Well, we did it! It was a long trip, but it was more than worth it. Angel and I flew from our home in North Carolina to Houston, TX, then from there to Honolulu. We flew with the legendary group Atlantic Starr.
When we arrived in Hawaii, we met up with Marcus, the talent coordinator, great guy! He got us into the Limo and helped check us into the Hotel. We had our room on the 31st floor of the Ala Moana Hotel over-looking Waikiki Beach, with the famous Diamond Head Volcano to our left. What so great was that the seun set was directly in front of our Balcony.
Usually when on the road, we try to chill out in room, watch a little TV, read, sometimes we might even… Never mind! Anyhow, it was Hawaii, my first time, Angel’s 6th, and as tired as I was, I did not want to stay in.
We knew that the hotel had a sort of outdoor shopping center, with restuarants, bars and plenty of stores that sold jewlery, clothes and shoes. (Fellas, if you ever go their with your lady, accidentally leave your credit card in the room).
There were a lot of restuarnts to choose from, but I have an issue about trying something new when I’m hungry, so eventhough it was knew to us, it was American enough for us to give it a shot. We ate at the famous Bubba Gumps Restuarant. I was please, simple everyday food, a lot of friend seafood, it thats Okay, we were in Hawaii. I even got to try out the Hawaii’s traditional Mai Tai as well as another drink called a Lava Flow.
We were pretty exhausted and a bit Jet Lagged, so back to the hotel we went. It was nice because we were able to chill out on the balcony overlooking island. The next day we had soundcheck at 2pm and we had to be back at the club around 8pm for a meet and greet. Stevie B was there and a bit under the weather, ”Hope you’ll feeling better Stevie”, I know what it’s like to be sick and on the road. But like all professionals, he was there to do his job, for his audience and give them the best that he had. You would never even know he was sick!
As we all piled into the Limo to head to the club that evening, I noticed the car was sort stuck in traffic, it was moving really slow. I looked out the window and saw this huge line of people. I figured we were in the party district and like all party districts the streets are crowded. I asked the driver, how much longer till we got to the club, and he told us just 3 more blocks. We all started talking about how we hope the club does good, the driver then tells us, that line is for you guys!
As we enterted the club, the people standing around the entrance started freaking out, it was incredible, I haven’t seen reactions like his in years. As we enetred the VIP area, the crowd that paid a premium to be there, all stood up and applauded as the artist made their way into the dressing room. We hung out there for a couple of minutes, then stepped back out into the VIP area that help about 100 people for the much anticipated mett and greet. All the artist received a great reception, but I must admit, there was a special bond between Angel and the Hawaiian people.
For those who know or have been around Angel, have experienced her natural bonding with her fans and audiences. Her welcoming green eyes tells the people “Come Here I Want To meet You”. She doesn’t usually sit behind a table and sign autographs, Angel, as much as I am against it at times, insist on standing and miggling with the crowd. Sometimes, it isn’t a safe idea, so I don’t allow it, but that night was different, and I couldn’t have felt more comfortable, than around these amazing people.
Angel was the opening act, a place I was cool with. Some events have me really nervouse that I want to hurry up and get it over with. Upon her introduction, the crowd went bananas, as she made her entrace to the cadence she made famous from the song “Because Of You” The crowd sang along, hands high up, the love in that place was unlike any I have ever experience in the 20 years I’m doing this.
We were using a show tape used only once before, this one contained Angel’s hit ballad “Promise Me” I personally love this song, and the video is even more amazing. Performaning ballads is a challnge and not many can nor would even attempt it. Stevie B’s “Because I Love You” (Postman Song) and Lisa Lisa’s “All Cried Out” are exceptions.
When the intro our “Promise Me” began, the crowd lost it. The promoter ran over to me and told how much the crowd was hoping Angel would sing it. We didn’t know this and performing this song for this club was considered pretty much last minute.
At the end of the show, Angel was definitly moved. She did something that isn’t part of her routine. She called the promoter “James Coles” to the stage and put her arm around him. She then told the audience… “He had the opportunity to bring in the “Phony Girls” for a fraction of my price, but he said he would never do that to you, his audience”. The crowd cheered and applauded, she continued, “James Coles is bring Freestyle back to Hawaii the way it supposed to be, and I want everyone to support any event that he put on okay?”
That was it! The crowd was not only Angel’s it was now James Coles.
Hawaii, thank you for all your love and hospitality, and I hope to see you again real soon.
Aloha!