Wednesday, September 10, 1997

Celebrate the grape

Fill your flute with champagnes of Charles Heidsieck, Moet & Chandon, Mumm's, Perrier Jouet and Taittinger at Sunday's Honolulu Wine Festival, 1 to 4 p.m. at Hilton Hawaiian Village's Tapa Ballroom.

The eighth annual tasting also features vintages of America, Australia and Japan, plus French Bordeaux, new wave Italian and Spanish wines, Portuguese ports, imported and microbrewed beers, and an international cheese board by R. Field Wine Company.

There's a wine auction, 3 to 4 p.m., and a silent auction, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 in advance or $55 at the door, with proceeds benefiting the Hawaii Lupus Foundation. Call 538-1522.

More concerts at Nimitz

Nimitz Hall is the site for a string of concerts coming up in October. Tickets go on sale Saturday for:

Sneaker Pimps, the band topping Modern Rock charts on the strength of the single "6 Underground," performs 8:15 p.m. Oct. 11. Tickets are $13.50.

Bloodhound Gang, performs at 8:15 p.m. Oct. 17. Tickets are $13.50.

Los Lobos, returns from East L.A. with its brand of rock and Mexican folk music at 8:15 p.m. Oct. 18. Tickets are $20.

Tickets are available at all Hungry Ear record stores, Radio Free Music Center, Tower Records, Pearl Harbor Bloch Arena, the Kaneohe MCBH ITT outlet and all Connection outlets: Jelly's, Tempo's House of Music Ala Moana, Tempo Music, University of Hawaii campus center and Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel MTI desk.

Or charge by phone at 545-4000 or 1-(800)-333-3388.

Los Lobos will also perform 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theater. Tickets for the Maui show are $21, $26 and $31 reserved.

Maui tickets go on sale at the MACC box office and Tempo Music.

For information on any of the concerts, call Golden Voice at 536-HALL (4255). Information and links to band web pages can also be found at http://www.goldenvoice.com

Owen heads workshop

Actress Rena Owen, who starred as Beth Heke in the 1994 Maori drama "Once Were Warriors," presents her new film "Beth's World" and also will conduct an acting workshop Sept. 18 and Sept. 20, respectively, in Honolulu.

"An Evening with Rena Owen: Beth's World and Beyond" will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18 at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The "Acting Workshop with Rena" will be held 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Kumu Kahua Theatre in Honolulu.

"Once Were Warriors" was fiction based on reality, while "Beth's World" is a look at the issues and themes raised in the film and the positive solutions people create to help themselves. Owen co-wrote "Beth's World," which was produced by an all Maori crew.

Owen will discuss how the power of film can focus attention on problems. There will also be a discussion on the need for more Pacific Islanders in the media industry.

Owen has written and directed several plays for the stage in Aotearoa and England. The latter part of the acting workshop will focus on improving audition skills. Participants are encouraged to bring an audition piece, though that is not mandatory.

The acting workshop is open to actors at all levels, including those with no experience but who are considering acting as a career. Advance registration is required.

For more information and to register for the workshop, call 591-0059 by Sept. 17. Both events are free to all current Pacific Islanders in Communication members. Memberships can be purchased for $25 for adults or $15 for students.

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Monday, September 8, 1997

Laie center lowers rates

Sometime this month, the Polynesian Cultural Center will pass the 25 million mark in total visitors, and to mark the occasion, the center is offering a special $25 family pass.

The pass is the lowest admission price the PCC has offered in more than two decades, and the rate covers up to eight family members between now and Oct. 15.

To get the rate, families must present a Coca-Cola product, such as a soda can, and proof of residency.

The regular kamaaina admission is $15.95 for adults, $10.95 for children.

And, if you happen to be the lucky 25-millionth visitor, you and your family will be treated like royalty for the day, with a tour on a canoe, gifts and VIP seating. The winner also gets a free trip for two anywhere in the world aboard Asiana Airlines with one week's accommodations.

Call 923-2911 for more information.

Calling all 'Kims'

The casting directors for the musical "Miss Saigon" return in search of male and female Asian and Asian/American singers to be cast in the starring roles of Kim, the Engineer and Thuy, as well as the ensemble for the long-running Broadway production and the national tour.

Open auditions will be held Oct. 10 and 11 at Diamond Head Theatre, 520 Makapuu Ave. Sign-up is from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. only on each day, with auditions beginning 10:30 a.m.

Women should bring two contemporary theatrical or pop ballads which show off high range in chest/belt voice. Two women must have soprano voices to high C as well.

Men should have a high baritone or tenor range to A or B-flat, and bring a hard-driving contemporary pop, rock or theater song, and a ballad which shows off range. Performers may sing from "Miss Saigon."

Performers are asked to bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. No one will be permitted to audition with a tape recorder.

Also, bring a current photo and resume, stapled together. Professional experience is not required. Women should bring tights or leotards and character shoes with heel or flat jazz shoes. Men should bring dance clothes or clothes comfortable for movement. Several men are needed with aerial acrobatic skills.

For more information, call 732-7733.

If you are unable to attend these auditions, please send your photo and resume to: Attn: Miss Saigon, Johnson-Liff Casting Associates, 1501 Broadway, Suite 1400, New York, NY 10036

Kauai keiki hula

Young dancers are still being sought for the Kauai Hula Club Keiki Hula Competition taking place Sept. 14.

Halau and nonhalau members ages 8 to 15 may participate in the event scheduled to start at

7 p.m. at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall.

Categories of competition are: Master Kauai Keiki Hula, Miss Kauai Keiki Hula, Best Oli and Best Costume.

For more information, call Lani Ouye at (808) 246-8876 during the day, or (808) 822-9650 evenings.

Jammin' with Governors

Cyril Pahinui, Darlene Ahuna, Makaha Sons and Fiji and Robi Kahakalau will be among the headliners at the Kalihi Jam Fest taking place 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 14 on the Farrington High School field.

The event is a benefit for the FHS Auditorium Restoration project organized by the school's alumni, including City Council member Donna Mercado Kim, a 1970 graduate, who is the committee chair.

Alumni Malani Bilyeu of Kalapana, Iva Kinimaka and Nephi Hannemann, will also perform.

There will also be food and refreshment booths. No coolers will be allowed.

Tickets for the event are $10 presale at the high school main office, or $15 at the door. Call 832-3600 for more information.

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