My Story So Far…
Aloha! I am Greg Torzillo, owner of Photo Booth Carolina.
I want to say Mahalo for taking the time to visit my website.
I stepped into the entertainment business at the age of 15, when I began playing in my father’s big band in San Diego. At 17, I was the youngest member of the local 325 Musician Union. By the time I was in my early 20s, I had formed a rock band, playing as a lead singer and lead guitar player. Not long after, my music was featured on the radio station KGB 101 FM.
I was performing across San Diego and Rosarito Beach, Mexico, living on the oceanfront in Mission Beach and surfing as much as possible..
When I didn’t think life could get any better, I was offered to play in a reggae band in Honolulu. So, off I went.
Later, I would join another band to play at the Blue Water Cafe on Kuhio Ave, right in the heart of Waikiki, where I lived for a full-time summer gig. I also landed another house band position at my dream venue, Wave Waikiki.
Our agent started booking us overseas, where I would continue to tour for the next 15 years in over 20 countries and perform over 1000 shows for our troops stationed abroad. The tour also doubled as a surf safari, as we would bring our surfboards with us and surf any place that had waves ‐ Australia, Japan, Guam, Philippines, Thailand, Bali, and Okinawa, just to name a few.
By this time, Maui had become my home base. During the time I was not touring, I served as a staff musician at the Old Lahaina Luau, playing Hawaiian music at every resort on the island while still performing with my rock band at the Hard Rock Cafe and other clubs.
By the time I had relocated to Shelby, NC, I had learned the ropes of playing and singing Hawaiian music. I formed my Polynesian Production Company, Hula Carolina, In the group I am the emcee playing ukulele and singing in Hawaiian, Tahitian, and English for the show. I am one of the lead fire performers in the group as well. A highly talented staff of Polynesian dancers join me for the performances, some who have relocated to NC from Hawaii and Samoa.
As Hula Carolina continues to perform throughout the east coast at corporate events, international festivals, and PGA golf courses, I noticed how much fun guests and hosts had with photo booths. The group and I would always have a blast taking pictures with photo booths and have a keepsake of the special moments and places. My decision to add this additional form of entertainment to my repertoire was an easy and natural one.
It is rewarding to see the smiles, laughs, and people enjoying the little moments. It will be an honor for me to be a part of your next celebration with my Photo Booth Carolina.
