voice of Frank Sinatra, and included "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and "On the Town," two very popular songs kids still know today. Sinatra is a multi-oscar winner, major movie-man, artist, singer, dancer, and inspiration. Although Sinatra past in 1998, he is still treasured and remembered as the 'king of cool.'
This week on American Idol, Harry Conick Jr. was the featured mentor. Being best friends with Ellen, he continually played along as she cracked jokes about him. Ellen's always a spirit-lifter on the judging pannel. It's a nice break from Simon and Kara who can't make up her mind...Randy's okay, I suppose. Although, "pitchy", as Harry put it, is getting a little old and is not the correct way to judge a performance.
Frank Sinatra is a genius in music history and will be remembered forever. People today, such as Michael Bublé, still try to copy his swagger but will never live up to the reputation the "king of cool" has obtained.
In loving memory of Sinatra's truly inspiring life,
musicbytori
Frank Sinatra started out growing up on the streets of Hoboken, New Jersey as a singer in musty little dives (he carried his own P.A. system). He got his first major break in 1935. In 1942, Sinatra instantly found fame as the king of the bobbysoxers, the young women who were his fans. Making appearances on Anchors Aweigh, Magnum P.I., and MUCH more, he quickly became the most popular singer of the era among teenagers.
Sinatra's first album released in 1949, The Voice of Frank Sinatra, and included "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and "On the Town," two very popular songs kids still know today. Sinatra is a multi-oscar winner, major movie-man, artist, singer, dancer, and inspiration. Although Sinatra past in 1998, he is still treasured and remembered as the 'king of cool.'
This week on American Idol, Harry Conick Jr. was the featured mentor. Being best friends with Ellen, he continually played along as she cracked jokes about him. Ellen's always a spirit-lifter on the judging pannel. It's a nice break from Simon and Kara who can't make up her mind...Randy's okay, I suppose. Although, "pitchy", as Harry put it, is getting a little old and is not the correct way to judge a performance.
Frank Sinatra is a genius in music history and will be remembered forever. People today, such as Michael Bublé, still try to copy his swagger but will never live up to the reputation the "king of cool" has obtained.
In loving memory of Sinatra's truly inspiring life,
musicbytori
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Music's Extraordinary Faces
Every week, new albums are released with reviews exclaiming the amazing new talent in each artist's voice. American Idol, Glee, Rolling Stone, and other main-stream music magazines put they're view on certain songs or artists into words through singing or reviews. Music has many faces wearing many different hats.
Lady Gaga has hit the big town of Hollywood strong and hard with her own completely different view on fashion, music, etc. to share with every one of her fans. Rolling Stone titled her as "THE NEW PRINCESS OF POP'S CRAZIEST WARDROBE."...that couldn't be explained better.
You have to admire her for not caring what others think about her wardrobe, but there has to be a line between that and wearing a lobster on your forehead. Her albums are no stranger to the title as number one, but personally, I'll pass listening to her music... not including High School dances blasting Love Game in your ears when you have no other option than to dance and sing along.
The famous "11-year-old" (really 16), Justin Bieber is next in line. The "cheesy, teeny-booper music sensation's single, "Baby," starts out with hip-hop chants, "Oh oo oh you woah oh oh" and ends up talking about his first love at 13. No one's in love at 13.. that's insanity. My friends and I have established him and Miley Cyrus should switch voices. However, you have to give him credit for his music video trying to act older than he is with his buddy, Ludacris, rapping with him, "break dancing" moves on the Bowling Alley floor, and eventually getting the girl he was after. It's a cute, sweet, and early-teen music video.
What's not a surprise is music has some pretty faces that really make your heart melt. Michael Bublé has eyes to-die-for and a voice that you can listen to till the cows come home. David Archuleta gives you goosebumps listening to his angelic vocal ability. Elliott Yamin, Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder, and Natasha Bedingfield, similarly, are artsits that make you smile when you listen to their meaningful and cheerful music. Without these amazing singers and new artists being recognized every day, we wouldn't be able to live!
Music provides a spiritual outlet in a way anyone can connect to. Anyone who fits the criteria should jump on an opportunity to share their brilliance with the world.
Be sure to read next week's post on what else is new in the Hawaiian Islands' music world.
Peace, love, and joy :)
musicbytori
Lady Gaga has hit the big town of Hollywood strong and hard with her own completely different view on fashion, music, etc. to share with every one of her fans. Rolling Stone titled her as "THE NEW PRINCESS OF POP'S CRAZIEST WARDROBE."...that couldn't be explained better.
You have to admire her for not caring what others think about her wardrobe, but there has to be a line between that and wearing a lobster on your forehead. Her albums are no stranger to the title as number one, but personally, I'll pass listening to her music... not including High School dances blasting Love Game in your ears when you have no other option than to dance and sing along.
The famous "11-year-old" (really 16), Justin Bieber is next in line. The "cheesy, teeny-booper music sensation's single, "Baby," starts out with hip-hop chants, "Oh oo oh you woah oh oh" and ends up talking about his first love at 13. No one's in love at 13.. that's insanity. My friends and I have established him and Miley Cyrus should switch voices. However, you have to give him credit for his music video trying to act older than he is with his buddy, Ludacris, rapping with him, "break dancing" moves on the Bowling Alley floor, and eventually getting the girl he was after. It's a cute, sweet, and early-teen music video.
What's not a surprise is music has some pretty faces that really make your heart melt. Michael Bublé has eyes to-die-for and a voice that you can listen to till the cows come home. David Archuleta gives you goosebumps listening to his angelic vocal ability. Elliott Yamin, Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder, and Natasha Bedingfield, similarly, are artsits that make you smile when you listen to their meaningful and cheerful music. Without these amazing singers and new artists being recognized every day, we wouldn't be able to live!
Music provides a spiritual outlet in a way anyone can connect to. Anyone who fits the criteria should jump on an opportunity to share their brilliance with the world.
Be sure to read next week's post on what else is new in the Hawaiian Islands' music world.
Peace, love, and joy :)
musicbytori
Sunday, April 25, 2010
peaceofMYmind
Wikoliana is my father's vision. A vision to save the world in his own way... saving the ocean one at a time. This weekend, on Saturday, April 24, 2010, he hosted an event, with the help of his fellow employees, to save the ocean pollution. This event was titled S.T.O.P. (Stop The Ocean Pollution) and it was a huge success. With the local news, amazing help, goodwill volunteers, HPU spirit club, bands such as 'peaceofmind' and more, this weekend had a huge impact on saving our world's oceans.
To stay focused on what this blog is really about, I'll explain peaceofmind's newage, hip-hop-vibed music. To quote the talent, "we are friends. we are family. we are different. and we are the same. and it just so happens, we are just like you united in life like as if all one being, and held together in life by one rhythm, one laughter, one love and one respect."
The 'peaceofmind crew' does what they truly love. Each and every one of them are fun, silly, kind and good-hearted people. Every performance they show is genuine and passionate. Similar to 30H!3, this band has a rock/rap feel that keeps their audience in awe of their dedication to remember what they were sent to do. Their entire music playlist consists of inspiring, uplifting, and 'life-enriching' lyrics that speak to those who listen through an unexpected genre. They're not the 'crew' to play at a wedding, but for ANY teenage/college party- they're the band to call! . Currently the band is residing in Honolulu, HI and their concerts are rolling on strong with "Sam the Pakman" in charge.
It’s also worth noting that the band consists of really great guys. I highly support them and their dedication to music.
To end this post, a quote from the band: "peace, love, unity and respect to and for all peoples!"
Check out more information on the band and their tours at peaceofmindcrew.com
remember... this is just the beginning for peaceofmind.
To stay focused on what this blog is really about, I'll explain peaceofmind's newage, hip-hop-vibed music. To quote the talent, "we are friends. we are family. we are different. and we are the same. and it just so happens, we are just like you united in life like as if all one being, and held together in life by one rhythm, one laughter, one love and one respect."
The 'peaceofmind crew' does what they truly love. Each and every one of them are fun, silly, kind and good-hearted people. Every performance they show is genuine and passionate. Similar to 30H!3, this band has a rock/rap feel that keeps their audience in awe of their dedication to remember what they were sent to do. Their entire music playlist consists of inspiring, uplifting, and 'life-enriching' lyrics that speak to those who listen through an unexpected genre. They're not the 'crew' to play at a wedding, but for ANY teenage/college party- they're the band to call! . Currently the band is residing in Honolulu, HI and their concerts are rolling on strong with "Sam the Pakman" in charge.
It’s also worth noting that the band consists of really great guys. I highly support them and their dedication to music.
To end this post, a quote from the band: "peace, love, unity and respect to and for all peoples!"
Check out more information on the band and their tours at peaceofmindcrew.com
remember... this is just the beginning for peaceofmind.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The King's Legacy
Look to your left. Now, look to your right. AT LEAST one person around you watches the number one singing competition show in the USA... American Idol. This week's theme was the one and only KING himself, Elivs Presley. And who other than Adam Lambert could fill the shoes as the mentor that week?
Adam Lambert, runner up season 8, is the first openly gay pop artist to debut from American Idol. His first album, For Your Entertainment, was released in November 2009 by RCA Records/19 Recordings. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 in December 2009. It sold 198,000 copies in the United States in the first week. That is what's called a number-one in the music industry.
For Elivs week, the top 9 on AI had to choose SHOWMAN performances with heart-throbbing arrangements to "put on a show" to keep the legacy of The King going. This week, I have to say Lee Dewyze won the crowd with "A Little Less Conversation." Following Lee would, of course, be Crystal Bowersox singing "Saved." Both performances were amazing and both artists continue to be the weekly winners.
Tim Urban, otherwise referred to as "Turban" by Ryan Seacrest this week, was SURPRISINGLY good this week. Tim is known as the "cutie-pie"/glee singer that all the teenage girls are voting for, and, occasionally, the only reason they're watching the show. This week, Tim's arrangement was beautiful and the connection to the audience was very strong.
Now for the results show...
Adam Lambert's performance truly gave this season some seasoning. Other than Shioban, whose performances are getting annoying more than interesting, this season is lacking a big Wow-Factor that Adam brought last year. For his performance this week's results show, he brought lasers to his top-10 placing hit, Whataya Want From Me. I personally love that song and it's meaning is impeccable.
Adam's been a stage actor since he was about ten years old. His most recent performance was being cast as the understudy for the part of Fiyero in the Broadway production company tour and Los Angeles casts of the musical Wicked. Adam has been an inspiration to millions and it was an honor having him perform once again on the Idol stage. Looking like he came out of a green cloud in the beginning, Adam caught the eyes of all watchers on Wednesday night. It only got better... once the lasers shot on him and he came out of his green lighted spot light, he connected to the audience in a way that not many other performers could do.
Much like The King, Elvis Presley, Adam Lambert is going to have a legacy people 50 years from now will admire.
Stay tuned for next week when I cover either new released albums, more American Idol updates, or anything else that comes up in the island music world.
Thanks,
musicbytori
Adam Lambert, runner up season 8, is the first openly gay pop artist to debut from American Idol. His first album, For Your Entertainment, was released in November 2009 by RCA Records/19 Recordings. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 in December 2009. It sold 198,000 copies in the United States in the first week. That is what's called a number-one in the music industry.
For Elivs week, the top 9 on AI had to choose SHOWMAN performances with heart-throbbing arrangements to "put on a show" to keep the legacy of The King going. This week, I have to say Lee Dewyze won the crowd with "A Little Less Conversation." Following Lee would, of course, be Crystal Bowersox singing "Saved." Both performances were amazing and both artists continue to be the weekly winners.
Tim Urban, otherwise referred to as "Turban" by Ryan Seacrest this week, was SURPRISINGLY good this week. Tim is known as the "cutie-pie"/glee singer that all the teenage girls are voting for, and, occasionally, the only reason they're watching the show. This week, Tim's arrangement was beautiful and the connection to the audience was very strong.
Now for the results show...
Adam Lambert's performance truly gave this season some seasoning. Other than Shioban, whose performances are getting annoying more than interesting, this season is lacking a big Wow-Factor that Adam brought last year. For his performance this week's results show, he brought lasers to his top-10 placing hit, Whataya Want From Me. I personally love that song and it's meaning is impeccable.
Adam's been a stage actor since he was about ten years old. His most recent performance was being cast as the understudy for the part of Fiyero in the Broadway production company tour and Los Angeles casts of the musical Wicked. Adam has been an inspiration to millions and it was an honor having him perform once again on the Idol stage. Looking like he came out of a green cloud in the beginning, Adam caught the eyes of all watchers on Wednesday night. It only got better... once the lasers shot on him and he came out of his green lighted spot light, he connected to the audience in a way that not many other performers could do.
Much like The King, Elvis Presley, Adam Lambert is going to have a legacy people 50 years from now will admire.
Stay tuned for next week when I cover either new released albums, more American Idol updates, or anything else that comes up in the island music world.
Thanks,
musicbytori
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The Top-List in Music (Shinedown)
Aloha bloggers,
Last month, on March 6, 2010, Shinedown played their number one, newly released hits at Pipeline Café in Honolulu, HI. These insanely popular hits included Second Chance, Simple Man, Devour, Sound of Madness, The Crow & the Butterfly, and 45. Shinedown is an American hard rock band from Jacksonville, Florida formed in 2001. The band members included Brent Smith, Jasin Todd, Brad Stewart, and Barry Kerch until 2007 when Stewart and Todd were replaced by Zach Myers, Nick Perry, and Eric Bass. The band was signed by Atlantic Records in early 2002.
That's enough of the technical history of the band, now to the concert critique...
For any teenager out there, Shinedown is the band for you. They're not quite as sexist or indulgent as other Alternative bands such as Allstar Weekend or All-Time Low being as they put their own hard rock, meaningful twist on their songs. This brought them to where they are today as one of the top 20 artists in the USA. At Pipeline, the band had, what seemed like several hundred, teenage feet flying off the grounds, jumping in unison to the beat of their insanely catchy hits.
Shinedown contains two things teenagers look for most in a band... up-tempo beats, and good-looking members. When you put these two most important qualities together, you get a big shot at making it big time. Attending their concert in Hawaii, I felt like I was defying gravity. Many teens living in the moment did just that by crowd surfing onto the stage just to get a closer glimps at the truly talented singer, Brent Smith. However, one girl in particular got the closest.
When Shinedown was half way through their concert, the lead singer came down to the audience, right in front of the metal gate between the band and crazy teenage fans, barely visible with the dark lighting, and serenated a 14-year-old girl named Gabby. Of course everyone surrounding her reached their arms out just to get a tiny touch of the singer's glorifying tour jacket while Smith held her face, kissed her cheek, and sung right to her soul. As clarified by just about every teenage/early twenty-year-old there, a girl would die to be in her shoes.
That's it for this post on Shinedown's concert at Pipeline Café, Honolulu, HI. Check out next week's blog to find out more on music news in the Islands.
Thanks a lot,
musicbytori
Last month, on March 6, 2010, Shinedown played their number one, newly released hits at Pipeline Café in Honolulu, HI. These insanely popular hits included Second Chance, Simple Man, Devour, Sound of Madness, The Crow & the Butterfly, and 45. Shinedown is an American hard rock band from Jacksonville, Florida formed in 2001. The band members included Brent Smith, Jasin Todd, Brad Stewart, and Barry Kerch until 2007 when Stewart and Todd were replaced by Zach Myers, Nick Perry, and Eric Bass. The band was signed by Atlantic Records in early 2002.
That's enough of the technical history of the band, now to the concert critique...
For any teenager out there, Shinedown is the band for you. They're not quite as sexist or indulgent as other Alternative bands such as Allstar Weekend or All-Time Low being as they put their own hard rock, meaningful twist on their songs. This brought them to where they are today as one of the top 20 artists in the USA. At Pipeline, the band had, what seemed like several hundred, teenage feet flying off the grounds, jumping in unison to the beat of their insanely catchy hits.
Shinedown contains two things teenagers look for most in a band... up-tempo beats, and good-looking members. When you put these two most important qualities together, you get a big shot at making it big time. Attending their concert in Hawaii, I felt like I was defying gravity. Many teens living in the moment did just that by crowd surfing onto the stage just to get a closer glimps at the truly talented singer, Brent Smith. However, one girl in particular got the closest.
When Shinedown was half way through their concert, the lead singer came down to the audience, right in front of the metal gate between the band and crazy teenage fans, barely visible with the dark lighting, and serenated a 14-year-old girl named Gabby. Of course everyone surrounding her reached their arms out just to get a tiny touch of the singer's glorifying tour jacket while Smith held her face, kissed her cheek, and sung right to her soul. As clarified by just about every teenage/early twenty-year-old there, a girl would die to be in her shoes.
That's it for this post on Shinedown's concert at Pipeline Café, Honolulu, HI. Check out next week's blog to find out more on music news in the Islands.
Thanks a lot,
musicbytori
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