Theater turns 75
in fine styleEVERYONE connected with the Hawaii Theatre's 75th anniversary show last Saturday deserves a standing ovation. Talented emcee Dave Lancaster kept things running smoothly and kept the crowd laughing. Cathy Foy, besides singing, showed a flair for comedy in the "1922 live radio broadcast." They even got Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono and Councilman Jon Yoshimura into the act. Singers Nina Kealiiwahamana and Tony Conjugacion sparkled, backed by Leila Kiaha, piano; Violet Lilikoi, bass, and her daughter, Leilani, on guitar. The Hawaii Opera Chorus was powerful. Baritone Quinn Kelsey and solo dancers Peter Rockford Espiritu and Kanoe Cazimero earned much applause. The Royal Hawaiian Band under the direction of Aaron Mahi sounded majestic. And John McCreary at the organ is always a treat. Jack Magoon, who came to the theater's opening in 1922 as a boy and who gave $500,000 to Hawaii Theatre Center in 1987, was given a well-deserved salute ...
PRIOR to the Hawaii Theatre program, Ramsay celebrated her 25th year as a gallery owner at her gallery. Paintings by John Young and Herb Kane were shown. The ageless Young played the drum for the Chinese lion dancers. Ramsay's parents, Bob and Ruth Ann Ramsay, flew in from Pennsylvania. Her brother, Dr. Doug Ramsay, and wife, Gloria, came from Seattle ...
TWO black wreaths are hanging from the massive entry doors to Kawaiahao Church, signifying the death of the Rev. Abraham "Kahu" Akaka, 80, who died Wednesday night of a heart ailment. I was honored to be one of his friends. I will treasure our conversations over the years and the few golf outings we had with his doctor son, Jeff, and brother, U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka. Kahu conducted a beautiful memorial service for my wife, Brita, in February 1996. He married us in 1974. I will never forget this kind man who earned tremendous respect for his good works. Losing Kahu is bad enough, but Randy Lee, 65, lost his battle with cancer on Monday. Randy managed the Halekulani and later owned the Willows. He spread so much aloha. Hawaii is a poorer place after losing these two good, fine gentlemen ... Akaka was loved, respected
IOLANI LUAHINE was given a fitting tribute Tuesday as a statue of the late hula queen was unveiled at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, where she performed in the 1950s. Eddie Kamae and Dottie Thompson told warm stories about Iolani, and there was much hula ...
THE Kahala Mandarin and Lokahi Canoe Club are teaming up for the First Annual Long Distance Invitational for Youth (ages 14-18), starting at Maunalua Bay next Saturday and winding up at the Mandarin. The Aloha Week Court will be at the finish and the Mandarin will provide lunch for the boys and girls. Call 988-4598 to enter ... Some of the models arrived in a kayak and a sea cycle for the Mandarin's fashion show Thursday. The highlight was model Tara Chanel's lovely hula in a Mamo creation ...
MUSHROOM Mania will be held at the Waikiki Prince Sept. 25. Visiting chefs and guest cooks join Chef Gary Strehl in preparing mushrooms in every way, as well as other dishes, at grazing stations. Chefs include Peter Merriman, Kelvin Ro, Amy Ferguson-Oda, Corey Waite, Goran Streng and Greg Gaspar. Wine is included; $55 ... Paul Speck, prez of Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery of Ontario, Canada, told people all they will ever need to know about ice wine at a tasting at the Honolulu Club Tuesday ... Mania at the Prince