
Band Members
Vocalists
Malcolm Rolsal
(Vocalist, Band Manager)
Being the son of a gospel singer, his first experience with music was in the Baptist church
at the
tender age of five. In
his teens, he participated in both school and community theater where he won awards
and
critical acclaim in dance, acting, singing and the violin. Malcolm worked
under the tutelage of Dick Clark in the development of a musical television
show, starred in the play "Crisis Cabaret"
in Los Angeles with David Bowie's ex-wife - "Angie
Bowie", local
and national commercials including the infamous Pepsi commercial with Michael Jackson and
locally starred as the character "Horse" in
Diamond Head Theatre's
production of
"The Full Monty" in which "he brings the house down".
Malcolm was a vocalist with Alisa Randolph for 2 years
and has
worked with such notables as Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle and Mariah Carey
in concert...to name a few.
He loves Adult
Contemporary, Jazz, R&B as well as all genres of music.
Malcolm's energy is contagious and he is a true performer!
N.J. Gottschalk (Vocalist, Percussionist, Vocal Director)
A Los Angeles native, N.J. has been playing music since the tender age of four.
Being the
youngest of a large family, she is a fourth generation entertainer.
She was highly influenced at
a very young age by artists like Teena Marie, Gladys Knight and Sarah Vaughn to
name a few.
A year later she was already
entertaining around the globe, including an appearance on the Lawrence Welk TV
Show, singing both in English and Hawaiian. She recently was featured
in The Honolulu Symphony Pops -
"Tribute to the Beatles".
N.J. is fortunate to have been
able
to use her gifts to work with some of the best in the business and has made a
career of it. Singer, songwriter, dancer, drummer
and also a music teacher - NJ is definitely and entertainer
whose time has come!
She is referred to by her fellow band members as "The Singers' Singer!"
Riya
Davis
(Vocalist)
Riya
is a hidden gem! This neo-soul singer began singing
in Hawaii in 1994 competing in "Brown Bags to Stardom". Since then she
has competed in numerous contests including Hawaii Stars in 2000 and
2001; and also MTV's "Say What Karaoke". Riya has also
worked with numerous local artists on recordings and as a background singer.
In March of 2007, Riya sang backup for Kenny Loggins, Michael
McDonald, Natalie Cole and Ruben Studdard at the "Return to
Romance" concert at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Arena.
Riya is
no stranger to the stage, as an actress she received a Po'okela Award
nomination for her role in "Beehive"
at the Manoa Valley Theatre in 2003.
In 2006 Riya recorded a song written by her
father, who is a Pastor, that was dedicated to the men & women serving in the
armed forces. The song was engineered by Kirk Thompson of
Kalapana. They partnered with Jeep/Chrysler's "Operation Gratitude"
to send 7000 copies to the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. She
also continues to be a featured artist with the 25th Tropic Lighting Band for
concerts and special events. A private vocal instructor, a talented saxophonist
Riya
has sung all over the world from New York to Palau!
Be it Jazz, R&B or Neo-Soul, her voice is Golden....You must hear this soulful Diva!
Musicians
Scott Schafer
(Drummer, Musical Director,
Vocalist)
Scott
earned his bachelor's degree in music from Berklee
College of Music. It was at
Berklee where
he totally immersed himself in
his craft. Upon
graduation Scott moved back to
Hawaii. He became
one of the most in demand
performers in the state,
picking up work in a variety of settings. He
performed regularly as a sub in the world
class LEGENDS IN CONCERT show.
On the Hawaiian
contemporary scene he's
performed with; Sean Na'aao, Na Leo Pilimehana,
Melveen Leed and Loyal Garner. He was honored to open up for
B.B.King and Robert Cray at the
Blaisdell Center and Buddy Guy at the
Sheraton Waikiki.
You
can find Scott on record with Lokelani, Alex Bell and the Phones,
The Manuma Bros., Anela Kahiamoe, Amber Ricci, Jula, Jessie Riveira, The Now
and John Helm
to name a few.
Aside from performance Scott is
also an active educator in the Honolulu
area. Scott's passion and
hunger for drumming and music is all encompassing
and never ending, seek him out and enjoy the
ride!!
Tony Trevias
(Keyboardist, Vocalist)
Tony's entire life has been devoted to performing. With over 30 years of
experience under his belt
he is a fabulous addition to eight0eight. He
comes with a strong musical background playing with
various local
celebrities - including the infamous "Honolulu the Band" that has been on the circuit
for
well over 10 years.
When Tony plays and sings, people stand up and listen!
Carl Fidel
(Bassist, Vocalist)
Carl, a Hawaii native, is known as, "Chocolate Thunder" for his smooth but
thundering bass
style! A musician since the age of 5, Carl started out playing
the piano and guitar. In forming his
first band there were too may guitarists,
so he switched to the bass and BOOM! Since then he has
developed a style that he
calls, "Poi Dog R&B" because of the way he stirs in a laid back Hawaiian
vibe
with the sweet-sticky of Rhythm and Blues. Before joining eight0eight,
Carl lent his
musical genius to well known groups like
Chant and
Toma-Nato.
Carl blends his talents to delight all musical tastes!
Wes
Aoki (Guitarist,
Vocalist)
Wes
who originally wanted to play the drums, has been playing the guitar since the
age of 12.
He began
playing
professionally after high school and has performed with Spectrum,
Streamline, Phase VII,
The Fabulous Krush, Positivity and Don Ho. Besides playing music,
Wes was also an instructor
at Hawaii Musicworks teaching children the guitar and stage performance.
A lover of all genres of music,
Wes especially loves progressive rock and jazz.
Wes says "Music is my passion in life, because I can express myself without
using words and it touches
all people in someway"
Come hear Wes and be touched by his amazing gift!
"Ain't
No Party, Like an eight0eight Party!"