Dave Giegerich - Steel Guitar, Dobro, Electric Mandolin, vocals/
Moe Nelson - Bass, vocals/
Gary Ferguson - Lead Guitar, vocals/
Mark Noone - Rhythm Guitar, Ukulele, vocals/
Ben Holmes - Drums, vocals
Influences
The late Don Ho/ Bob Wills/Alfred Apaka/ The sons of Hawaii/Chuck Berry/Benny Goodman/Woddy Herman/ Bill Haley and his Comets/The Beatles
The Hula Monsters have been performing since 1988. Originally formed as a
trio the group has grown into a quintet, all five members sing.
The Hula Monsters is basically a swing band with a Hawaiian Flavor. Our
repertoire includes rockabilly, blues, country, jazz standards - All with the Hula Monster Hawaiian accent. For example at weddings we often do a first set of instrumental jazz standards, while at a luau we would play mostly Hawaiian music. We have done many western themed events where we play western swing & traditional country exclusively. At the many Swing Dances in the Washington DC area we tailor our sets to the dancers. Although the Metro area is our home we've played from upstate New York to down state North Carolina. It may be difficult to categorize our music but the common thread is "swingin' fun"!
The Hula Monsters is a band of accomplished seasoned professional musicians and are experienced playing in a wide variety of situations. The list of acts that the members of The Hula Monsters have performed and/or recorded with span from Cracker to Queen Ida to Johnny Gimble to Pam Tillis. Each and every "Hula" has worked as independent studio musicians, have played on many nationally broadcast radio & TV commercials, and on countless recordings.
Since the inception of The Hula Monsters we have won many "Wammies", the annual awards given by the Washington Area Music Association, including best world music group, best world music vocalist and many other awards in many other categories.
"One of the best bands in the world" - The Washington Post
"You gotta love Hula Monsters. They've established one of the most novel sounds in the city..."-The Baltimore Sun
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
