Kolohe Kai: A Musical Journey through Aloha and Emotion in Irvine

Kolohe Kai, a Hawaiian reggae band, invaded Irvine, California, on September 16, 2023. The ensemble, which was founded in 2009, sold out the Fivepoint Ampitheatre while opening performers Mike Love and J Boog supported them. Roman De Peralta, the band’s principal singer and lyricist, founded them. The evening featured an intriguing blend of the typical OC vibe with a laid-back Hawaiian attitude. The band showed how much they’ve grown in just one year since their last tour in 2022.

ACT 1: Mike Love

As the opening act for Kolohe Kai, Mike Love, a talented musician and well-known personality in the reggae community, brought his distinctive sound and upbeat energy to the stage. From the time he entered the spotlight, Mike Love enthralled the crowd with his deep melodies and moving words. His contagious enthusiasm and impassioned performance set the ideal tone for the evening, fostering a sense of harmony and joy. It was evident that the crowd connected strongly with Mike Love’s music as they swayed to his reggae rhythms and sung along to his lyrics; including his track “Butterfly Remains”. As a result, Mike Love made for an unforgettable opening act that prepared the audience for an amazing evening of music by Kolohe Kai.

ACT 2: J Boog

J Boog, the master of modern island reggae, ignited the crowd as he performed as Kolohe Kai’s opener. J Boog gave the evening’s events an unmistakably island feel with his silky vocals and irie feelings. He immediately had the crowd moving to his upbeat songs, setting the stage in an electrifying environment that hinted at the musical trip to come. J Boog’s distinctive fusion of reggae, R&B, and hip-hop struck a chord with fans on a deep level, and his charismatic stage presence made a lasting impression. The crowd sang along to every word, especially as the chords for “Sunshine Girl” and “Let’s Do It Again” began. Kolohe Kai’s opener made sure the evening got off to a great start, raising the standard of the headliner and leaving the audience wanting for more.

ACT 3: Main ACT- Kolohe Kai

Everyone in attendance was ready for Kolohe Kai, which was a musical trip that crossed genre boundaries. The event began with a thrilling performance of “Natural High,” which set the tone for a memorable evening. The band flawlessly transitioned into “This is the Life,” engulfing the audience in a reggae-infused hold. Moreover, with their rendition of “Isn’t She Lovely,” they honored the renowned Stevie Wonder and showed off their range of musical styles. The concert took a turn with “He’e Roa” and “Summer to Winter,” where the audience could feel the genuine passion in Roman De Peralta’s vocals.

The songs “Butterflies” and “Hazel Eyes” demonstrated the band’s capacity for intimate connection. However, “Paradise” is when a touching moment of unity was shown. The inclusion of dancers increased the song’s power, and the audience connected with Roman’s moving message about the pain experienced by individuals in Maui. Everyone was asked to help with relief efforts by the band. This was a unique experience because of what music and compassion produced.

The Many Messages of the Night

Roman strummed his ukulele while singing “Round and Around.” He shared a personal difficulty and the advice his mother offered him to create a song and find strength in music. Furthermore, this message connected with everyone and served as a helpful reminder that we all have difficulties in life. The band expertly switched between their classics throughout the evening, including “Blame It on the Waves,” “Is This Love,” and “Hope.” After waiting 15 years to hear a song that had its origins in the band’s high school days, their most recent release, “All My Life,” was greeted with rapturous applause. They also perform tracks “Heartstrings” and “Dream Girl” before wrapping up with the classic “Ehu Girl.” “Ehu Girl” is what launched Kolohe Kai’s career 14 years ago! This brought the concert full circle with a powerful sense of nostalgia and growth.

Final ACT: Encore

Kolohe Kai had not only created a work of art in terms of music, but also sent a message of connection and community as the evening came to an end. The dedication to their fans and love for supporting other musicians are demonstrated continuously. Also, by their choice to partner with Big Island radio, which offered free ticket sales for these amazing shows. For their encore stage, they had the talented dancers present during “Cool Down”! This gave the performance a another layer of cultural depth. We can’t forget the unexpected sight of a light saber which was a welcome surprise. Made sense being near Disneyland.

With their tour continuing throughout the month, Kolohe Kai invites us all to join them on this musical journey. Where the spirit of aloha and the love for their craft shine brightly, making every moment an unforgettable experience.

Article & Photos by Diana