Music Coast caught up with Kevin Coloso of Coloso Band at Oregon Hempfest 2026 in Riddle, Oregon for a conversation about Maui roots, Pacific Northwest growth, ukulele, touring, authenticity, and what Kevin calls “Northwest reggae.”
Kevin talks about headlining Saturday night at Oregon Hempfest, wanting the crowd to feel the music outside in nature, and how Oregon and Washington helped shape Coloso’s sound after his move from Maui into the Pacific Northwest.
We also get into:
• Maui roots and the Pacific Northwest reggae identity
• Why Kevin calls Coloso’s sound “Northwest reggae”
• How the ukulele adds a different island element than guitar
• Six-string ukulele, rhythm playing, and making the instrument unique
• Full-band Coloso vs. intimate solo Kevin sets
• The third album currently in the works
• Why authenticity keeps the message of hope and love from feeling forced
• “Time to Grow” and why it represents Coloso right now
• Southern Oregon crowd energy, openness, love, and acceptance
• What touring teaches a band about teamwork
• Why the people on the road matter as much as the music
• New markets, West Coast touring, and taking reggae into places that may not expect it
• Wanting first-time listeners to leave feeling better, freer, and fully part of the experience
Run “Time to Grow” and keep Coloso on your radar for more music and live dates.
🎤 Interview by Music Coast
📍 Oregon Hempfest 2026 — Riddle, Oregon
