It’s been a bit longer than a hundred days since wildfires raged in Pacific paradise, almost obliterating Lahaima, the ancient capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and, until August 8th, 2023, a wonderful place. Some people who were there are still missing and cultural damage may be incalculable, but there is People’s Fund of Maui cofounded by no other than Dwayne Johnson, and it’s this charity that the new single by THE DOOBIE BROTHERS, a song titled after the place which suffered the flames, co-penned by the ensemble’s veteran Patrick Simmons and featuring Mick Fleetwood, another local resident, will benefit.
Adding to the melodious beauty of “Lahaima” – the band’s first release to follow their 2021 album “LiberteĢ” – are also ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and guitarist Henry Kapono, so the song’s music front is strong – and, in order to give it more of financial boost, THE DOOBIES are donating $100,000 in addition to the proceeds from the writing of this piece which saw composer contributions from singer Michael McDonald and producer John Shanks.
Among luminaries who facilitated the single’s appearance are the legendary manager Shep Gordon and Oprah Winfrey, so attention to the song is guaranteed.
