7 Can’t-Miss Honolulu Concerts to Check Out in January 2018

Whether you’re craving sounds of the harmonica or piano, or want to listen to Hawaiian or reggae, there’s a concert for you this January.

By Lennie Omalza

John Popper of Blues Traveler

JAN. 4 to 6

Photo: Courtesy of John Popper



Known as one of the most phenomenal harmonica players in history, John Popper formed his band, Blues Traveler, with high school friends in the late ’80s. Following Blues Traveler’s mainstream success, Popper released a solo album in 1999. He has shared the stage with everyone from Eric Clapton to Metallica and will be performing on Oʻahu for three consecutive nights.

$25 to $45, 6:30 and 9 p.m., Blue Note Hawaiʻi, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotehawaii.com

Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish

JAN. 5 & 6

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra



Transport the whole family into the magical world of Disney. Fulfill the kiddos’ dreams (and yours, too!) as scenes from some of your favorite animated films—including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and more—are projected on screen as the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra performs the score live.

$27 to Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., blaisdellcenter.com

Keauhou

JAN. 9

Photo: Courtesy of Keauhou



Kamehameha Schools graduates Kahanuola Solatorio and brothers Nicholas and Zachary Lum find their passion and joy in the performance, preservation and perpetuation of traditional Hawaiian music. The Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning group performs for one night only at Blue Note Hawaiʻi.

$15 to $35, 6:30 p.m., Blue Note Hawaiʻi, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotehawaii.com

As One

Jan. 11, 13, 14, 16

Held at Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre’s newest venue, Aloha Tower Pier 10, As One depicts the journey of Hannah, a transgender person who strives for and manages to achieve self-fulfillment. The 75-minute opera stars Sasha Cooke and Kelly Markgraf, who are married in real life and created the roles of “Hannah after” and “Hannah before” back in 2014, when As One premiered.

$35 to $65, 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Aloha Tower Pier 10, hawaiiopera.org

Diana Ross

JAN. 12

Photo: Courtesy of Diana Ross



Global music icon Diana Ross brings her Endless Memories Tour to Hawaiʻi for one night only. Her last Island performances were in 2015, to sold-out crowds on Maui and Oʻahu. This tour is set to feature newly released songs, breathtaking costumes, as well as her talented band and backup singers.

$45.50 to $255.50, 8 p.m., Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., blaisdellcenter.com

Jim Brickman

JAN. 19 & 20

Award-winning solo pianist Jim Brickman is celebrating two decades of music with Pure Piano: The Greatest Hits LIVE! His two Oʻahu shows will bring entertainment and romance to Hawaiʻi Theatre with songs including “Valentine,” “Angel Eyes,” “Love of My Life” and more.

$35 to $65, 7:30 p.m., Hawaiʻi Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., hawaiitheatre.com

HIRIE

JAN. 26

Photo: Courtesy of HIRIE



​HIRIE is a seven-piece band led by frontwoman Hirie, who was born in the Philippines and spent years in Italy before settling in the Islands with her family. The award-winning group is bringing their uplifting reggae tunes and soundtrack of hope to The Republik.

$20 ($25 day of show), 8 p.m., The Republik, 1349 Kapiʻolani Blvd., #30, jointherepublik.com