Blues-rock guitar wizard Eric Sardinas wraps up a four-show Hawaii tour this weekend with a pair of Big Island dates, Saturday at Honokaa People’s Theatre and Sunday at Hilo Town Tavern. Show times are 7 p.m. both nights.
A two-decade veteran of recording and touring, the slide guitar and Dobro master wowed a Palace Theater audience in Hilo a few years ago.
Since the late 1990s, Sardinas has taken the stage thousands of times across the globe, with audiences growing exponentially each passing year.
The Florida-born Sardinas said he was inspired by the energy of roots music from his mom’s soul, Motown, gospel, and early rock ’n’ roll collection. His older brother turned him on to what is now called classic rock.
“Music was always heard in the house. I woke up to, and fell asleep to it. Still do,” Sardinas said.
In his teens, he submersed himself in the blues.
“That was it for me,” he said. “In blending my influences, I found my own sound. I feel very fulfilled being able to make this music my life for more than 20 years now. And my goal is to keep growing and improving, and to respect this music and stick by it the way its has supported and inspired me.”
Steve Vai, the guitar god and former Whitesnake lead guitarist described Sardinas as “revolutionary.”
“He plays the Dobro like the devil plays your mind. His intensity will possess your very soul,” Vai said.
According to Magic Dick, the harmonica player for the J. Geils Band, “When I saw him play he scared me, and all I could say was, ‘He’s a bad, bad man.’”
General admission is $35 in Honokaa and $30 in Hilo. Gold circle tickets are $55 for both shows.
Advance tickets are available at: Hilo Town Tavern, Hilo Ukuleles and Guitars and Hilo Music Exchange; Rogers Guitars in Keaau; Top Stitch in Honokaa; Waimea General Store in Parker Square; Kona Music Exchange in Kailua-Kona; Kiernan Music in Kainaliu; online at bluesbearhawaii.com; and by calling 896-4845.