Local Surf Cowboys Headline an Electric Homecoming

Twin Fin recently returned from their Kings of the Coast summer tour. The band circled the country, starting at home here in Honolulu before catching a long flight to Chicago. In six weeks, Twin Fin made 24 stops up and down and all around the mainland.

“Singing to people that I don’t know, but they know my worth. I love that,” says lead singer Robbie Kelly in regard to performing for fans across 6 time zones.

After a long and successful tour with many sold out shows, it seems fitting that the band be welcomed home in such an electric way.

Before the crowd filled in, a young Hezekiah James took the stage. With a soul voice and tasteful song selection, Hezekiah swayed the crowd, bringing smiles and open jaws to all of us early birds. His rendition of I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry by Hank Williams would have convinced a blind man that Elvis Presley was alive and well, singing in Honolulu. “He sounds just like Elvis!” a concert goer says in awe. 

Following Hezekiah’s acoustics, Ocean Effect took the stage and shifted gears, opening their set with a high energy cover of the Revivalists’ “Wish I Knew you.” 

Led by vocalist Christina Stolnik, the up-and-coming rock band shuffled through a mix of magnetic covers and original songs. Percussionist Kai’s vocals and dynamism on stage made for the most entertaining cover of Ain’t Know Rest for the Wicked I have ever experienced.

The crowd was not lost on the handful of original tracks. Stranger Danger, Hypothermia, and their latest release Strawberry Whiskey flowed perfectly among their many rock covers.

Following two crowd-moving openers, Twin Fin took the stage. The band continued to play for 2-hours — an action filled, non-stop, cowboy surf rock set for a jam-packed Secret Spot.

Just a few songs in, Twin Fin’s Robbie Kelly confesses, “We rocked so hard I broke a string!” And just like that, the tone was set to the max for the rest of night.

Flying fruit, bubble gun magic, and a crowd surfing keyboardist cause all hands to go in the air. The energy in the bar is electrifying.

Originating from a friendship born on the central coast of California, where surfers coexist among ranchers, the band blends bohemian aesthetics. Their show is a motley of natural sounds and fun styles. Trumpet features and guest appearances flow playfully as the crowd sings and dances until the final encore.