Every party needs good party music. Choosing the right music can help to create the right atmosphere. So if you want to have a great luau themed party, picking the right music is important.
First of all, if you can, don’t just plonk on a CD and let it play over and over. Create your own custom playlist. You can buy the songs and burn CDs to play, or keep your computer online and use a free online music site. Mix up songs by different artists, and think about tempo. Do you want people to be able to dance, or is it a dinner party?
Here are some musicians worth including on your Luau Soundtrack:
Iz
The late great Israel Ka’ano’I Kamakawiwo’ole remains one of Hawaii’s most famous and influential musicians. If nothing else, you’ve probably heard his medley of Somewhere OverThe Rainbow and It’s a Wonderful World (It’s on the soundtrack for Adam Sandler’s movie 50 First Dates). He sings (in both English and Hawaiian) and plays ukulele, and his fantastic music sounds like the islands.
Bob Marley
OK, Bob Marley wasn’t Hawaiian, but almost everybody loves his music. His songs have automatic associations with tropical islands, and will get people singing along. Bob Marley is a music legend and the epitome of reggae. Some good song choices include: No Woman No Cry, Turn the Lights Down Low, and Redemption Song.
If you like Bob Marley, it’s worth remembering that his son Ziggy Marley is now a respected musician in his own right. Ziggy has won multiple Grammies, contributed to film and TV soundtracks, provided the voice for one of the characters in A Shark’s Tale (starring Will Smith, Angelina Jolie, Renee Zwellenger, and a host of other Hollywood heavyweights), and has released both solo and collaborative CDs.
Also, Bob Marley’s band, The Wailers, is still actively creating music and touring (don’t pass up a chance to see them live). Adding some post-Marley Wailers songs to your playlist will help add variety while keeping in the same vein as the Bob Marley songs.
Jack Johnson
A native of Oahu, Hawaii, and former professional surfer, Jack Johnson’s mellow music will add a relaxed island feeling to any party. His music is great for the beginning or end of the party because it will help people to feel comfortable as they settle in, or calm them down to get ready to leave.
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are the embodiment of California surfers, and so not strictly luau, but they are kitschy and fun and create a beach, summer-time feeling. Go for their well-known, cheesy tracks about surfing.
To visit a good website for Hawaiian music, click here. It has a variety of both traditional and more contemporary Hawaiian musicians and styles, and can help create a more authentic luau atmosphere. For another comprehensive Hawaiian music site, click here. You can listen to music on this site, so it can really help you pick the best music for your luau.
