The Elevations Christmas Special

Introducing The Elevations… The Dyn-o-mite Vintage Soul Explosion Out of Honolulu, Hawai’i! 

• Vocals – Kehaulani White
• Vocals – Cheyenne Leong
• Vocals – Aiddy Weisbecker
• Sax – Eric White
• Trumpet – Chad Higa
• Trombone – Arthur Davis
• Guitar – Gilbert Batangan
• Drums – Beck Millan
• Bass – Rodney Drummer
• Organ – Reggie Padilla

Vintage noun vin·tage \ ˈvin-tij \
of high quality and lasting value, or showing the best and most typical characteristics of a particular type of thing, especially from the past. — Cambridge Dictionary

“We are an 8 piece vintage soul band, doing it in the original style before Mwtown. It was at the cusp of original r&b from the 40’s and 50’s mixed with the Blues that Soul was born! That’s the era that we are focusing on — the origin, the source To me, it’s a more driving sound, more raw, more gritty. I hear more rock n’ roll than I do Motown. I guarantee that most people have never heard of Bettye Lavette, Jean Wells, Ricky Allen, Freddie Scott, et al. But, we are also looking to modern bands that play in that style (vintage soul) as well like Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Lee Fields and The Expressions, Saunn & Starr, et al. These bands provide the bridge from the original artists to the modern day world. It is from here that we hope to make a difference and make our own original music to share with the rest of the world.” Eric White, The Elevations sax player

Kelsea Armstrong (they/she) is a multi-faceted creative based in Hawaiʻi with a background in traditional jazz, rnb/soul, reggae and beyond. With experience as the premier vocalist for critically acclaimed groups like Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning Honolulu Jazz Quartet and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa jazz ensemble, Armstrong has left an indelible mark on the local jazz scene. Their performances have extended to prestigious platforms including Blue Note Hawaii and the state art museum’s jazz and cultural events at Capitol Modern.

Beyond the realm of jazz, Armstrong has worked as the resident hook singer in a hip-hop/neo soul freestyle jam alongside some of Hawaiʻis finest emcee’s and jazz musicians. Their freestyle performances have also been featured in toasting sessions of Honolulu’s underground Rub-a-Dub parties.

As a songwriter, Armstrong has showcased an extensive catalog of unreleased music on KTUH’s college radio live music segment “Monday Night Live”, opened for local bands like Ragamuffs and The Mauve, frequented the iconic stage of Blue Note with her own compositions and arrangements, and performed other various live events that highlight original music and songwriting. In 2023, Armstrong released music on Nick Kurosawa and Ohtoro’s project, “UniVibes”, which was nominated for Nā Hōkū Hanohano R&B album of the year.