Live Jazz, Funk, Soul & R&B in Hilo
Soul Collective Hilo brings together seasoned musicians playing deep cuts of jazz, funk, soul and R&B. Based on Hawaii Island, the band serves up soulful rhythms, deep-pocket grooves and an eclectic mix of music made for listening, dancing and enjoying the groove.
The group reaches beyond the usual standards to bring favorite deep cuts and unexpected songs into the mix. Its musicians bring decades of live and recording experience to the stage. As a result, the sound is relaxed, soulful and always rooted in the groove.
See Soul Collective Live
You can hear Soul Collective Hilo throughout East Hawaii and at special events around Hawaii Island. In addition, the band performs at Hale Kanikapila in Hilo on the first Thursday of every month.
First Thursday of every month, 8–11 p.m.
Hale Kanikapila
168 Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii
Follow Soul Collective for upcoming performances, band news, photos and more.
Book Soul Collective
Looking for live music for your next event in Hilo or on Hawaii Island? Soul Collective is available for private events, celebrations and special performances.
For booking information, please call Donna Nichols at 619-405-3900. Leave your name, phone number, event date and time. We’ll get back to you after confirming availability with the band.
Meet the Musicians
Bradley Leighton – Flutes
Asha Azama – Keys
Adam Kay – Bass
Bub Pratt – Guitar
Steve Bader – Drums
Bradley Leighton – flutes 
Bradley Leighton brings a unique and powerful sound to flute. His style of swing evolved from listening to the hi-octane big bands of Kenton, Herman and Ferguson. His funkiness comes from the R&B acts of the 70’s including Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Brecker Brothers and countless other pop acts. His playing exhibits a fire and flair not usually heard nor expected from a flutist. Bradley has performed across the US and Asia, as both sideman and bandleader, for over 45 years and has recorded six well-received cds.
Asha Azama – keys
Asha Azama is a keyboardist and multidisciplinary artist based in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. Raised in the cultural crossroads of Los Angeles, his musical sensibility is rooted in rhythm, movement, and the shared language of groove. As a performer in Afrobeat and Afro-Latin ensembles, Asha brings a soulful, textural approach to the keys, weaving together funk, global rhythms, improvisation, and atmospheric soundscapes. His work reflects a deep belief in music as a force for joy, embodiment, and collective connection.
Adam Kay – bass
Adam Kay Sr. was born in Honolulu and raised in Hilo. He began playing guitar at age 13 and took up the bass at 18. With more than 40 years of professional experience, Adam has performed across Hawaiian, country, jazz, and contemporary music genres. He has been playing with Soul Collective for the past several months and has been enjoying the groove ever since.
Bub Pratt – guitar
Bub Pratt has been a professional musician for 25 years. Originally from Seattle Washington, he is now the curator of Hilo’s, Kukuau Studio where he hosts the longest running Jazz Jam in the history of the state which is soon to be recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. He’s also a published author, playwright, music producer and has won Best of Hilo for music instruction 5 years in a row. Check out www.allmylinks.com/ kukuaustudio for more information on his creative projects and ways to donate to what has become a community staple of creativity and music that is Kukuau Studio.
Steve Bader – drums
Steve Bader is a Hilo native and versatile drummer known for bringing deep-pocket grooves to every style he plays, from soul, rock, and funk to jazz and blues. His extensive career includes live performances and award-winning recording work with numerous artists throughout Hawaiʻi, the Pacific Northwest, and the West Coast. Steve also produces the annual East Hawaiʻi Jazz and Blues Festival, now in its 12th year, which benefits a local veterans organization.
