A Celebration with Kool & The Gang

-Oahu, HI

The trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, tambourine, cow bell, and vocals all collided and mashed beautifully into a vibration of funk that didn’t allow you to sit still. At the Blue Note Hawaii Saturday evening with Kool & The Gang on stage, having tables and chairs in the venue was a disservice. 

There was not a single, still soul in the room. A standing area in the back allowed for a handful of audience members to sway and spin with full mobility, while everyone else snapped, clapped, and shimmied their shoulders in their seats. The crowd was brought back and wanted to get down. 

Sequins adorned the outfits of stage and audience members alike. The music was loud, and the drinks were cold. The instrumentation was beyond impressive, with all types of sounds coming together to form the hits we know and love. When ‘Ladies Night’ played, the group of three women I was seated with did a holler and a cheers of their margaritas.  

The night closed with celebration, from Kool & The Gang and the audience. People danced as they walked out the door, including myself. I have a book that dives into the history of jazz clubs. I often look at the pictures and it makes me feel like I’m in the hall dancing with these vibrant-looking people. The Kool & The Gang performance brought that feeling to life. I wonder how live music will evolve, and what we can learn from how it operated in the past. One thing that will never change about live music is its ability to bring people together in a shared moment. Wherever you are in the world, when you’re there, immersed in the sound and energy, you’re part of something collective—so why not embrace it and celebrate?