Many people have this pre-conceived notion that there is not much to do on Kauai, aside from hiking, snorkeling, whale watching, etc. However, this island is bustling with talent and music abounds on every area of the island. It's true that there are not too many venues for LIVE BANDS on Kauai. In fact, Trees Lounge in Kapaa, Riptydes in Lihue, and Tradewinds Bar and Grill in Kapaa are the only venues on the East Side for Live Music.

There are many venues however for the singer songwriter, or slack-key guitarist. You can find a good North Shore schedule on the North Shore Kauai site, and the list is pretty accurate, except that Michael Ruff also performs on Friday night's at the new Westin in Princeville, a relatively new timeshare resort on the bluff overlooking the ocean.

My newest dance/funk band THE QUAKE, is gigging at Tradewinds this Saturday night, March 14th, and the following Saturday night, March 21st, at the fabulous Trees Lounge. We just finished our first demo and it's looking quite good. Check out my band the QUAKE, and tell me what you think. We are definitely fun to dance to and I have always enjoyed playing funky music. After all, i was born and raised in Philly, one of the R&B centers of the country, and grew up listening to THE SOUND of PHILADELPHIA, the signature sound of Gamble and Huff.

James Norman is the Quake's soulful lead singer!

Those who don't know me can start to understand why my personal byline is "On Top of the Aloha Beat". That's my real estate slogan and it applies literally and figuratively.