Andrew and Michele Melnyk came to know of the multi-talented, Ron Artis II through their son, Michael, who is an accomplished musician in his own right.  They tracked Ron down via the internet, and invited him and his family into their home for a private concert and birthday celebration.  Their guests were treated to a lovely evening of acoustic original songs, music and storytelling accompanied by an amazing buffet and hosted bar.

The evening’s entertainment was opened by a set of original arias by young gun, Michael Melnyk and then continued with Ron Artis II playing two full sets of original music and compositions.

Native to Haleiwa, Hawaii, Ron Artis II is the eldest of 11 children born into a family where music and art were a way of life.  Ron Artis Sr. is well known for his stunning murals; hundreds of which you can find all over of the state of Hawaii.  Ron Artis II’s love for music came before he could walk and has parlayed his talent and passion into something most all artists dream of…making a living, making people happy!

Ron, his wife and young daughter, tour all over the world, spreading the universal language of music and art, through his original song writing and music.  He has diversified his talent into three different projects and you will find him performing as a solo act, a duo act with his brother, Ron Artis II and Thunderstorm and a trio, under the name, Ron Artis II and The Truth, where he is accompanied by yet another brother, Stevon Artis, and bass player, Riley Pa’akaula.  Ron and his ensembles have performed with many national touring acts and well-known artists throughout the world.

Just coming off an European tour, guests of the Melnyk residence were entertained by an acoustic, solo, Ron Artis II, to a large variety of original songs and poignant stories of his life, growing up in Hawaii in a household of 11 children, a lovely and romantic story about how he chased down his, now beautiful wife, German born and raised, Julia, raising money, by way of a single performance, for airfare from Hawaii to Germany and amusing tales about the reality of being a father for the first time.

Ron’s music is upbeat and energetic one minute then soothing and soulful the next, with an expansive vocal range and captivating stage presence, he known to “make it up as he goes along” during his performances.  This is an artist that brings it all together in one sublime package.

As charismatic and alluring as he is on stage, Ron is equally so off-stage.  BackStage360 had the privilege of sitting down with him before the show for a personal chat and interview.  Please find our interview in this issue of the magazine.

Ron is currently touring throughout Australia, returning to Hawaii at the end of November.  He is well connected with his fan base.  You can follow him on Facebook, contact him, find breaking news and tour dates or purchase EP’s and CD’s on his website: www.ronartisii.com.  You will also find his music and videos on YouTube.

As quoted on his website, Ron truly believes that “Music is meant to be lived, as life is to be lived” and he is most definitely a man of his word!

By: Siege / BackStage360

OUR INTERVIEW WITH RON ARTIS II