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Barretto shines at Ka‘ahea’s Kalapaki Komedy Klub
By Rebecca Snowden - Special to The Garden Island | Posted: Saturday, January 29, 2011 11:00 pm
LIHU‘E — Singer songwriter Michael Barretto, who has toured as a solo artist and in Taj Mahal’s Hula Blues Band, warmed the audience with original songs and a smattering of covers Friday night at Ed Ka‘ahea’s Kalapaki Komedy Klub at Café Portofino.
Wearing a smile and a stylish black hat throughout most of his performance, Barretto played guitar and sang with the ease of an experienced musician.
It is apparent that Barretto’s music has diverse influences as he plays. “My daddy gave me a guitar when I was 6 years old. Daddy was a country western singer and had a big ol’ Gibson emperor guitar, back when you could get it for $200. Every time I write a song it comes out with a bit of western in it,” Barretto said to the audience. Barretto’s music also comes from playing Hawaiian music with his aunts and uncles. This rich history was evident when he sang a Dennis Kamakahi song in Hawaiian while finger plucking on his guitar in a soulful, knowing way. Entwined with a bit of rock and a bit of blues, it was while Barretto was touring in Australia that his music was dubbed as ‘Island Blues,’ a mix of blues and island music.
Barretto shared stories in between songs which reflected a deep, perceptive insight. His message has a philosophical approach to life. “We have to walk through the day knowing that everything always works out. If you do everything in your power to do things right, if you’re not willfully disrupting the flow, you can just let go of the reins. As long as you are doing things right, you don’t have to drive the bus because creation around you is going to carry on regardless.” While Barretto’s message was shared through music, renowned comedian Ed Ka‘ahea shared a similar message through humor.
Ka‘ahea is one of the original 1970s Hawaiian Booga Booga comedy group, which consisted of Rap Reiplinger and James Grant Benton, all classically trained New York actors. “Booga Booga created a new comedy paradigm. It was Hawaiian satire that electrified the entire state. It challenged people, especially young Hawaiians, to be Hawaiian,” said Ka‘ahea. How does a talented comedian like Ka‘ahea continue to perpetuate his passion for grassroots entertainment? He created Ka‘ahea’s Kalapaki Komedy Klub. “It’s a platform of entertainment that includes music and comedy, and laughter is medicinal,” said Ka‘ahea. He wanted to offer a nice, little package that includes comedy and music. “More importantly, I want to share the talents of Kaua‘i’s musicians. As a producer, I want to encourage young people, both musicians and comedians, to give them an opportunity. It’s always great to listen to great music. Comedy is always a way for society to hold a mirror to itself. It helps us deal with issues.”
Ka‘ahea and Barretto’s performances reflect a similar message. “It blew us away the first time we performed together. Without talking about the show we ended up delivering the same continuous message throughout the whole night. The tenacity of the human spirit, the love of each other, and how we can always find the silver lining and love our way out of any obstacle,” said Barretto. Barretto and Ka‘ahea are childhood friends who offer a passionate blend of music and comedy in a thoughtful, unique approach to these art forms.
Check them out. You’ll be glad you did.