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This concert has to be on my top 5 list of Hawaiian concerts that I have attended! The Montalvo Carriage House was a very intimate setting to display Hapas talent! Highly recommend you checking out Hapa whenever they're in your area!!
This is the second Hapa concert I have attended. The first one I had to leave at the break because of the volume. Nathan (I think that is his name.......the non-haole man) requested Barry to turn it down after about 3 numbers. It got better a bit on a few of the songs but some songs were so outrageously loud that I had to keep my ears plugged with my fingers. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring earplugs. I highly recommend that anyone attending a Hapa concert bring ear protection. I don't think I would attend another of their concerts because of this. The playing for the most part was pretty darn good...........both of these men can play very well. I especially enjoyed the solo by Nathan at the beginning of the second set. The dancers were very good and added a island feel.
HAPA's current tour is the real deal. It's not watered down by being part of a Hawaiian Cultural event, but is pure acoustic intensity with all the subtle sweetness that makes HAPA a dreamscape of island bliss. The performance is Saratoga, CA was set in the majestic backdrop of Villa Montalvo, in the most intimate of venues known as the Carriage House. Sold out to 300 capacity, the atmosphere was that of a big family room where Barry & Nathan of HAPA invited guests to enjoy a deep setlist and tell stories of another place and time. The music, poetry, and dance combined into one divine tapestry woven from sincere yet jovial artists. Barry Flannigan, the original founding member and featured slack key virtuoso, was out to prove he is still on the cutting edge of modern day six string deliverance. A perfectionist at heart, he lead the dynamic duo through a fullfilling two set catalogue of HAPA classics, new material, and insipring cover songs. Opening the evening with The Boxer by Simon & Garfunkel, we were immediately captured for the parables to come. A robust collection of instrumentals and songs with harmonic vocals ensued to give any HAPA fan the show of a lifetime. Barry worked the guitar like a master to its slave, commanding every flare up while twisting and bending nearly every string and grain of wood to extract immortal tones from the heavens. There is no "going though the motions" with Barry, he comes to play hard, and plays to win. He digs into the depths of passion, exerting himself to perfection, all while exuding humbleness of heart, offering musical tokens of appreciation to his adoring audience. In his own words, he constantly tries to out-do himself. He certainly pushed beyond the limit of expectation at this show. Barry was accompanied by the bigger half of HAPA, Nathan, who really set the foundation. His 12 string guitar filled the room like a blanket of canvass. And just when you thought this evening of angelic acoustic guitar was going to keep you in the clouds, he straps on his 8 string electric bass and slap funks you silly. His bass solo was a welcome element to this Hawaiian variety show, and really thumped me in the core of my soul. All the while, with gracious smiles and comedic tidbits, brother Nathan keeps you tickled. His vocals are unparalled by any modern Island artist, soothing tones with controled vibratto, which could bring any God to its knees. Just when I thought a short 2nd Set was in store, the tunes kept extending to make for one complete evening. The audience got to participate in singing the Chorus of "One Day", and we were treated to many a story of the background behind the songs. All the while, seeing the music brought to life through the movements of the one of the best hula dancers. Her grace was golden as she beckoned love as beauty. The stage and venue really became an island unto itself as performers and audience alike went to a distant, majestic place together, that of atmospheric delight, only possible by the passion of Mr. York and Tattooe of a fantasy island, HAPA!
Although considered a 'nice guy' I am not much for crying, but did at this concert. I was so moved. My friend brought me a long for her birthday. Wow! Thank you!
