John Cruz w/ Gooseberry

John Cruz w/ Gooseberry

Fri 8/2

21+ | $20 adv./$25 day of

John Cruz

John Cruz (Hawaiian/Chamorro/Native American-Cherokee/ Japanese/Caucasian) has distinguished himself as one of the most talented artists to come from Hawai‘i, known for his heartfelt melodies and passionate, soulful vocals that his fans have grown to love. His song “Island Style” has become one of the most cherished themes of Hawai‘i. 

He engages audiences with his rich storytelling through songs ranging from Hawaiian to Blues, Folk, Americana, Roots and Country. He delivers spellbinding performances, with music that references Hawaiian roots and “Island style” life, while incorporating 

contemporary folk-rock rhythms and virtuosic riffs. Captivating guitar, soulful vocals and a compassionate, genuine heart make Cruz one of Hawai’i’s most talented and beloved Artists. 

Cruz is multi-Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner (Hawai‘i’s 

“Grammys”), and was featured on the Grammy Award-winning album Slack Key Guitar, Vol. 2, the first album to win in the newly-created “Hawaiian Music” category (now retired) at the Grammys, and the first-ever Hawaiian album to win a Grammy. 

"John is a great songwriter and a great singer...he's one of the best." -- Jackson Browne 

“one of the finest contemporary singer songwriter-musicians you'll hear, Hawaii-based or otherwise… Cruz's honeyed, husky voice is a marvel -- real world honest whether touching on subjects painfully personal or sweetly hopeful” -- Hawai’i Magazine 

Gooseberry

Gooseberry is a trio from Brooklyn, New York born during the Fall of 2019. Their combination of alternative rock, indie, and blues is a recipe for a unique sound that Gooseberry delivers in each song. The band consists of Asa Daniels (guitar, vocals), Evin Rossington (drums), and Will Hammond (bass).
Since the release of their 2022 debut EP, , Brooklyn, NY indie rock trio Gooseberry has been busy. Their eminently engaging music has tickled the ears and stirred the hearts of both music fans and the industry itself. The band has racked up hundreds of thousands of streams, garnered praise from editorial stalwarts , , and more.
Yet, more than anything, in the ten months since the release, Gooseberry has been focused on doing what they do best: playing shows. Deeply connected to the scene in NYC and Brooklyn, they have dazzled crowds from the iconic Baby’s All Right to the legendary Knitting Factory. “We are super fortunate to call a lot of really great - and buzzing - NYC bands our friends” says Daniels. “We feel ourselves part of that community and eternally grateful for being welcomed with such open arms. Our hometown has truly shaped what this band has become.” Gooseberry has played all along the east coast, often with local heartthrobs (My Son The Doctor, Meyru, Cab Ellis) and major touring acts (BabyJake, Grady Spencer & The Work, Tanner Usrey, Maybird) alike.
Now, the power trio is back with a new slate of songs born in Greenpoint and honed to perfection on the road. Conceived and fleshed out over the course of a year, Validate Me as a cohesive piece of art eloquently showcases the unique alternative rock sound that is wholly Gooseberry. “Life as a trio allows us to really lean into dynamics,” explains Daniels. “We can hit you with a squall of distortion and guttural shouts, then shift on a dime and sing you a lullaby.”
Thematically, Validate Me grapples with the relationship between love and making art, magnifying the sacrifices and leaps of faith both require. “Anger as a device can lead to both polished and rough expressions of passion,” says Daniels. “Much of that anger manifests from fear, which drives us down many wayward paths, whether it be fear of rejection, fear of too much understanding, or fear of losing control.”
In addition to Daniels, Rossington, and Hammond, the record features performances by honorary fourth member, Dan Janis, on saxophone and flute. Tracked at two Manhattan studios, Precision Sound Studios and Orbital Music & Sound, the record was produced by the band along with Grammy-nominated engineer Colin Bryson. Longtime collaborator and Grammy-award winning engineer James Meslin (Dream Theater, Liquid Tension, John Petrucci) mixed the record.
What the trio created during these sessions is a record that is foundationally, fundamentally, whole-heartedly Gooseberry. No more, no less. Daniels’s dynamic songwriting soaring over Rossington’s bombastic drums; Hammond’s fluid bass lines the glue holding it all together. Road-keen musicianship wrapped around witty lyricism. More than anything, though, Validate Me proves that Gooseberry knows exactly who they are – gritty rock born at the nexus of DIY and arena-ready pop – and good god they are unapologetic about it.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Press Room - Upstairs, 77 Daniel Street, Portsmouth, United States