SoundWave Opens MACC’s Starry Night Cinema Event on Sunday, Jan. 15

By Amanda Thomas

SoundWave has been a predominant fixture in the Maui music scene for well over a decade, with guitarists Jack Fisher and Harry Davisson playing music and practicing yoga together since 1978. After recruiting Bill Baldwin on bass, keyboardist Mike Elam and elusive drummer Patrick McDowell, SoundWave began booking private parties, weekly shows and rehearsing in their own secluded upcountry  farmhouse-studio zealously dubbed “Club Lava Lamp.”

The turn of the century barn was once the legendary “Winery Recording Studio.” It’s every bit as eclectic as the guys in the group. Decked out with a collection of lava lamps and unique throw rugs, the studio is definitely a blast from the past. All five guys gather there without fail twice a week, and jam to the instrumental surf rock hits from the 60’s and 70’s.

But surf rock isn’t where it ends for SoundWave, who’s biggest musical influence is The Ventures. They’ve mastered hits from nearly all other genres including jazz, funk, blues, rock, Latin and even classical. These guys continue to rock the stage playing for hours at a time, impressing audiences by hammering out up to nine songs back to back while letting the music speak for itself.

Jack Fisher acts as the informal frontman of the singer-less band and has an uncanny ability to connect with audiences of all ages, taking set breaks to interact with listeners. “This New Year’s eve was amazing,” he said. “We had a group of 50 or so people come up to the barn and we all just jammed for nearly six hours. It was the perfect mixture of good people sharing music and great food. It doesn’t get better than that.”

In fact, SoundWave has been drawing all types of crowds throughout Maui for ages. At one time they were even headlining a weekly show in Paia at the Green Banana Cafe. Although in recent years SoundWave collectively decided to jam together at the barn and only book specific gigs. The next public performance for these old school rockers is opening the show for Maui Art & Cultural Center’s Starry Night Cinema on Sunday, Jan. 15.

Starry Night Cinema will be held in the Yokouchi Pavilion and is a free family event. SoundWave will open the evening at 5pm and play an 80 minute set as night falls, then a few shorts will be shown on the giant screen before the feature film Surf’s Up begins.

Event organizers are suggesting that guests bring a blanket or beach chair to secure a comfy spot on the A&B Amphitheater grounds. Food, drink specials and family friendly activities will be available throughout the evening.