LAHAINA, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It's almost unbelievable, if it weren't true.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7156
The Maui Celebrity Series, which began in December as the brainchild of crooner Brian Evans (who opens for the likes of Jay Leno and Joan Rivers in Las Vegas) launched the series with himself and William Shatner. That was followed by Roseanne Barr. Now…the stars are lining up to be a part of the monthly concert series.
"This started with myself, Mark Biltz, and Arman Zajic," says Evans. "It was an idea to help bring the tourists back to Hawaii, where the economy had been severely hurting tourism here."
The Governor of Hawaii apparently agreed, and issued Commendations to all of the producers for creating the show aimed at doing just that.
"You don't play a venue with 680 seats if it's about making money," says Evans. "There are venues here that you could fit several thousand in, but that defeats the purpose. The purpose is to keep it simple, create an intimate venue for the ticketholders, and to provide the celebrity with the opportunity to show their support for a state that has always been good to them," says Evans. "Big stars performing in a small venue brings attention to the state, and that brings tourists."
Evans, who is one of the "new crooners" in the swing music genre, has been opening for headliners since 1997. In fact, Evans and fellow crooner Michael Buble' began their careers at the same nightclub in Vancouver. Evans also is the creator of "Horrorscope," a new graphic novel that The Daily Variety reports will be made into a major motion picture, toys, and even video games. Evans co-wrote it with friend Ahmet Zappa, the son of the rock legend Frank Zappa. Evans is also recording his own major label debut which will feature a duet with Kelly Osbourne. His music is also heard on popular television programs such as "So You Think You Can Dance."
"The CD has been taking a while to get done. I wrote eight of the songs, and it's a huge big band and writing arrangements and charts for something like that is an unbelievable task but I really believe the genre needs original music, not just rehashing Sinatra tunes, which we've all done," says Evans, who Grammy Magazine names as one of the most relevant new big band singers in the genre today.
The Maui Celebrity Series is held each month, once a month, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Evans maintains a home there, and in between mainland projects created the series.
"We launched this at The Hard Rock Cafe, and now we're stepping it up to the theatre," says Evans. Harrah's Laughlin, where Evans headlines regularly, came on board as a sponsor.
"That's changing everything, they've really given this credibility," says Evans. "But so have the other sponsors. Enterprise Rent A Car, Royal Lahaina, T-Mobile, Maui Sunseeker Resort, Hawaiian Airlines, Longhi's Restaurant, Rent-A-Center, Trilogy Ocean Adventures, I mean…we couldn't get anyone to even pay attention when we started, but these sponsors really have come through in a big way. In a 680 seat venue, you can do the math, you need that support when seeking big stars," says Evans. "We're all in this together and the celebrities coming are really helping everyone, even if they don't realize it."
The next show is on March 21st, 2010, when Brian opens for comedian Paul Rodriguez.
"We're also trying to get local Hawaiian talent involved. A comedian named Chino LaForge has also been performing as the opening act, and I think he's a definite up and comer," says Evans. "This is about everyone."
Another comedian, King Martin, will also be opening for various concerts produced by The Maui Celebrity Series.
From USA Today to CNN, The Maui Celebrity Series is undoubtedly the most talked about concert series in the state of Hawaii.
"I want Paul McCartney," says Evans. "I want him here. Hawaii would get some much-needed exposure from it, it wouldn't even be able to compete with the state's own tourism budget. It would just be incredible, the amount of exposure an appearance by the likes of him could bring."
The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.
