Photo from Tony Silva
Las Vegas is nicknamed the ninth Hawaiian island, and Da Braddahs (comprised of Tony Silva (far right) and James Roche) are bringing a bit of local comedy to the Mainland next month. Da Bulls of Comedy – Mel Cabang along with the comedic duo – takes the stage Nov. 1 at 6 and 8 p.m. in the Ohana Room at California Hotel and Casino.
“That’s the first time we (are going to) perform in Vegas in 15 years as Da Braddahs,” Silva says. “We’ve had many opportunities but have never actually gone. Promoters have called us over the years, and it never worked out where it was good for both parties.”
Thanks to early and extensive planning, Las Vegas will get its own taste of Hawaii comedy.
And after Da Bulls of Comedy night, Da Braddahs, who were on MidWeek‘s cover June 19, 2002, will stick around Vegas to participate in a Campbell High School reunion.
“I’m just looking forward to seeing all the local people who have either family ties or ties in general to the Islands,” Silva adds. “(I want) them to come out and have a good time. We all know how much people miss the Islands, and so whenever they can go out to see a band, musical group or comedy troupe, that’s the closest that they get to being back home.
“I want to see those people, get to meet them. We haven’t forgotten about them.”
Aside from the Las Vegas gig, the two have been working hard for the past six months on special releases for their supporters. Fans of Da Braddahs can look forward to a throwback special – Da Braddahs Jus Buckaloose, in high-definition. The project was released years ago on VHS, and the duo wanted to bring it back for the tech-savvy crowd. The new version will be released on pay per view at the end of this month.
Another special release coming to pay per view is Da Braddahs Hana Hou, a feature-length movie that will be released Thanksgiving Day.
“This is about seven or eight years in the making,” Silva adds. “The only thing holding us back was time and money.”
He also notes that fans will receive a DVD copy of the film as part of the pay per view fee.
“It’s almost like a ‘thank you very much for supporting us,’” Silva says. With the numerous shows Da Braddahs do each year, they didn’t have too much time to work on the feature movie. It seems they also have a busy rest of the year planned out, and while the scramble of show biz keeps them on their toes, they wouldn’t have it any other way.