BIOGRAPHY

Tonic Oasis is a cabaret-style East Big Island based musical duo featuring lead/rhythm guitar (Dane Giraldin), rhythm guitar, percussion and vocals (Blue). We specialize in the ambient elegance and danceable energy of jazz, blues, Latin, and soul. We’ve performed for audiences throughout the Big Island. Venues have included SCP Hilo Hotel, Gertrudes, Hilo Town Tavern, Lava Shack, Honoka’a Public House, Papa’aloa Country Store, Hilo Night Market, Big Island Brewhaus, Ola Brew and more.

Dr. Cathryn D. Blue, PhD (Blue) was born in St. Louis, MO, raised in historic East St. Louis, IL, and lived/traveled worldwide before finding her home of 12 years on the Big Island of Hawaii. Blue began training in music at age 4 on violin (classical), viola (classical), and upright bass (classical/jazz). In college, she founded BattleCry of the ButterFly Productions which she developed into a publishing house for music and literature. Blue was vocally trained in the gospel tradition. While pursuing her doctorate in social psychology, Blue performed in various jazz bands and orchestral ensembles, worked as a solo singer/songwriter, and performed as a guitarist and backup vocalist for various soul, funk, jazz, R&B and indie bands in St. Louis, MO and Portland, OR. Blue incorporates samba, salsa, Hawaiian, and Afro-Caribbean lyrics, rhythms and musical traditions to create a unique soul blend that honors her African diasporic and indigenous cultural roots.

Dane Giraldin was born in San Jose, CA. He grew up in the art and music traditions of San Francisco and Seattle, WA before making his way to the Big Island where he has lived for the past 9 years. As a teenager, Dane reveled in the soul music of his era, gaining a passion for lead guitar. Years of digging into the roots and influences of his soul heroes lead to his fascination with Chicago Blues and funk. Dane has performed with several prestigious show bands in resorts and casinos, building an extensive repertoire and the ability to play any style of music. Dane currently plays a combination of blues, funk, Latin, samba and Spanish guitar performing covers as well as original compositions.

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