SHIMA GAlS

Story by Kluso

OK, let’s do some English-Japanese word association. I say “Okinawa,” you say “island” (Shima, in Japanese). I say “American” and you say “foreigner” (gaijin in Japanese). Now, I say “fun” and you say Shima Gais (pronounced like guys). Got it? Good.

Venture out from Kadena Air Base, down Gate 2 Street to the Four Corners area across from new Music Town and you’ll find Al’s Place, home of the Shima Gais and a haven for the sweet sound of classic 60s and 70s pop, rock, blues and R&B. It will seem as if you’ve stepped back in time to your hometown pub. And the Shima Gais are there to make your back-to-the-future experience memorable.

So, who are the Shima Gais? They go by the pseudonyms: Shima-Maxx (drums), Shima-Don (rhythm guitar/lead vocals), Shima-Kozo (bass), Shima-Ringo (sax and percussions), and Shima-Doug (lead guitar/vocals). This elite collection of talent has actually been members of many other local bands that have contributed to Okinawa’s music scene over the years.

They teamed up to battle the forces of evil and boredom by putting the word “fun” back into the music. This is because if the band is not having fun it’s not easy for the audience to have fun. The Shima Gais put the focus of their music and live shows on making the audience part of the equation of having a good time.

That is one reason they spotlight their music on 60s and 70s classics that cover several genres and popular tunes from greats such as the Stones, Clapton, CCR and even some James Brown, Bob Marley and a few Shima originals.

Needless to say, they play to the crowd. The Shima Gais know how get the place hopp’n - and when to throttle back. They employ audience interaction with free giveaways as well as frequent guest musicians who show up to sit in with the hand. All that’s missing is you.

Al’s Place is open weekdays 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and from 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Shima Gais play every Friday and Saturday 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. and the best part is there’s no cover charge! For more info visit their Web site and other links at <www.shima-gais.com>.