Brown Spice during a break from filming a TV special
with Ron Jacobs in Waikiki. Don: Upper right
Doing it Hawaiian-style
Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaiian Grammys)
Don performing at a beautiful Private Resort in China
Don writing songs at his cedar A-frame home in Kahalu'u on Oahu
Ernie Cruz and the Reclinerz
1960's
Don tested into college at the age of 15, ranking in the top 1% nationwide on SAT entrance exams.
All 3 of Don's children entered college early: Healani at 11, MIchael at 12, and Hoku at 8. Michael today works in the astronomy field, Healani does Theater in New York, and Hoku is a local comedian in Hawaii.
Don learned slack key guitar (kiho'alu) from Hawaii legend Raymond Kane. Don plays mainly acoustic/electric guitar, congas, drums, ukulele, bass, all keyboards, especially Hammond B3 (eat your heart out, Mike Finnigan), digital pianos, synthesizers, and Steinway Grand piano! Other instruments too, like the Chinese zither, and erhu.
Don is also known for his ability to act. He has appeared in West Side Story, he did the lead role--Sheridan Whiteside--in the Man Who Came to Dinner, Our Town, and his band performed live on an episode of Magnum PI, titled "Of Sound Mind," a few of many acting credits.
Pat Metheny: Band “Just Us”
This was when Don was 11 or so. Pat is a little younger than Don. Gary Gentry, the lead vocalist and Don, threw Pat out of the band because he wouldn’t stop playing jazz riffs when the band was doing songs like “Hanky Panky.” Guess he showed them yeah? Just Us played at Unity Village, the Lee's Summit Skating Rink, and the Lotowana Lake Yacht Club several times, as well as Pat's garage. It was one of the first garage bands.
Gary Gentry: vocals
Pat Metheny: guitar
Don Eads: keyboards
The Apollos
Bill Eads: lead guitar
Steve Shumate: vocalist
Ken Johnson: bass
When Ken was not available, Don played bass with this popular group in the Midwest, who performed at many events at MU Columbia in the early 1960's. Don's brother Bill was a prolific scholar and graduated at the top of his class at Stanford Law School.
William's Online Memorial PageCount VI plus I
Won the Junior High talent show at Lee’s Summit and performed at other junior high school assemblies as a result. They knew mainly one song together, "I'm So Glad" by Cream. But the crowds loved it! Hometown heroes in Lee's Summit., this group was on the front page of the Journal.
Terry Wessley: Drums
Linda Hartman: Vocals/guitar
Robin McKinney: Vocals
Don Eads: Lead guitar/lead vocals
John Frey: bass
The Wild Thingz
This band performed all over, including several of the first successful block parties in downtown Lee's Summit.
Bill Donnelly: Vocals and 58 Corvette!
Bill Donnelly: Vocals and 58 Corvette!
Jim Davis: Drums
Don Eads: keyboards
Stormy Knights (Nights) both spellings at different times
Guitar: Ed Yokley
Drums: Jim Austin
Bass: Stan Maples
Vocalist: Dana Cooper ( now a Nashville songwriter/performer)
Keyboards/vocals: Don Eads
This band played all over the Midwest, lots of weddings and proms, plus several battle of the bands competitions. We broke up when Ed was drafted during the Viet Nam war, although not immediately. Jim's little brother, Mike Austin, tried to fill the void Ed left. They were around at the same time as the Classmen (Drew and Doug Dimmel), the Fab Four, the Chessmen, Apple Tree, etc. Don still stays in touch with Dana Cooper.
Don Eads in High school yearbook
Late 1960's-1970's
The Amelia Earhart Memorial Flying Band
Manchester Trafficway
Guitar: Chris Immele
Sax/flute: Steve Heuser
Drums: Roger Engels
Bass: Jim “Rocco” Priolo
Vocals: Sly James ( current Mayor of Kansas City MO)
Keyboards: Don Eads
Equipment Manager: Kevin Anderson (worked at Quigleys Music Store at the time)
Equipment Manager: Kevin Anderson (worked at Quigleys Music Store at the time)
Amelia played a lot of gigs: Freedom Palace, opened for Jefferson Airplane at Memorial Hall, Big Mikes, One Block West, proms including Southwest High School and Lee's Summit High School.
"Amelia" practiced in the church across the street from Southwest High School where Steve Heuser's dad was the pastor. The band Kansas started around the same time. With Apple Tree and Ning, Roberts, Gordan and Sivils, they produced their own successful concert.
Sly James current picture
The Soul Sensations
Gene Kinnebrew: Vocals
Don Eads: keyboards
Mayfield Townes: Bass
Fity (for his 50" waist): Drums
Full horn section
This band played the chitlin” circuit and most black clubs around the Midwest like Carter Lake Club, opening for well known soul groups like James Brown and the Flames (with Jimi Hendrix on guitar), Kool and the Gang, and Earth, Wind and Fire. Jimi and Don remained friends to the end. Don was backstage often with Jimi when he performed, like in Kansas City on November 1, 1968.
Jimi Hendrix on guitar
Jimi at KC Municipal Auditorium 1968
Don was with him backstage. Friends to the end...
University of Missouri Kansas City
Experimental Jazz Quartet
Don: Grand piano
Ron Roberts: Bass
Allen Ginsberg: Beat Generation Poet
UMKC Pierson Auditorium 1970
Standing Room Only
Banana Finch Records
The record store in the UMKC student ghetto. Located at 48th/Harrison. Don started it when he tested into college in 1969. Don wanted to call it the Friends of Gideon Finch and his partner's idea was Banana Fish (yuck!) so Don reluctantly agreed to Banana Finch. Lesson: Never compromise on business names because you have to live with them forever!
Paul Revere Jazz Trio
Black Pianist famous in the KC Jazz Scene
Paul: piano, vocals
Don played bass, vocals
Don played bass, vocals
Denny Turner: drums
This hot little trio played at Kenny’s Newsroom on Broadway in Kansas City and it was always packed! Don learned how to improve his skills as a jazz pianist by watching Paul night after night. He would go in early to the gig and practice Paul's style on the piano. One night Paul showed up early too and heard Don doing his signature tune “Red Sails in the Sunset” perfectly on the piano.
Paul was like “So, you play piano too?”
Don also played with Roy Searcy, a.jazz pianist well known in Midwest circles and many of the greats. KC was a hotspot for early jazz.
Paul was like “So, you play piano too?”
Don also played with Roy Searcy, a.jazz pianist well known in Midwest circles and many of the greats. KC was a hotspot for early jazz.
Reverend Chet Taylor and the Mid-Americans
Chet Taylor: vocals
Gary Apple: drums
Darrell: keyboards
Don Eads: bass, guitar
This band was actually the official Missouri State Bi-Centennial band so they played at all of the Governor's official functions, wearing green tuxedos often. They also played at State fairs and concerts in Christian circles throughout the Midwest, including Full Gospel Businessman's Conventions.
This band was actually the official Missouri State Bi-Centennial band so they played at all of the Governor's official functions, wearing green tuxedos often. They also played at State fairs and concerts in Christian circles throughout the Midwest, including Full Gospel Businessman's Conventions.
Jim Coman, Michael Coman, Wilfred, Don Eads in San Francisco (1974)
Rocking one of the many clubs ijn the Bay area
photo courtesy of Michael Coman
Rocking one of the many clubs ijn the Bay area
photo courtesy of Michael Coman
Performed in San Francisco, Kansas City, and Chicago. They wrote a lot of really good songs.
Club Royale
Kansas City
One of the most popular country bands at one of the most popular country bars
They opened for a lot of country stars
Late 1970's-1980's
Merl Saunders
San Francisco After Dark
Merl and Jerry Garcia
Brown Spice
Don: acoustic piano/vocals
Mike Hollinger: bass
Late 1970's-1980's
Merl Saunders
San Francisco After Dark
Don often competed with Merl for gigs around the Bay area. When Merl would show up for auditions usually Don would lose. But they became best friends and Merl tossed a lot of studio work to Don including some gigs with the Grateful Dead guys. Don helped to promote Merl's 45, "San Francisco After Dark" nationally including in Hawaii. Merl often showed up at Don's beach home at Kahana Bay for R and R. When in San Francisco, Don was often seen having dinner at Merl's home by Golden Gate Park with the Grateful Dead and lots of other friends. Sadly, Merl passed away in late October 2008.
Brown Spice
Homegrown II: “Polynesian Girl” written by Hawaii producer Gordon Broad.
This album has sold over 125,000 copies, a Hawaiian hit.
This album has sold over 125,000 copies, a Hawaiian hit.
They played a lot of gigs in Waikiki showrooms and luaus (like for SHOPO and McDonalds)
Harold Enanoria: Bass
Rick Malvas: Drums
Don Eads: keyboards
Steve Lucas, Art Addison, several others played guitar with Brown Spice.
Manny LaGod: The Alii's
Brown Spice did major gigs like the Turtle Bay Kuilima Ocean Festival with the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, Rumors Night Club, and all of the major Waikiki showrooms. "Who da guy" legend Ron Jacobs produced their TV special filmed in Waikiki.
Manny LaGod: The Alii's
Manny won the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012
Brown Spice did major gigs like the Turtle Bay Kuilima Ocean Festival with the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, Rumors Night Club, and all of the major Waikiki showrooms. "Who da guy" legend Ron Jacobs produced their TV special filmed in Waikiki.
Zulu’s Show
Gilbert Kauhi: as Zulu (Kono from the original Hawaii 5-0)
Don: Grand Piano, Vocals
Sterling: Guitar
Sterling: Guitar
Cathy Foy: Dancer/vocalist
Ed Shonk: Bass
Pake: Drummer
They were performing at the Naniloa Surf in the Crown Room. Don did this gig as a favor to old friend Billy Gonsalves (the Paradise Serenaders) because they needed a keyboard player at the last minute. The gig ended when Zulu developed an intestinal blockage on a Saturday night and had to be hospitalized in Honolulu for it.
at Sun Yat Sen Park: Thanksgiving, 2009
Don opened for and performed with
John Cruz at this event
Island Style
Don the Beachcomber: The Surfboard Lounge
Carol Lorenzo: female vocalist
Jonathan Potenciano: (now in Las Vegas): Male vocalist
Don Eads: Grand Piano/vocals
Al Jenkins: drums, vocals
This was long before John Cruz wrote the song "Island Style"
This was long before John Cruz wrote the song "Island Style"
at Concert at Hawaii Kai Amphitheater
The Red Door Gang
Warren Johnson: Vocals, rhythm guitar
Woody Bangkok: lead guitar
Don Eads: keyboards
Various drummers and bass players
We played mainly at the Red Door 6 nights a week, a very popular club, in Pearl City.
We also did Club Hubba Hubba on Hotel St. Christmas Eve, to give the house band a break.
Tommy D and Company
CB Black: Don Eads' stage name
Holiday Inn Waikiki
Holiday Inn Waikiki
Sandy Beach Concerts
Japanese Culture Center
Zulu’s Theater (TV Show)
MDA telethon
McDonalds Corporate Parties
McDonalds Corporate Parties
Skyline
Tropical Pleasure "Rock and Roll" Cruises
LaPietra Girl's School
The Cellar
LaPietra Girl's School
The Cellar
Red Lion Pub
Bullwinkles (all locations)
When Skyline was playing Bullwinkles University on Saturday April 28, 1979, Eddie Money and his band came to see them after their gig at Aloha Stadium. Eddie told them they were the best rock band in Hawaii! He should know!
Bullwinkles (all locations)
When Skyline was playing Bullwinkles University on Saturday April 28, 1979, Eddie Money and his band came to see them after their gig at Aloha Stadium. Eddie told them they were the best rock band in Hawaii! He should know!
Skyline hosted and performed with super groups like the Little River Band, Toto, Fleetwood Mac, etc. on the boat with their record company executives, and opened for many national acts.
1980-1990's
Mechanic
Mark Munekata: lead guitar
Ian Taylor: drums
Don Eads: keyboards, bass, guitar, lead vocals. Don played bass and keyboards simultaneously in this band.
Ocean Festival at Del Webb Kuilima: Kawela Bay
Opened for and backed Ace Cannon (famous Grammy award winning sax player) in Hawaii *
*Jeff Fish, well known LA studio musician was our drummer for these gigs.
Sacred Ground
Opened for and performed with super guitarist Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs, Kansas)
Steve: Lead guitar, vocals
Don: keyboards
Bob Hernandez: bass
Mark Munekata: guitar
Steve: Lead guitar, vocals
Don: keyboards
Bob Hernandez: bass
Mark Munekata: guitar
Jungle Recording
Don did the remastering of Aloha Calls and trained as a record producer with Chris Hinshaw: Barbra Streisand, Paul Simon, Chicago, are a few of the hundreds of super groups he recorded and/or produced.
Released Kekupa'a: The Steadfast One 1984
Scuba Bear Records G10201
East West North South (a Band With Direction)
Scuba Bear Records G10201
East West North South (a Band With Direction)
Magnum PI episode: “Of Sound Mind”
Mark Munekata: guitar
Cary James: Drums
Lorene: Bass
Don Eads: Keyboards, guitar, vocals
Don Eads and the End Times Band
Released "In Search of Branson West"
Scuba Bear Records 1002001
Released "In Search of Branson West"
Scuba Bear Records 1002001
New Earth Coffeehouse
Branson Outdoor Concert: 4th of July, 1992
Branson Outdoor Concert: 4th of July, 1992
Late 1990-Present
Best Friends
This is one of the groups Don plays with when in Beijing, China. They perform at Lido, the expat hangout, which contains the largest Holiday Inn in the world.
China with the world champion harmonica player
Performed in the new Theater at Nankai University to a packed house
Tian Ye performing at Peking University
On Binhai radio Network playing songs from my new CD
Don Eads on Binhai Radio Network in China
Don Eads and Tian Ye at Aloha Party in Tianjin, China
 |
| Ernie Cruz: The Waimea Cowboy Don and Ernie have performed together since the 1960's. |
Ernie Cruz and the Reclinerz
This car was best of show.
Current group
Don: Keyboards, vocals, lead guitar
Greg Martin: ukulele
Greg Martin: ukulele
Hotrod shows and concerts all over the place
Ernie Cruz, the Waimea Cowboy, is a Hawaii legend.
Ernie Cruz, the Waimea Cowboy, is a Hawaii legend.
Don Eads: Solo Artist
*Opened for John Cruz
*The Sign Coffeehouse
*Vanguard Coffeehouse
*New Earth Coffeehouse
*American Holistic Medical Association National Convention
Performed for the UH Manoa Medical Students at their graduation celebration at Prince Kuhio Hotel, where Kaiser hospital used to be. (Click link)
Among his many friends, Don includes Russell and Graham from Air Supply, Bono, the Edge, and Jack from U2, Deepak Chopra, Patch (the doctor who founded Gesundheit Institute), and Dr. Andrew Weil.
*Harry S Truman High School: several concerts
*University of Hawaii College of Education Graduate Students Orientation
Among his many friends, Don includes Russell and Graham from Air Supply, Bono, the Edge, and Jack from U2, Deepak Chopra, Patch (the doctor who founded Gesundheit Institute), and Dr. Andrew Weil.
*Harry S Truman High School: several concerts
*University of Hawaii College of Education Graduate Students Orientation
*Pod Camp at Hawaii Convention Center
*ON STAGE HAWAII
*Great American Music Hall (San Francisco)
*Filmore Auditorium
*Unity Village
*Avalon Ballroom
*ON STAGE HAWAII
*Great American Music Hall (San Francisco)
*Filmore Auditorium
*Unity Village
*Avalon Ballroom
A few songs written by Don
Dana
Live in Beijing
Cool Cat Sam
Hometown
Polynesian Girl in Stereo
Booking Information:
Ilima IV
professor.eads@gmail.com
808-263-1198
Don's son doing 6 minutes of stand up comedy at Roosevelt High School
Don practicing to break the World Fire Walk Record in 2000
Live in Beijing
Cool Cat Sam
Hometown
Polynesian Girl in Stereo
Booking Information:
Ilima IV
professor.eads@gmail.com
808-263-1198
John Cruz at Surfer the Bar with Kuuipo
Mahalo for visiting our page.
Don's son doing 6 minutes of stand up comedy at Roosevelt High School
Don practicing to break the World Fire Walk Record in 2000
