[Definition]
[History]
[Players]
[Upcoming Events]
[70�s Nightclub Reunion II]
[Individual Pictures]
[Group Pictures]
[In Loving Memory]
[Dedications]
[Vinyl]
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[Contact]
Greenwood
Definition: A forest in foliage, a wood or forest when green.
History
The inception of Greenwood occurred sometime in 1967 when leader Robin Kimura was in the 5th grade. Back then, the closest thing to a real band was a lip-sync entity called Wolf-Pack. In 1972, the real band got together as Robin Kimura and classmate Bradley Choi, both 9th graders at Kaimuki Intermediate (Middle) School, began recruiting the musicians that would make up the original Greenwood band.
The name Greenwood was derived from Greenway. Since Greenway had no real meaning, it changed to Greenwood when a friend recommended the name based on its definition. At the time, the ecology movement was in and the name sounded fresh so the decision was easy.
From the start, Greenwood was designed to be a brass-oriented band. At the time Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Malo, and Mandrill amongst a growing number of recording acts utilizing horn sections, were the inspirational force behind Greenwood repertoire. Thus, their sound was a Latin-Rock sound accented with brass. The brass sound and look remained throughout Greenwood nine-year run as a dance band.
As most bands preferred in those days high school dances was the gig of choice for an up and coming band. Their first gig was at a local YMCA for a social party gathering. The nine players shared a $15.00 check. However, by their third gig Greenwood was featured with three of Hawaiis top bands and became apart of a team of opening acts for El Chicano who motored into town for a Christmas eve celebration in December of 1972. That set the stage and gave Greenwood momentum as they eventually became popular in the high school dance circuit and progressed onto the nightclub scene.
Utilizing the Magic Mushroom as a stepping-stone into the nightclub scene in Waikiki, Greenwood quickly became the premiere off-night band with a full time schedule. At the height of their run, their weekly schedule looked something like this. Sundays at the C est Ci Bon, Mondays at the Hula Hut, Tuesdays at the Tiki, Wednesdays at the Waikiki Beef N Grog, with Friday and Saturday gigs on Kauai or Maui. At one point, a local publication Sun Bums and its writer John Berger, appropriately named Greenwood the army on the move due to their green uniforms, the nine-man lineup and rigorous schedule night after night.
Greenwood also found success on the neighbor islands of Kauai and Maui. They were touted as Kauais favorite band with monthly gigs at the Kauai Resort showroom. Then, Greenwood moved on to Maui, and played at Kauai Resorts sister hotel the Maui Beach and set attendance records there. Playing on the neighbor islands through several successful New Years Eve celebrations, both hotels began vying for Greenwood to play on conflicting weekends. Maui eventually won out as Greenwood felt a need for a change in venue.
Greenwoods next move was to the king of discos in Hawaii The Point After. Although critics of the band said they would never last given the Points progressive and funk oriented disco repertoire, Greenwood surprised everyone including themselves by being the band to play the longest consecutive months (18) at the Point After (note: Greenwood still maintained their off-night preference and never played there as a full time band). Increasing in size to a ten man band featuring a four man horn section and two male lead vocalists, Greenwood took their skills to another level perpetuated by the demands of playing at Hawaiis No. 1 disco.
During their nightclub run, many celebrities graced the stage with Greenwood. Amongst the notable entertainers included; Rocco Prestia and Edward McGee from the Tower of Power, members of Hiroshima, Jimmy Borges, Tony Compton, Mackey Feary and Gaylord Holomalia (Country Comfort, Kalapana).
Greenwood finished its nine-year run playing many weddings and functions as well as expanding their musical offerings. After disbanding in 1981, in the summer of 1985, Greenwood reunited to finish an ultimate dream to record. Sparkle and Cheerleader Strut were released on Forest in Leaf records as a 45-rpm single. Taking songs that were originally recorded in Japan, Greenwood re-arranged and translated the recordings to fit the local market.
Thirty plus years after humble beginnings, many members of Greenwood are still playing with various bands and enjoying the gift of spreading their love for music to their children, family and friends. On January 22, 2005, Greenwood reunited after 23 years at the 70s Nightclub Reunion. The event, which featured five bands from the 70s dance scene, was such a huge success that a second Reunion is planned for February 4, 2006.
Thank you for visiting our webpage and archives! Enjoy the tour of one of Hawaiis most popular dance band and nightclub acts GREENWOOD.
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Upcoming Events:
 <--70s Nightclub Reunion, Click image for details
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Greenwood Players (1972 - 1981):
Bass (Band Leader)
Robin Kimura
Guitar
Dean Jones
Owen Kajiwara
Keyboards
Arnold Agena (Michael Nakamisu)
Bruce Nishiyama
Dwayne Higa
Drums
Bradley Choi
Gordon Yee
Roger Miyazono
Mel Shibuya
Nick Lee
Byron Farm
Percussion
Felix Almestica
Vocals
Glenn Ueki
Mark Teruya
Jeff Teraoka
Ronald Tokunaga
Neil Lum Hoy
Warren Furuya
Steven Lee
Curtis Takahama
Saxophone
Wayne Nakamura
Randy Hoo
Trumpet
Warren Cone
Alan Nakamoto
Alvin Sakata
Jarry Gomes
Richard Field
Miles Ichida
Mark Silva
Trombone
Randall Takemoto
Ronald Imoto
Michael Chock
Manager & Sound
Wilbert Kolkebeck
Lights
Garret Suzuki
David Higa
Edward Doo
Gary Yasutake
Scot Shimamura
Disco-ography
The Magic Mushroom
Hula Hut
Tiki
Beef N Grog
Cest Ci Bon
The Point After
The Sting (one fill in gig)
The Kauai Resort Hotel
The Maui Beach Hotel
Notable Mention:
El Chicano Opening Act
Society of Seven New Year Eve Celebration at the Outrigger Main Showroom
Mackey Feary Band Dance portion of their debut club act
The 70s Nightclub Reunion
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70�s Nightclub Reunion II
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| Randy
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Brad
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Curt, Rob, and Owen
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Dance Floor
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| Frank, Curt, Rob
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Irwin and Rob
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Mike de Guzman and Rob
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GW Horns
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Individual Pictures
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| Brad with Rock Candy
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Curtis
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Dwayne
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| Mark
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Mike
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Miles and Stacy
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