Jill Cunniff: Here To Sing And Clean Up The Beach

Jill Cunniff, lead singer for the group Luscious Jackson, visited us this morning to do a few numbers from her new solo album City Beach, along with a song from her group. Here she is, accompanied by New York guitarist Singh Birdsong.

Cunniff’s also in town for the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue, an effort to clean up beaches around the nation. The cool thing about it is that you volunteer your time, and you get a concert and some stuff to drink afterward (which is why Barefoot Wine says you have to be of legal drinking age to take part).

The local effort is happening at Ala Moana Beach Park tomorrow. You have to RSVP to make sure the organizers can assign cleanup spots, and then have enough to party with afterward.

I’ve heard of Luscious Jackson before, but I’m not entirely familiar with them. But Dave Hisaka is, and even requested a Luscious Jackson song. However, Jill had only one segment left, and had already planned to sing a new song called “Wild Oceans,” a song about O`ahu, which is only available as a bonus track on iTunes. You should check out the song — and try to make the cleanup if you can.

iNTREPiD And His `Ohana

For the first time, at least since I’ve been on the morning newscast, we had a hip hop rapper as a musical guest. His name is Jonathan Clarke Sypert, who goes by the handle iNTREPiD.

Of course, there are stereotypes regarding hip hop and rap, but this guy gives rap a different rep.

iNTREPiD brought his breakdancers for the newscast. But he also brought his family, including his wife, Nani (Mrs. iNTREPiD?), his two daughters and his son (who is the youngest dancer in the troupe). His brother in-law is also one of the dancers. He’s also a deacon at Central Union Church, where his CD release party is being held Saturday night. (He jokes that he’s the only deacon with an afro that he knows of.)

iNTREPiD’s act got quite a bit of attention, even from our other guests on the newscast, who stayed a bit to watch. He’s got a lot of energy and a positive message. And being a good rapper is harder than it sounds.

National Product, Local Exposure

This morning we had the group National Product as our musical guest. They’re based in California and have their first CD set for national release in August. And three of their members are from Hawai`i (two from Kalaheo, including their lead singer, and one from `Aiea).

I’ll admit that at first, I thought they sounded like many of the alterna-power-pop bands that are out there, but one of their songs (I think it may have been “Sean Song”) set them apart from the pack, with a little country-ish swing to it, at least in its acoustic state.

They also blogged, within a few hours, about their experience on our newscast. So, I’ll let them tell the story, along with their photos. They’re awesome guys, and they’re welcome back any time.

"Grease" Is The Word

Just wanted to show some props to members of the cast of Grease, the musical now playing at Army Community Theatre. They did a great job, considering it’s so early in the morning (and some disclosure, I’m also not saying that because I know a few members of the cast, including some pictured here).

They’ll be in the Richardson Theatre on Fort Shafter, Fridays and Saturdays until May 26.

On Tuesday, we had former Miss Hawaii Candes Gentry, who plays the title role in Gigi at Diamond Head Theatre, through June 3.

Go out and support local theatre!

Not Quite Cinco de Mayo, But Pretty Darn Close

We had one of our busiest broadcasts last week Friday; so busy that we haven’t gotten around to posting this until now.

That day was the day before Cinco de Mayo, and Don Murphy dropped in to chat about the festivities (fiesta?) that was to happen Saturday night at Murphy’s Bar and Grill. Think of it. An Irish pub holding an event for a Mexican holiday which has become an American excuse to drink cervesas. Even better, Don mentioned there would be “free sombreros for the keikis.” Very local style, to mash at least three cultures at once.

Inside, we had Vocal Spectrum, the National Champion barbershop quartet from St. Louis, Mo., in town for a barbershop quartet show and mystery caper last weekend at the Hawai`i Theatre. Another mashup there.

It was also the day Spider Man 3 hit the theatres. At the Honolulu Traffic Management Center, Dave Hisaka celebrated by rigging up a little Spider Man on a string that he was able to pull up and down on cue.

On the front deck, in what seems to have become an annual tradition, the folks from Jamba Juice were making and giving out free Smoothies (this year’s flavor: pomegranate) to motorists and passers-by headed to work.The big reason for the Jamba Juice appearance was to promote the 6th Annual Banana Man Chase at Magic Island, benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Hawai`i. If you don’t know already, it’ a 5K run/walk, in which people raise money by chasing people dressed in a banana costume around Magic Island.

Guess what? Dan’s going to be one of those people. Yes, he’ll be running in a banana man outfit.

If you want to see this, or are already participating, the event happens this Saturday, May 12, at 8 am, rain or shine, at Magic Island. It all goes to a good cause.

Let The Music Play!

If you missed a musical guest we’ve had on the newscast, or just want to hear one of their songs again, you’re in luck. Some of the artists are now providing us with mp3’s of their music here. We hope to have a pretty good playlist going. It’s our way to support the local artists you see and hear in the morning. Let us know what you think.

morningmail@thehawaiichannel.com