For John Rivera, music is a release, a passion, a form of expression. As a young boy, John was introduced to the world’s greatest Motown stars through his mother’s playlist, which included Peaches and Herb, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, and Stevie Wonder. Now the lead vocalist and founding member of Greenstone Project, John is using those influences to take music to the next level.
By 19, John joined his first professional band as a ukulele player/vocalist for KainoaOhana. He quickly decided to put music on hold to pursue his dream of playing collegiate and professional football. He left the island to attend Shasta College and later Humboldt State University where he earned an AA in Education and a BA in Native American Studies with an emphasis in law.
After four years of college football and a quick stint in pro arena ball, John decided to move back home to put his degrees to work. He returned to his alma mater, Waimea High School, as a substance abuse counselor, but after a few years, the music industry started tugging him back to his love of music.
His goal when he left his 9-to-5 for a career in music was to simply survive playing full time. But his band, originally called Aloha Breeze, surpassed all expectations, rising to become the reigning A-list corporate band on Kauai. Now widely known and loved as Greenstone Project, John’s band of top musicians boasts a caliber of musicianship, vocals, and music selection that is second to none. Greenstone Project is without a doubt a music industry force that demands to be reckoned with.
“My personal mission is to spread Aloha around the world through music. Ultimately, we are in the business of making people happy. That alone will fuel my drive and passion for music for years to come.” ~ John Rivera
The General
The Founder of Greenstone Project, John’s foresight into his musical future called for a shift in musical direction. After 15 plus years of entertaining on the island of Kauai with well-known island bands KainoaOhana and Aloha Breeze, John knew it was time for a change and took a gamble. He immediately assembled some of the most talented musicians on the island of Kauai and formed Greenstone Project. Today, John’s vision to advance his talents beyond the local market is taking flight. Greenstone Project has met every one of his expectations and by looking at their client list which includes Fortune 500 companies like BMW, John Deere, Mercedes Benz, The Ford Motor Company, and Edward Jones to name a few, John Rivera’s gamble is paying off. Greenstone Project is the number one convention band on the island of Kauai and it is the band locals refer to as “No KaOi”- Number one. Thanks to John’s vision, Greenstone Project has become the most recognizable music group on Kauai.