Bruno Mars mixes it up

by Maesyn

“Local boy makes it big.”

There is nothing more unionizing for the people of such a small, tightly woven culture than to see one of their own stretch out into the world and soar to international recognition.

Hawaii brings one of her boys home from his world tour this Tuesday, December 21.

Bruno Mars, (Peter Hernandez) grew up in the Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu, Hawaii. He moved to LA to pursue music and ended up getting signed to write and produce tracks for other artists. (Not for long!)

Ever since the October 2010 release of his debut album, “Doo-wops and Hooligans,” he has been topping the charts at an astounding rate. He has been single handedly dominating radio airplay with his single, “Just the Way You Are,” (with 61 million views on Youtube) and “I want to be a Billionaire” with Travie McCoy (with a mere 60 million Youtube views).

Even if you lived in a box, you could not avoid hearing these annoyingly infectious catchy pop tunes. They are everywhere. Bruno has hit upon the magic formula. One can’t help but think that his wild immediate success had something to do with his magical island roots. (The islands provide!)

He has been nominated for seven Grammy awards. His hit single, “Just the Way You Are,” is number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, and also #1 on Itunes.

Bruno’s list of achievements and accolades in the last few months is stellar. He has been on Saturday Night Live. He has opened for Maroon 5. He has recorded with many legendary artists, including Damien Marley. He will co-headline a tour with Travie McCoy this year.

Never too far from his Hawaiian roots, Bruno began playing instruments at a young age, surrounded by his family of musicians.

He loves to perform, and feels most comfortable when he is on stage. “I think people are really going to gravitate towards the live show. We turn it into a party,” he says.

For a show that will have you cheering and chanting along with hooky songs that will stick with you for months, check out Bruno Mars this Tuesday night at 7:30 at the Castle Theatre in the MACC.

For tickets, go to www.mauiarts.org. Tickets for the show are $35, $45, and $55.

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