John Cruz
Songs and Stories Tour

Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 6pm

Hawaiian Series Sponsored by:
The Hiland Foundation
The Richard and Elizabeth Steele Fund

This performance will include a 15-minute intermission.

John Cruz: Guitar & Vocals

Steve Sargenti: Mandolin, Guitar
Blayne Asing: Percussion, Congas

John is a great songwriter and a great singer...he's one of the best." 

—Jackson Browne

John Cruz (Hawaiian/Chamorro/Native American-Cherokee/ Japanese/Caucasian) has distinguished himself as one of the most talented artists to come from Hawai‘i, known for his heartfelt melodies and passionate, soulful vocals that his fans have grown to love. He engages audiences with his rich storytelling through songs ranging from Hawaiian to Blues, R&B, Folk, Americana, Roots and Country. His music references Hawaiian roots and “Island style” life, while incorporating contemporary folk-rock rhythms and virtuosic riffs.

John Cruz grew up in Hawai‘i in a household steeped in music, performing with his father and brothers from an early age. In 1983, he moved to the East Coast, where he began developing his unique voice as a singer-songwriter. He played in coffeehouses and bars throughout New York, as well as clubs and local venues from Martha's Vineyard to the Boston area. His artistic journey also extended into theater and dance, becoming a leading member of the renowned New World Theater.

Upon returning to Hawai‘i, John released his debut album Acoustic Soul in 1996 to both critical acclaim and commercial success. The album produced several radio hits, including “Shine On,” “Sitting in Limbo,” and “Island Style”— the latter becoming a beloved local anthem recognized around the world — even appearing on President Obama’s iPod playlist. Acoustic Soul earned two Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawai‘i’s equivalent of the Grammys), including Most Promising Artist. His second album, One of These Days, debuted at #6 on the Billboard World Chart, won the Nā Hōkū Award for Contemporary Album of the Year, and was later named one of the “Top 25 Greatest Hawaii Albums of the New Century” by Honolulu Magazine. 

In 2005, John added Grammy recognition to his list of honors, as part of the compilation CD Slack Key Guitar Volume 2, which won the first Grammy ever awarded for Hawaiian music.

His extensive touring resume includes appearances at major festivals and venues such as Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia, Bonnaroo in Tennessee, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, SummerStage in New York's Central Park, Carnegie Hall, and venues along both U.S. coasts. He also performed 14 shows at the prestigious South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. John has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists including Jack Johnson, Jackson Browne, Eddie Vedder, Jimmy Buffett, Lisa Loeb, and Trey Anastasio of Phish.

In 2006, his life and career were chronicled in the documentary Made of Music – The Story of John Cruz, which premiered at the Louis Vuitton Hawai‘i International Film Festival in Honolulu. He was named Best Singer-Songwriter by Hawaii Magazine in 2008.

Learn more at johncruz.com.

LOUIS, set in 1907 New Orleans tells the story of a young boy born into poverty who dreams of playing the trumpet. 

The action takes place in “The District” – the section of New Orleans dedicated to pleasure and violence.  This bastion of lust, blood and magic is home to our hero, Louis, the 6-year-old son of a young prostitute.  Hawking coal and playing his toy horn on the back of the Karnofsky brothers’ coal cart, little Louis observes the swirl of humanity.

His heroes are musical gunslingers: musicians that wield their instruments and engage in “Cutting Contests” where opposing outfits go toe-to-toe in musical warfare. 

While admiring a shiny trumpet in the window of a pawnshop, Louis sees a beautiful woman and her baby being harassed by a drunk.  Louis vanquishes the drunk and develops an instant friendship with Grace and her baby girl, Jasmine.  When Louis escorts Grace and Jasmine home he learns that Grace lives and works in Mahogany Hall – “the grandest sportin’ house in The District”. 

Soon after, Louis finds out that Grace’s rivals are plotting against her. Tensions mount when Louis gets involved in a plot led by the evil overlord of The District, Judge Perry, concerned that baby Jasmine’s true heritage could derail his candidacy for governor.   

In the end Louis must sacrifice his prized trumpet to save his friends – but it’s only a temporary loss…