Ohana is a word and a lifestyle that stems from Hawaiian culture referring to the bond of family. The band Pepper, formed in 1996, has their own Pepper Ohana, which is embodied by the three-some – Bret, Kaleo, and Yesod. 

Scrimshaw Collective was able to sit down one-on-one with the band before their show at Pier 97 for JBL Live, as part of their Dirty Dozen VIPs, to talk about their tour.  To Pepper, this tour is their vacation from the West Coast, and they wanted to spend it performing for their fans.  Upon meeting the band, they dapped me up and gave hugs all around as if we had known each other our entire lives.  Their vibe was cool, electric, and inviting as they constantly threw up the infamous shaka to convey their aloha spirit.

The band has been friends since they were groms, and it’s easily seen with their fluidity in conversation and their presence on stage.  After giving Scrimshaw a shout out, we parted ways so the band could physically and mentally prepare for their show. 

As they walked on stage, the loving fans cheered and small clouds of smoke filled the air.  Their energy within the first note was carried throughout their entire show.   The sound was crisp, the sun was shining, and Pepper left everything they had on stage.  The concert was nothing short of amazing and ended as Pepper saluted New York by saying, “We may not be the best band, but we want to be your favorite,” allowing everyone who just shared the experience to be part of the Pepper Ohana.