First Friday

Rhiana Alana Lewis

Rhiana Alana Lewis is the lead singer/guitarist/songwriter with the band dubbed“Rhiana and the Texans.” The band plays many genres from folk, rock, to hiphop and blues. The band has been described as ” No Doubt meets Amy Winehouse.” Rhiana and the Texans play all original material composed by Rhiana, and a few covers in between.

The Elevations Hawai‘i

The Elevations Hawai‘i describe themselves as a 9-piece vintage soul band, doing it in the original style, before Motown. It was at the cusp of original R&B from the 50’s, mixed with Jazz and Gospel, that Soul music was born. That’s the era that they are focusing on—the origin, the source. Tenor Sax Eric White says, “To me, it’s a more driving sound, more raw, more gritty, so real and honest. I guarantee that most people havenever heard of Bettye Lavette, Jean Wells, Ricky Allen, Freddie Scott, et al. But, we are also looking to modern bands that play in that style (Vintage Soul) as well as Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Lee Fields and The Expressions, Saunn & Starr…. These bands provide the bridge from the original artists to the modern day. It is from here that we hope to make adifference, by making our own original music to share with the rest of the world.”

Vocals: Kehaulani White, Cheyenne Takeuchi–Leong, Aiddy Weisbecker

Tenor Sax: Eric White

Trumpet: Rob Toyama

Guitar: Gilbert Batangan

Drums: Keli‘i Wong

Bass: Rodney Drummer

Percussion: Carlos Betancourt