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Ricky Davis

Rebel™ and Ricky's Audio Clips
www.mightyfinemusic.com
Email Ricky: sshawaiian@austin.rr.com

And with Ricky Davis for a room-mate, you'd definitely be on the fast track.

I did find a 3 piece group with steel, playing by the pool at the Marriott, one night a week. (excellent musicians) but the audience was yawning, swimming, and drinking. Could have had a CD playing.

I was really surprised. I don't know about the other islands.

Slack key seems to be considered cool, and the younger folks play it along with the acknowledged experts, like Keola Beamer and Led Kapaana (don't know if I spelled that correctly). People playing really nice koa ukes is pretty popular as well. The most popular music I hear when I have visited the islands is Reggae. Fits right in to the ambiance!

I wrote on one of the dobro forums that I wished I had gone years ago before Jerry Byrd retired from performing to see him play on Oahu-you shouldn't put these things off.

The next time we go to the islands I plan on spending some time on Oahu to find some steel guitar shows.

I wish I had brought a dobro with me on my last trip-I think the vibe of Kauai-the beauty, the laid back attitude, the trade winds, etc. might have brought some sounds out of it that I have never played before!

A buddy of mine who is a pro photographer and life long surfer just bought a photography business on Kauai and moved his family there last month. He played with me in our church band (he's a flute player). I think practicing your flute on a cliff above the ocean would be a pretty cool way to spend an afternoon!

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Mark

[This message was edited by Mark Eaton on 26 April 2005 at 09:00 AM.]

As far as earning a living playing the steel 'respectfully' in Hawaii,
GOOD LUCK.

You'll have a better chance/time busking. And you probably are good enuf talent wise without even knowing it. Some of the best Hawaiian playing is very easy, if you play it 'right'. Do that. Most of the great old timers used nothing but a little six string.

Musicians get no respect from the establishments (nothing new), and the tourists are generations removed from knowing what real steel guitar is about, so it's an educational excercise just to get them to pay attention. A killer steel player has no problem in getting someone's attention tho, and that's what we need more of around here.

Hawaii is a steel players oyster, suck 'em up!

Jerry Byrd Forever!!

[This message was edited by Ron Whitfield on 26 April 2005 at 12:44 PM.]

To monitor- I inadvertantly hit the 'edit' in Bill's post instead of mine, was able to enter, and possibly could have edited his or any other post.

Gotcha bOb, thanx for setting me straight.

[This message was edited by Ron Whitfield on 26 April 2005 at 07:39 PM.]

In addition to what's already been said in this message chain:

The old picture post-card Hawaii exists in sporadic locations, and situationally elsewhere. But situationally is a matter of what anyone makes it be; And I think what you desire could indeed be accomplished living near Waikiki where nice parks and plenty of stimulus exists for your stated purposes.

I would guess that a new-comer could find considerable intrigue and enjoyment being based near Waikiki for a year or so, ...to learn the ropes, shed old skin and learn where else they might prefer settling into; And some personalities might enjoy a longer stay in or near the Wacky-key concrete jungle, ...as it does have a distinct and pleasant metropolitan atmosphere with Hawaiian flavor (thick in a few spots and situations). Out in the country near the shores is where the remnants of the old "real" Hawaii exists IMHO, although not in the concentrated abundance of the things you seem to be desiring that are in a more concentrated abundance living near Wacky-key.

Average wages are low and cost of living is high, although held in check somewhat by the minimal entertainment budget and minimal wardrobe needed in a simple lifestyle for those that like same. The job market is short of a number of highly skilled trades, ...although that usually means the 9-5 trudge that further reduces the Hawaiian experience you seem to be seeking. I have yet to see anyone with reasonably good creative / enterprising minds not be able to make their own way reasonably well here somewhat under their own terms; Although I've seen allot of people leave because nominal creativity wasn't enough to achieve what they desired out of life at that particular time. And of course there are commendable exceptions anywhere in that spectrum.

I would venture to say that you could fill your woodshedding time with casual learning rapports with several Steelers here that would enjoy sharing such Aloha.