M i g h t y J

Apparently, no one wants to post about this so I figure I should. The biggest challenge, I ASSUMED, of bringing three talented musicians together to create a single project, would be to treat the musicians as a group rather than as three individuals. Well, I assumed wrong and as they say I “made an ass out of u and med.” Mighty J has proven to be an effective trio. Well it might be proper to say that they are an effective trio in my eyes (or ears.) After all, I have pretty much been the only person to hear everything this group has to offer, until this past Saturday night.

Mighty J along with the rest of their band members put on an impressive show at Osake’s this past Saturday night folks. I assure you that I am not the only one that felt that way. Their one hour set seemed too short, and this is coming from someone who does not enjoy going out to watch concerts! The three ladies performed many of their bound to be hits at this performance, and have truly captured the very essence of their unique yet highly addictive sound. The audience was boppin’ their heads throughout the entire set, and yelling and screaming for more between songs.

They started their official set with “Calling Out,” a song that many of you have heard before especially because it’s the song that has circled the internet many times over. It was at that point that everyone in the joint knew they were in for a very special treat. The introduction for the song (different from the recording) left me wondering what song they were playing, but it was arranged in such a way that it built my anticipation. Once the groove dropped, it was clear that it was “Calling Out,” and Mighty J did not disappoint. At this point I needed another Coors Light, as I needed to get into party mode, and considering the set was only an hour, I needed to get there fast.

The songs that followed included many more originals from their album along with a rockin version of “Doo Wop,” a better than the original version of “Stars Are Blind,” and a smooth version of “Sweetest Taboo.” Ironically they finished their set with their original “Girls Night Out.” Ironic because my night pretty much finished at the end of their set, but then again I’m not a girl.

So in closing, If you missed the show, Losah! Don’t miss the next one. This could be the beginning of a very big thing. This could be the era of Mighty J. Well, maybe I’m taking it too far, but you really gotta see these girls to appreciate what I’m talking about. Congratulations Mighty J! Also congrats to the band: Kapono, Matt, Kalei, and Ka’imi for really holding strong and of course to Precision Sound.

Oh one more thing, just so you don’t think I appreciated everything at the show, let me just say that the lighting sucked. Osake’s needs to step that up. Other than that, the Coors Light was good.

On a side note, Jenn and I have talked about doing a program about the show on the DoctorTrey.com podcast so tune in if you’d like to hear more of what went on that night and even what’s to become of Mighty J TV. One day we might get Tiki and Mai on with us, hopefully, maybe, but probably not.

Technorati Tags: Mighty J, Mailani Makainai, Tiki Suan, Jenn Wright, JRoQ, Dr. Trey, concert, music, hawaii, osake, precision sound, live music, musicians, coors light

Imua Kamehameha e! I am a strong supporter of all things Hawaiian. I am in awe of the time and energy it takes to continue traditions year after year. Family traditions, school traditions, club traditions, religious traditions. It takes a lot of work and a lot of commitment, something that many people know nothing of. It requires maintenance, practice, and operates very much like a promise.

Although I am not a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, I enjoy watching their singing competition every year on television and have attended this annual event only once. I’ve always in some way, envied much of the student body at Kamehameha schools specifically because of their traditions and commitment to continue them for as long as this school can survive among many of Hawai’i’s differences in politics, ethnicities, educational backgrounds, everything if you must. The song contest for one has given much to our kupuna by honoring them with the continuation of our mele and culture, our ideals, our practices, our stories, our ways as a people of old who once thrived in this place we call Hawai’i.

Every year, I am interested in knowing the theme or person or event the singing competition evolves around. They’ve honored our Queen Lili’u and the overthrow, Aunty Helen Deshee Beamer, Aunty Lena Machado, Old Christian Hymnals, what it means to have inherited such a gifted genealogy of Hawaiian ancestry, and this year honoring Aunty Mary Kawna Puku’i. Although I am glad it celebrates Kamehameha Schools, and it is well deserving because they’ve put a lot of work and research, energy and time, into this occasion, we cannot forget the most important reason of all and that this celebrates the Hawaiian in Hawaiians.

And this is why I feel so torn between the idea of sending my child to this school that does not accept all Hawaiians.

I am sure we are all familiar with this criticism. Read the rest of this entry »

yeah, so for the past 3 days, Mai and I have been going to the gym to work out.  I’m talkin’, a little cardio… well mostly cardio — you know, running… and doing the Step Master (since all the Precor machines were taken!).  It needs to be done… the whole getting in shape thing, so that we feel good and so that people can take us more seriously knowing that we’re busting our butts to look good.  It’s just hard to up keep.  I’m REALLY glad Mailani is pushing me to go.  And you know what??  I feel better.  Like right now.  I’m tired, but satisfied.  I went on the Step Master for 25 minutes (all the Precors were taken again!), then rode on the bike for 12 minutes… before I knew it, we were rushing to take a shower and head off to practice.  Tiki and Rai were there too!  WHOA!  Mighty J taking over 24 hour Fitness Kapiolani!!!

Things are going great for Mighty J.

• We’re motivated to get in shape
• we’ve got a great team of guys in our band that want to take this musical journey with us
• we have an awesome producer / engineer (Dr. Trey) finishing up the album for Mastering as we speak, that really has a passion for music and is ensuring to get our album as near to perfect as he can make it…
• we have a GREAT record label that wants us to succeed and let’s us experiment and work on creating a new and fresh sound for the industury
• and we’ve got great fans and respect from others in the music industry that think we have a cool fresh sound.

So much things to say…. but it’s best to show our excitement and drive on the stage.  If you didn’t already hear, we play this Saturday, Osake Lounge (old Blu Tropix, right of 24 hour fitness). We go on at 10:30p and play for 45 minutes to an hour! Be there peeps… until next time, PEACE OUT HOMIES!  -j.

In terms of relationships anything that is truly 50/50 to me is nothing but BS.Why?To truly having a “working” relationship my theory on percentages lies with 60/40.

It’s the commitment to seeking compromise, but realizing that it won’t always happen and hey sometimes one has to step up to the plate and fricken “be a woman who wears the pants”!

There is always one in the relationship who dominates with decision making, emotional fulfillment, and “want” for the other person. One will always “need” or “demand” more. This is not to say that role reversal doesn’t happen cause it does or actually should, but the balance remains within the 60/40 scope.

Character, personality, demeanor, life experiences, etc. all determine who the true person individually is at any given time, but in a relationship these all change in varying degrees to mold one into a whole new person as the relationship develops. It sucks, but we sometimes lose our sense of self as we are defined by who we are with (the nature of the relationship). It’s the “we”s and “our”s and “their”s responses that transpire and not the “I”s or “my”s that come into play. That’s to be expected since once you’re in it …that’s the role you assume. The beauty of the 60/40 is that there is always room to be domineering or to be dominated. Whatever works in any given situation.

Now 70/30 – that’s the lost cause with one always being at the shitty end of the stick … one boss and one slave … for me … I’m so not down with that.

Following the 60/40 takes time … it ain’t that easy … but I would hope to try and maintain that balance …not always being the one who is 60, but claiming little responsibility when I’m at the 40 end (less thinking … and ultimately less drama).

So hey … I’m no professional Dr. Phil but I run with what works for me.

Signed … 

dude,
I am tired. I judged the Hawaii Stars show today and it was actually pretty exciting! I think the highlight was that Tadd Fujikawa was there and he autographed a freaking golf ball for me!!! I am so proud of that boy, so down to Earth! I wish him nothing but the best.

I think he is the real deal. I never wanted to hate on Michelle Wie, but come on, would she have autographed a golf ball for me??? I think she would have if there was something in it for her. Kind of like that publicity stunt she did with the computers in Wai’anae. Dude, the conditions there haven’t changed, she was a millionaire for a whole year and only suddenly when she was no longer the hot topic in the media, I’m sure her publicist was like, “Wie, we’re not in the paper or on the news as much, I think as your consultant we should show charitable character. ” And then , hmmmmmm homelessness was the hot topic, “how can we combat that, hmmmmm let’s give computers to the school there, computers will show that I donated a whole bunch of my very own moolas.” I don’t know, I am grumpy tonight, I should be sleeping that’s why. I really liked Wie in the beginning, I had her back for a very long time, but now it seems like she doesn’t want to work on her game, she just wants to learn while she tours. She’s milking it. Would I do that?

I can honestly say no, because its shame!!! She hasn’t done well. That’s like me accepting money for a performance I did terrible at. A performance I did not prepare for.

Anyhow, I do hope her game improves, but she’s become a commodity, a name, an item. Well, mahalo Tadd for my autographed ball, this was supposed to be more about you. I love your smile, your groundedness, the fact that you already know who you are, where you come from, what you represent. Much blessings to you, aloha and goodnight!
M