Natural High

Once upon a time….in what seems like a dream, a group of fun-loving guys from various walks of life, got together, formed a band, and began living their dreams! The group, Natural High was comprised of members from various bands in it’s heyday: Pat DiResta (Escape, Talismen), Daryl Oshiro (Escape, Talismen), Wayne Yoshimura (Escape, Pinky’s Rose Garden, Dimensions), Jensen Tamanaha (Hour Gang, Warning, Talismen), Rob Yamamoto (Skyes), Roy Yonashiro (Warning, Talismen), Bruce Kurosawa (Sage), Wayne Sakane (Funny Company), Glen Hara (Pinky’s Rose Garden), Mike Rabe (Sativa), Alan Nakamoto (Greenwood).

Natural High performed at various UH dances (remember Hemmingway Hall?). Eventually, the group landed a gig playing Thursdays through Saturdays at the Magic Mushroom. In addition, the band played the “off-night” band gigs at Beef ‘n Grog (Mondays) and Tiki in the International Marketplace (Tuesdays). Later, gigs included traveling to the island of Maui to play at the Cabaret nightclub in Wailuku and at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, then traveling to the island of Kauai to perform at the Kauai Beachboy Hotel. There were also performances at Ala Moana Shopping Center’s Centerstage and a “dream performance” at the Diamond Head Crater Festival, along with such world class performers as Journey and the Elvin Bishop Band. But, the band really made a name for itself at the brand new Hula Hut Nightclub/Showroom in Waikiki. Natural High was selected as the opening house band and we held that prestigious spot for 31 consecutive months (taking only two weeks off, one of which allowed us to play our very first gig on the mainland in Seattle Washington at the Pier 70).

Natural High discovered the joy of touring and soon the band hit the road for four tours:
Washington: Seattle (Pier 70, Ratskellar’s, Jet Inn), Spokane (Sheraton Hotel) and Olympia.
California: Woodland Hills and Redondo Beach (the Red Onion Restaurants/Nightclubs), Mountain View (Jumping Frog Saloon), San Jose (Good Time Charlie’s), Sacramento (The California Steam and Navigation Co.).
Nevada: Las Vegas (The Hilton Hotel/Casino).

Idaho: Moscow, Stateline, Cour D’Alene and Pocatello (Holiday Inn).
Canada: Vancouver (Gastown, Century Center Hotel), Calgary and Edmonton (Lucifer’s Nightclubs).
Alaska: Anchorage (The Roadhouse).

We often returned from tour to perform at Da Sting in Waikiki, finding that most of the clubs had turned to discos. Band members realized that the need for live music was dwindling in Hawaii as there we not too many places for bands to perform.

Natural High embarked on one last road trip in 1980: Pacific Armed Forces Tour: Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Philippines. The band soon disbanded after that tour and some of the members (Rob Yamamoto and Wayne Yoshimura) continued to perform as Natural High in Pearl City (Stuart Anderson’s Cattle Co.) and then later became Tsunami w/Lauren Nakano at the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Garden Bar. In the early 80s, Wayne formed a new band: Wiz Kids with Duane Higa and Van DeGuzman and recorded an album of the same name.

It has been over 25 years since we have either seen or performed with each other (30 for some members like Mike “Fats” Rabe and Wayne Sakane), so this reunion is very special to us: it’s kind of like a “Long, Lost Family” Reunion! This is a celebration of over 35 years of music and friendship, well, we’re more like a family. For most of us, Natural High was our family!

In 1983, we lost our drummer, Daryl Oshiro to cancer. He was the heartbeat of our band and our dear brother and friend. Which was why we never endeavored to play again. Then, a few years ago, we began dreaming about coming together for a performance to properly thank our friends, fans and families for the tremendous love and support that they gave us throughout our exciting career! In looking up and tracking down band members, we recently found out that our keyboard player and friend, Glen Hara passed away in 2007. It has driven our desire to do this now, in their memory, when we are all here and can relive the dream (and honor their dreams). We are absolutely sure that Daryl and Glen would want to do this and they are a part of this! This dream is about to come true and it really is for all of you! We hope that you enjoy our performance at the upcoming 70s Nightclub Reunion VI and relive the memories that created lifelong friendships. In fact you, our “fans” were always much more than that…you were and truly are, our extended family! You are and always will be forever in our hearts! Mahalo for your love and support!

Now…..let’s start dreamin’ that dream!