Photo by Danny Bing
Lavish Green frontman Chris Sanchez played an aloha concert in March during a Kirkwood mountain snowstorm before moving to Maui, Hawaii. On Sunday, he played trumpet on “Everyday Sunshine” with longtime friends Fishbone at a benefit Ocean Aid concert at the Waikiki Shell.
It’s an ironic song title for the iconic Sanchez, who’s loving life on the islands but promises that his days with Lavish will rekindle in the future: “It’s not over. I’m a pond hop away.”
His buddy Angelo Moore, Fishbone’s effervescent band leader, co-wrote “Everyday Sunshine” and called Sanchez to confirm the Ocean Aid invite. The ska-infused message: “I wish everyday the sun would shine/ Take me to another place in my mind/ Where everything is beautiful/ And no one wants or needs/ Nor sign of greed/ Could rule our soul…”
Vacation snapshots of Hawaii portray a beautiful life, but the tons of plastic that pollute the ocean and wash ashore present a daunting problem. Island folk rocker Jack Johnson, who will appear for two concerts in Lake Tahoe this summer, addresses the issue with his new song “Fragments.”
“Some (of the plastic) is from cruise ships dumping, some of it’s from fishing fleets, a lot of it is blown from land sources, or things are shipped to other countries that are not set up to recycle like we can,” Johnson told Rolling Stone magazine.
Tim Parsons / Tahoe Onstage
The inaugural Ocean Aid Hawaii Charity Music Festival has a mission to help end plastic pollution in the oceans and its effect on the ecosystem. It is estimated that 1 million sea creatures, birds and animals die from plastic trash each year. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Love The Sea, a nonprofit environmental organization, and other groups.
Sanchez is excited to be part of the effort: “I’m stoked. The cause is unbelievable, with the oceans constantly being littered on. It’s an honor to be considered and for (Fishbone) to let me play with them at such a huge show. I’m early in the process of being home. You gotta go represent your band (Lavish Green) and go fight for that rad cause for Hawaii.”
The trumpeteer drew inspiration from a yearlong stay in Hawaii in 2011-12 when he recharged his batteries, giving an island flavor to original songs such as “At The Bar.” His girlfriend, Danny Bing, and his mom, Virginia, made the move with him this time and they’re pleasantly adapting to life as Hawaiian newbees.
Neil “Moka’iva” Thompson, a close friend in Maui, told Sanchez that the concert opportunity is a sign that Akua (God) is always by his side as he helps to make others’ lives better. Vinny Amato, a fellow musician and longtime friend from the mainland, helped set up the gig with Fishbone, Sanchez noted. Co-workers at Sansei Sushi and Seafood, where he’s a bartender and server, also are supportive of his pending performance.
In addition to Fishbone, Ocean Aid headliners included CeeLo Green, Bootsy Collins, Maxi Priest and the Ohio Players. Artists will create marine-debris sculptures to help give meaning to the festival’s cause, and an unnamed benefactor stepped up this week to purchase general admission tickets so that people can attend for free.
For 20-plus years, Sanchez played in Lavish Green with bassist Rob Wheeler and guitarist Joel Gruneich, and drummer Danny Barnes who has been with the band for several years. The group has a loyal following in the Tahoe basin and has fans spread from the Bay Area to the Sierra Nevada.
For Sanchez, his close friends and extended ones are ohana, the Hawaiian word for family in the broadest sense. He bids aloha, which means hello in addition to goodbye.
-Randy Hashagen
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2 Responses
Thank you for sharing the story of Chris Sanchez’s musical journey in Hawaii. It’s always inspiring to read about musicians who are passionate about their craft and are willing to pursue their dreams.
I was impressed by the way Chris has adapted to the Hawaiian culture and infused it into his music, creating a unique sound that reflects his surroundings. It takes a lot of courage and creativity to embrace new influences and make them your own.
I also appreciate how Chris has been using his music to give back to the community, supporting local causes and raising awareness about important issues. It’s heartwarming to see how music can bring people together and make a positive impact.
Overall, Chris Sanchez is a true artist who embodies the spirit of Hawaii and shares it with the world through his music. Thank you for sharing his story, and I look forward to hearing more from him in the future.
Thank you for sharing the article about Chris Sanchez’s musical journey in Hawaii on Tahoeonstage.com. It was truly inspiring to learn about his experiences and the impact he has made in the local music scene.
Sanchez’s dedication to his craft and his ability to blend different genres is commendable. It’s fascinating to see how his diverse background and influences have shaped his unique sound. The description of his live performances transporting audiences to the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii was vivid and captivating.
I appreciate the way you highlighted Sanchez’s commitment to his community and his passion for connecting with his audience. It’s heartwarming to read about his involvement in charitable endeavors and his desire to make a positive difference through his music.
Overall, the article provided an engaging insight into Chris Sanchez’s musical journey, capturing the essence of his artistry and the vibrant music scene in Hawaii. It’s wonderful to see talented individuals like Sanchez making a mark in the industry and spreading joy through their music.
Thank you once again for sharing this compelling piece. I look forward to reading more about talented musicians and their stories on Tahoeonstage.com.