Rhea Makiaris is an East Coast bred, West Coast raised musical sensation. With a natural ear for music and knack for picking up instruments, she is a self-taught luminous troubador with a honey voice and a yen for old school R&B. Rhea transports her listeners back to a golden age of music, when all a performer needed to entertain was a guitar and an exceptional voice.

My first visit to Kauai was over 20 years ago and I’ve been in love ever since. When my soul sister Krista moved out to the north side a couple years back, I was thrilled to make memories and have opportunities to explore and discover the magic of this island.

In 2020, during the strict quarantine, I made my way over for my first visit to Krista’s new home on a beautiful 10 acre koa tree farm. It was still during the stricter part of the pandemic, so I was not allowed to leave the property for two weeks. The coast guard made random appearances checking my ID, it was no joke!

I will say: it was NOT torture being stuck on the farm. While taking in the incredible views and enjoying the spectacular environment, I was inspired to write a little chorus on my ukulele …” Kauai…Kaui, it’s your gentle breeze, sets my mind at ease….” I shared it with Krista and showed her my idea for the verses: “ A rock in the middle of the ocean wide….” I hummed her the tune and all of a sudden we were writing the verses together. It was so incredibly fun!

When I hear the song now, a time capsule of our real experiences during that time, I can’t help but smile.

First I recorded the song myself in Logic Pro, and although it sounded pretty good I was looking for a professional version. I brought the song to one of my best friends, musical partner, and ridiculously talented sound engineer, Eric Oberschmidt. He added all the little magical details (pedal steel!) that the song needed and he helped me bring the song to life! The final version makes my heart so happy.

Also, special thanks and shoutout to my friend Paul Hormick for input on the bass. (You can hear his voice at the very tail end haha)

I will release the tune officially on all the streaming platforms next Friday, 3/10, but if you would like to hear the song now you can download it here!

Enjoy!

Kauai

Rhea Makiaris

Lyrics:

Kauai, Kauai

It's your gentle breeze, sets my mind at ease Kauai, Kauai Surrounded by the sea Island energy, flowing right through me

A rock in the middle of the ocean wide A koa farm on the Mauka side Pink and orange clouds up in the sky Bring tears of joy to my eyes!

A rainbow out of Hihimanu A gecko chirps her hello to you A swirling in

Lyrics:

Kauai, Kauai

It's your gentle breeze, sets my mind at ease Kauai, Kauai Surrounded by the sea Island energy, flowing right through me

A rock in the middle of the ocean wide A koa farm on the Mauka side Pink and orange clouds up in the sky Bring tears of joy to my eyes!

A rainbow out of Hihimanu A gecko chirps her hello to you A swirling in the Anini Stream I'll never wake up from this dream!

Kauai, Kauai It's your gentle breeze, sets my mind at ease Kauai, Kauai Surrounded by the sea Island energy, flowing right through me

A va'a cruise out to Nepali Majestic Cliffs looming over me A sacred splash from a waterfall Shades of blue, I can't count them all

Floating along what do I spy Along the reef Honu fly by I don't know what I just saw Is that a humuhumunukunukuapua'a?

Kauai, Kauai It's your gentle breeze, sets my mind at ease Kauai, Kauai Surrounded by the sea Island energy, inspires me

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Kauai 3:16

Lyrics

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Rhea was a featured artist in the San Diego Troubadour! Click on the photo to read the full article.

Previous events

Back to the Barn Concert w/Christopher Dale

Saturday, October 22, 2022 @ 7:00PMSat, Oct 22, 2022 @ 7:00PM

Art and Soul Horses, 526 Paso Del Norte, Escondido, CA 92026

$20 - Meet & Greet @ 6pm / Concert @ 7pm - BYOB and Personal Picnic Basket. Hosted by John & Vivian Thwaits, Art Soul & Horses is a magical place to be in the moment and allows you to enjoy live music like never before. We open the top-half of the stable doors and our majestic animal friends Luca & Sky Mama, enjoy watching and listening to the show, as well. Beautiful art pieces and classic barn artifacts decorate the rafters as sweet harmonies fill the Escondido, CA country air. Get your tickets NOW! You don't wanna miss this show!

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/christopher-dale-w-rhea-makiaris-back-to-the-barn-concert-tickets-428774956437