Na Hoku Hanohano award winner “Sistah Robi” Kahakalau is headlining a benefit fundraising concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Palace Theater in Hilo. ADVERTISING Na Hoku Hanohano award winner “Sistah Robi” Kahakalau is headlining a benefit fundraising concert at
Na Hoku Hanohano award winner “Sistah Robi” Kahakalau is headlining a benefit fundraising concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Palace Theater in Hilo.
Formerly the female lead singer for the Hawaiian Style Band, Sistah Robi is one of Hawaii’s most popular entertainers.
Her distinctive voice, creative energy, as well as mastery of seven languages, including Hawaiian, puts her in a class of her own.
Joining Sistah Robi are Hilo’s own Keawe Trio — Brandon Nakano, Emma Coloma-Nakano and Ikaika Marzo.
They’ll play their own material and back Robi for the show.
Special guest star Randy Lorenzo, formerly of Country Comfort and The Peter Moon Band, also will lend his talents to this special night.
Legendary Hawaii radio personality Skylark is the emcee.
Robi’s versatility shows itself through the selection of songs that present a picture of old and new, Hawaiian and haole, of gentle and wild — like Robi herself.
Highlights of her musical career include “the time I got to open for, hang out and actually talk story with Bonnie Raitt.”
Kahakalau had a local radio hit with a cover version of Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”
Robi also pointed out a “real fun gig” in Japan with reggae group Big Mountain, and two interisland tours with British reggae superstars UB40. She’s also performed at Carnegie Hall.
The Palace featured Robi during 2013 Ho‘olaule‘a. The theater was packed and she received enthusiastic applause and cheers, and she’s looking forward to returning Saturday night with her special musical friends.
Tickets are $20 advance, available at the Palace box office, and $25 the day of the show.
For information or credit card orders, call 934-7010.
