This years Kokua Festival, put on by Jack Johnson, was hyped to be the best yet. With local group Go Jimmy Go, Hawaii born Mason Jennings, Local Girl Paula Fuga, Dave Matthews, Tim Reynolds, and of course Jack Johson how could it not be good.

But in the 4 years that I’ve gone (missed one) this was the best one yet, both days. Yeah I was lucky enough to score tickets to both days of Kokua this year. Aside from the $7.75 beers, it was a winner. I’ve been waiting for a while to see Dave Matthews perform in Hawaii and to see him with Tim Reynolds was even better.

Each night was different, the first night Dave was a little more comical, and Jack played longer. Even Matt Costa, who was in town earlier in the week for a concert at Next Door in Honolulu, played a song with Jack. The second night Matt wasn’t there but Dave played some great songs, Bartender, Crash, and The Maker. Each night finished up with a Dave, Tim and Jack Jam session, some solor Jack songs, and of course, the 3 R’s with the whole group. That’s right, Dave Matthews was up on stage singing Reduce, Reuse, Recycle while Timmy Reynolds jammed. It was crazy!

The Eco Village was larger this year than previous years, either that or there was just more free stuff, and there was water stations this year for refilling water bottles (can’t remember, but I don’t think they had that last year.) In fact, this was the only place I’ve ever seen the line for water be longer than the line for beer!

All in all it was a great concert. I’m sure I’ll remember more, like if you road your bike to the concert you got free valet service and a separate line to go in.

UPDATE: You can check out our photo galleries from this years Kokua Festival at Kokua Festival 2008 Day 1 and Kokua Festival 2008 Day 2

It’s been a long time coming but Dave Matthews is finally heading out here to Hawaii to play with local boy Jack Johnson at the Kokua Festival. The Kokua Festival, for those that don’t know is put on by Jack Johnson and promotes eco friendly businesses and education. A great concert for Jack’s foundation located at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu.

And finally, Dave Matthews is coming and he’s bringing Tim Reynolds. It should be a great show both days, April 19th and the 20th. I’ll have a report back to all you readers each night and should have a few pictures as well.

Also showing up is Paula Fuga, Mason Jennings, and Go, Jimmy, Go. Check out more at KokuaFestival.com

What can you bring into the Jimmy Buffet concert is probably an easier question to answer that what you can’t bring.

Tonight at the Waikiki Shell in Waikiki Parotheads will be in full force to see the concert. Jimmy Buffet will begin at 7 pm and go late into the night. But what can you bring into the concert?

Well, according to Jimmy Buffets management, not much. Also, you can’t tailgate or picnic before the event which is a regular staple of concert goers in Kapiolani Park. Here’s a list of things you can’t bring:

Coolers, large bags, backpacks
Outside food and beverages
All glass and plastic bottles, including water bottles
All cameras, video and audio recorders
Lawn chairs
Glow wands, laser lights, pens or pointers
Signage larger than 12 inches by 12 inches

Have fun and enjoy the concert none-the-less

Just a reminder that the Kokua Festival is today. Featuring Willie Nelson, Ben Harper, and of course, Jack Johnson. Doors open at 3:00 pm. We suggest getting there early as there will be a huge line forming about 2:30.

Parking is also a pain, although you may be able to find a few here and there spots on the road. People will also be offering their yards (or what little there are of their yards) for a small price. Remember no alcoholic beverages can be brought in but a small cooler and some towels can be brought in to the Waikiki Shell.

Don’t forget that Damien Marley is at the Shell tomorrow night so maybe we’ll get to see him today.

For directions to the Waikiki shell just go to Map Quest and put in your starting destination, and then just type in Waikiki Shell, and Honolulu HI. They have the shell stored in their database. Isn’t the internet great.

Well I’m not sure if it was 30 minutes but that is the rumor going around. Jack Johnson’s Kokua festival which features special guests Ben Harper and Willie Nelson began selling tickets for the show at 9 am on Saturday morning. Within 30 minutes they were sold out! It might be because the concert bug has been going around and April will be a huge concert month of Hawaii. U2, Steve Miller, and Jack Johnson will all perform in Hawaii during the month of April.

We were lucky enough to get up early and get tickets. I was almost about to make sure we got 8 and then thought we could always get them tomorrow if it turned out we needed more. I was wrong. We’ll keep our four and hope most of our friends were able to get them in time. You can find tickets on EBay and I’m sure craigslist Honolulu has some tickets for sale, but the longer you wait the pricier things are going to get.

If you’ve never been to the shell for a concert it’s a great venue. Small, not a bad seat in the house, and outdoors. You actually could sit outside the fences in Kapiolani park, drinking beer and barbecuing while still hearing part of the sets. Good luck whatever route you take to get their.

Aloha