Acoustic duo Mick & The Kahuna rocked Broadway to oldies during Music on Broadway.
Music on Broadway took place on Jan. 3. The weekly Friday event, sponsored by Mayor Jimmy Davis and the Bayonne Urban Enterprise Zone, starred Mick & The Kahuna, Dave Watson, and George Orlando.
The musical acts performed from 4 until 9 p.m.
Mick & The Kahuna performed twice on Friday night. Their first performance took place at The Vic Tavern at 107 Hobart Ave. at 4 p.m.
The group consists of Mick Lanni and The Kahuna, Hank Kaneshige.
Lanni, 60, and Kaneshige, 59, have been playing music together since they were 18 years old.
Mick plays the bass, electric guitar, piano, and flute. The Kahuna plays the acoustic guitar and the bass. Both musicians provide vocals depending on the song.
Kaneshige said that since they are both primarily bass players, he and Mick don’t have the opportunity to play with each other that often.
The duo said that they primarily play classic acoustic rock, an ode to the era when they got their start. And the reason they started playing music during their teenage years was primarily to impress girls.
“When we started playing, the Beatles were first starting out,” Kaneshige said. “Girls would go crazy over them so we were inspired by that.”
Ever since then, Mick & The Kahuna have continued playing classical acoustic rock.
“It’s nice to see all our friends back at the Vic,” said Mick, moving into their next song.
A steady gig
The duo has been playing the Music on Broadway event practically every week.
“We’re very thankful for Terry Young,” said Kaneshige, “the driving force behind us being here.”
Kaneshige related that he used to be the bass player in Young’s band. He played bass for Young for a very long time and was very thankful for the opportunity Young has given him to expand and play the acoustic guitar nearly every week alongside Mick.
The Vic Tavern is a family-owned tavern. Newly reopened with an “old world look from the 20s,” the Vic claims it is one of Bayonne’s best neighborhood bars.
The Vic advertises that it’s “a place to unwind after work, hang out with friends, or to meet new friends. We look forward to making memories with you.”
The duo then headed to K.P. Sarelli’s Restaurant at 241 Broadway, performing their second set of the night at 7 p.m.
K.P. Sarelli’s is a much different atmosphere than The Vic Tavern, highlighting Mick & The Kahuna’s versatility when it comes to venues. The duo isn’t afraid to jam at any place in town. K.P. Sarelli’s has more of an intimate-dining vibe.
At the same time, Dave Watson performed at the LaGuardiola at 819 Broadway. Also known as “Doc,” he was joined by special guest vocalist Ambrosia for the 7 p.m. performance.
LaGuardiola’s is a self-proclaimed authentic Italian gourmet pizzeria and bistro. Family operated, the Italian eatery’s mission statement reads,
“Our customers’ needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals.”
Finishing the night, George Orlando performed at The Well & Grill on 879 Broadway. His 7 p.m. performance closed the night.
Mick returned to the stage at The Vic Tavern at 10 p.m. to perform again, this time outside of Music on Broadway. Mick played the Vic with his rock band called the Seventh Realm.
Mick & The Kahuna said that they stay busy and always have upcoming gigs. Whether they perform as a duo or with their other bands, head to their website at facebook.com/hankstermick for more information about performance times, bookings and other events.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Dan Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
