Hawaii Tribune-Herald Island Beat Thursday, November 10, 2016 11 ‘medicine’ back to the people of Hilo,” says Nahko. Nahko and Medicine for the People’s third full-length album, “HOKA,” was released earlier this year. They’ve been on tour, returning to play in some of their favorite spots including in Hilo where Nahko lived for seven years. The band’s formative years were spent playing at the Hilo Farmers Market, Bayfront Kava Bar, Uncle Robert’s and the Hilo Town Tavern. “Hawaii is the place that sort of ‘slingshot’ us around the world,” he says. “The people of Hawaii have always been our biggest supporters in spreading our message and music around the world. We always think of (the islands) as the place we come back to and tell the stories of our travels.” At their Palace Theater concert, they will be performing a variety of some of their new songs from the “HOKA” album, as well as other fan favorites. “We’ve matured quite a bit over the last year and a half,” Nahko explains. “We’ve gone through personal changes in our lives, and our music reflects a lot on the politics of our country. We feel strongly towards where the country is headed and how we will be able to raise our children and grandchildren in this environment.” “HOKA,” he says, is a call to action. “Part of this call to action through our music is to get people thinking and start making changes soon … like NOW,” Nahko says. “This album looks at a world in which you want to live in. Some of the songs talk about non-GMO foods, clean water and being able to live under a political structure that honors indigenous people. We need to get out of this cycle of protecting corporate interest.” The group has spread their musical message on tour with acts including Michael Franti, Xavier Rudd, SOJA and Trevor Hall, and at festivals including, Outside Lands, Electric Forest, Wanderlust, Bumbershoot, the California Roots Music Festival and more. The musical collective includes other band members: Justin Chittams on drums, Chase Makai as lead guitarist, Patricio Zuñiga Labarca on bass guitar, Max Ribner on horns and Tim Snider on strings. Nahko was involved with the protests on Mauna Kea, has been a part of working with the Native American community and serves as a board member for Honor the Earth. He says he doesn’t want to raise his own children in a world that is depleted of its soil and water. Sharing the message of protecting our water sources is part of his personal kuleana. “Water is life,” he says. “If you drink water, you should fight for it.” Armed with stories from his world travels and a passion for social and political change, Nahko reached this life calling organically. “Over the years, it just became a no-brainer that this was supposed to be what my music is about,” he says. “I’ve got nothing else to live for but to protect these places, and I implore any human being to believe in that same thing. Take little steps. It’s a big system that needs to come down and be rebuilt.” Early next year, Nahko plans to start work on a solo album. He will also continue his world travels, including to Standing Rock and Ecuador, where he will work with “water warriors” for Amazon Watch. Palace Theater Executive Director Morgen Bahurinsky says Nahko always speaks from the heart. “Nahko and Medicine for the People always give a high-energy concert with a meaningful message of love and positivity,” she says. “There are people of all ages at their concerts. Whole families come out, and parents and teenagers often attend together.” She adds, “I also like that there is a very local connection with this group. Two of the band members (Makai and Chittams) have been part of the Hilo music scene for years and now travel with Medicine for the People all over the world. Chittams, their drummer, graduated from UH-Hilo and also does some of the vocals. But it is Nahko himself who offers the words of hope and healing during the concert.” Opening the show is Hawane Rios. Tickets are $34 in advance, $37 at the door. Call 934-7010 or purchase tickets at the box office from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday Email Katie Young Yamanaka at bivhawaii@gmail.com. NAHKO From page 2 Courtesy photo Nahko and Medicine for the People’s third full-length album, “HOKA,” was released earlier this year.
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