Da Howlies

In the winter of 2002, five musicians in Wilmington, NC, got together for a little old time pickin’ and grinnin’. But it wasn’t bluegrass or country or folk music that this quintet was laying down. It was the classic sounds of the Hawaiian Islands, tinged with a touch of down home flavor.It all started with Wilmington actor Zach Hanner got a shiny new Martin ukulele for Christmas. Hanner and fellow actor, musician and steel guitar virtuoso Bill Ladd (Johnny Quest, Jolene, Two Dollar Pistols) got together with “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill” cameraman John McIntyre for a little session. Seth Moody, a classically trained upright bass player, threw his low end in to the mix and the lineup was complete.Taking their name from derogatory Hawaiian term for tourists, the boys quickly learned numerous tunes from the ‘30s and ‘40s Hawaiian jazz era. Numbers like “Little Grass Shack,” “Tiny Bubbles” and “Sweet Leilani” melded with traditional Hawaiian numbers like “The Hukilau Song” and “Hawaiian War Chant.” It wasn’t long before the band had more than a dozen originals and had added quirky covers of some of their favorite songs. Where else would you hear the classic Harry Owen tune “On The Beach At Waikiki” mixed with Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Freebird?”As all the members are good Southern boys, they decided to mix in some bluegrass tones and some classic country elements as well. Covering Johnny Cash, Roger Miller and John Prine, they’ve even been known to bust out a bluegrass cop of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice,” complete with G-rated lyrics for mixed audiences. And with a seasoned lineup of knowledgeable musicians, they are often able to accommodate requests, provided that Hanner knows the lyrics.Summer time on the Carolina Coast finds Da Howlies incredibly busy and their shows are often sold out and always well attended. One unique aspect of this band is that their fan base ranges from five year olds to eighty-five year olds. Their music has universal summer time appeal and even true Hawaiians find themselves tearing up when they hear a song like Randy Farden’s “Beautiful Kauai.”But these guys just aren’t fun musicians. They’re also cut-ups and class clowns as well so expect the time between songs to be filled with jokes and frivolity. While the corn factor may sometimes be higher than “Hee Haw,” the jokes are better written.So if you’re looking for that sound that will whisk you away to an island paradise, look no further than Da Howlies. ‘Dis music is “No Ka Oi!” (the best!)Mahalo and Aloha,Zach and Da Howlies For booking email [email protected] or call (910) 262-2245